Polycarbonate vs. Fiberglass: Why Architects Have Moved On

By Mike Snyder | October 6, 2025

Once upon a time, fiberglass panels were the standard for translucent walls and skylights. They were practical, inexpensive, and filled a need. But if we’re honest, they’ve aged about as well as shag carpet and wood paneling. Architects today are looking for materials that perform better, last longer, and look sharper — and that’s where…

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Crystal Structures Inc. enhances its workflow and customer experience through thespelas.com and monday.com

By Mike Snyder | September 29, 2025

Crystal Structures advances the company-wide upgrades to software systems to address its rapid growth and provide a state-of-the-art experience for customers Crystal Structures, a leading designer and manufacturer of glazed structures nationally, has announced the successful deployment of monday.com,  a global software company that transforms how businesses run, through thespelas.com, a monday.com certified partner.  The…

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Mirropane and the Science Behind It

By Mike Snyder | September 22, 2025

Imagine a glass that looks like a mirror on one side yet allows someone on the other side to see through unnoticed. That’s the concept behind Mirropane® glass, often called “one-way mirror glass.” It’s not magic, it’s physics, design coordination, and most importantly, lighting. How Mirropane Works Mirropane is made by coating one side of…

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Part 5: Metrics Matter – Daylighting Models Architects Can Trust

By Mike Snyder | September 15, 2025

Daylighting is no longer about instinct—it’s about proof.For architects and owners, questions come early and often: When a design moves forward, no one wants surprises. That’s why predictive modeling is transforming the way skylights and glazed roof systems are specified. The Metrics that Matter Today’s most widely used daylighting performance benchmarks include: These aren’t just…

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Daylighting & Design – Part 4: The Leak Fear Factor – How Better Specs & Flashing Stop the Blame Game

By Crystal Structures | September 1, 2025

The Fear Factor: Why Leaks Drive Liability In the world of sloped glazing, few issues stir more anxiety than water intrusion. Architects, contractors, and building owners alike know the stigma: leaks cause lawsuits. But here’s the reality—most water infiltration isn’t caused by the skylight itself. It’s the details around it, especially flashing, curbs, and installation…

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Part 3: From Harsh Glare to Harmony – Designing for Visual Comfort in Daylit Spaces

By Mike Snyder | August 25, 2025

Meta Keywords: skylight glare control, daylight modeling, diffuse daylighting systems, glare-free skylights, daylight comfort Glare kills good design.A space flooded with uncontrolled daylight can quickly turn from inspiring to irritating. Hot spots, blown-out light, sharp contrasts—these visual disruptions can cause occupant discomfort, eye strain, and even reduce productivity. For architects striving to create beautiful, functional…

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Part Two: No More Drips – Engineering Skylights to Eliminate Condensation and Leaks

By Mike Snyder | August 18, 2025

Water is the #1 reason architects fear skylights. Condensation. Leaks. Callbacks.These aren’t just minor annoyances—they risk reputational harm, costly repairs, and frustrated clients. But here’s the good news: these issues are entirely preventable with the right design and engineering. The Root Cause: Design Gaps Most skylight moisture problems don’t come from the sky—they come from…

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Daylighting & Design: A 5-Part Series on the Skylight Issues Architects Are Talking About

By Mike Snyder | August 11, 2025

Part 1: Rethinking R-Value — Solving the Thermal Performance Myth Around Skylights Natural light elevates a space like nothing else—brightening interiors, boosting wellness, and enhancing architectural intent. Yet, despite the well-documented benefits of daylighting, one objection continues to surface across design teams: “Skylights are thermal black holes.”“Won’t this kill our R-value?”“Aren’t they just glorified heat…

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Lighting the Way: Inspiring Insights for Owners & Architects on High‑Performance Glazing

By Mike Snyder | August 4, 2025

For architects, daylight is more than a natural resource—it’s a design tool. When implemented thoughtfully, it transforms spaces, enhances user experience, and contributes to a building’s energy performance. Polycarbonate glazing systems—used in skylights, wall panels, and translucent roofs—are quickly becoming the material of choice for forward-thinking design professionals. With their balance of light diffusion, energy…

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