Why Polycarbonate Wins the Glazing Battle (And Why Fiberglass Is Falling Behind)

By Mike Snyder | July 28, 2025

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:…

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Trek Architecture Teams Up with Kilgore Tec and Crystal Structures to Tackle Tough Natural Light Project

By Mike Snyder | July 21, 2025

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…

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Crystal Structures Glazing Company Enhances Project Efficiency with Fieldwire by Hilti Deployment

By Crystal Structures | July 14, 2025

Crystal Structures adopts new Fieldwire by Hilti software to integrate with others in the field during installations, enhancing the overall customer experience Crystal Structures is proud to announce the deployment of Fieldwire by Hilti, a top-tier field management software designed for the construction industry. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s continued…

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Avoiding grave accidents. Crystal Structures + VTECH = The Safer Skylight Solution

By Mike Snyder | July 7, 2025

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…

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Skylights and Fire Safety: Myths, Facts, and What the Codes Don’t Say

By Mike Snyder | June 30, 2025

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…

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VTECH Skylights

Crystal Structures announces new strategic partnership with VTECH Skylights

By Mike Snyder | April 16, 2025

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’…

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Fixing a catastrophic skylight failure at Jetty East, Destin, FL

By Mike Snyder | March 14, 2025

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…

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Pyramid Skylight

Pyramid Skylights: Illuminating Architecture with History and Innovation

By Mike Snyder | July 31, 2024

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,…

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saddle ridge skylight at OSU

The 4 Types of Ridge Skylights

By Mike Snyder | July 23, 2024

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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