Posts by Mike Snyder
Daylighting & Design: A 5-Part Series on the Skylight Issues Architects Are Talking About
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…
Read MoreLighting the Way: Inspiring Insights for Owners & Architects on High‑Performance Glazing
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…
Read MoreWhy Polycarbonate Wins the Glazing Battle (And Why Fiberglass Is Falling Behind)
Polycarbonate vs. Fiberglass When daylighting matters and durability counts, polycarbonate outperforms fiberglass across the board. From clarity and strength to long-term performance, polycarbonate delivers. Meanwhile, fiberglass—once a low-cost option—too often ends in costly failures and premature replacement. A Comparison Architects Can Rely On Fiberglass: The Dollar-Store Solution Falling Apart Polycarbonate: The Engineered Upgrade Case Studies:…
Read MoreTrek Architecture Teams Up with Kilgore Tec and Crystal Structures to Tackle Tough Natural Light Project
When a client asks for light without transparency, Trek sought a balance between light and privacy Trek Architecture and their client wanted a better way to allow natural light into their workspace where heavy cutting and polishing equipment are housed and involved Crystal Structures on the project, now completed. “For the Northwest Trends facility, we…
Read MoreAvoiding grave accidents. Crystal Structures + VTECH = The Safer Skylight Solution
From daylight to safety light: skylights help combine aesthetic appeal with functionality making them a top choice for those who enjoy natural sunlight above. However, skylights can present hidden dangers to workers after installation and maintenance crews who operate on rooftops. Skylights frequently become the failure point that transforms simple tasks into grave accidents. This is why…
Read MoreSkylights and Fire Safety: Myths, Facts, and What the Codes Don’t Say
Recent wildfires across the western United States have reignited the debate over fire-rated skylights. Are they truly necessary—or are they another checkbox in an ever-growing list of building requirements? More importantly, are we missing the broader story? In this post, we explore how skylights interact with fire safety, what the codes actually say, and how…
Read MoreCrystal Structures announces new strategic partnership with VTECH Skylights
Crystal Structures and VTECH Skylights have entered into a strategic partnership where Crystal Structures is now the master distributor for VTECH products. Crystal Structures is thrilled to announce its new role as the Master Distributor for VTECH Skylights, forging a pioneering partnership to deliver top-tier unit skylights to the market. This collaboration merges VTECH Skylights’…
Read MoreFixing a catastrophic skylight failure at Jetty East, Destin, FL
When a catastrophic skylight failure occurred at the Jetty East condominium in Destin, FL, the local general contractor, Seashore Construction, called in Crystal Structures for a solution. A pyramid skylight had detached from the roof structure, inverting into the opening—a serious safety concern that required immediate attention. The homeowners’ association enlisted a local engineering firm…
Read MorePyramid Skylights: Illuminating Architecture with History and Innovation
Pyramid skylights stand at the junction between ancient architectural wisdom and modern design novelty. Such graceful structures fill interiors with natural light and add striking architectural features that enhance the overall building design. Hailing from the ancient pyramids of Egypt, today’s pyramid skylights have become versatile design features that complement a large variety of buildings,…
Read MoreThe 4 Types of Ridge Skylights
Ridge skylights have one ridge along the top of the framework, with two sides sloping up towards that ridge. They may be placed on the ridge of a sloped roof or constructed on a flat roof. Although traditionally conceptualized as long, narrow apertures, contemporary ridge skylights break such limitations. They can be engineered into various…
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