What Type of Glass is Best for Skylights

Let’s be honest: most people don’t think about the glass in their skylight until they’re lying on the sofa one rainy afternoon, staring up and wondering if it’s supposed to sound that loud. But the type of glass you choose makes all the difference - in noise, insulation, safety, and even how much light you actually get.

So, what’s the best type of glass for skylights? Well, it depends. (We know - the least satisfying answer possible, but stay with us.)

Tempered Glass

If skylight glass had personalities, tempered glass would be the reliable one who turns up early, helps you move house, and doesn’t complain about it. It’s tough - about four times stronger than regular glass - and when it breaks (which is rare), it shatters into small, dull-edged pieces instead of dangerous shards.

Tempered glass is heat-treated to handle sudden temperature changes, which is vital in the UK where we go from drizzle to blazing sunshine in under 20 minutes. It’s also a solid choice for anyone who worries about safety - families, for example, or anyone with a skylight positioned directly overhead.

But while it’s durable, tempered glass alone isn’t necessarily the most efficient. If you’re concerned about heat loss, you’ll want to keep reading - because the next option has insulation covered.

Laminated Glass

We like laminated glass. It’s the introvert of the group - understated, quietly strong, and excellent at keeping the peace (literally, because it blocks more external noise).

It’s made of two or more layers of glass with a tough interlayer sandwiched between them. The result? Even if it cracks, the glass stays bonded, preventing it from falling apart. Think of it as the skylight version of a seatbelt - a little bit of extra reassurance in case something unexpected happens.

Beyond safety, laminated glass also has acoustic benefits. It muffles noise from rain or traffic - which, for anyone living under a flight path or next to a busy street, can be the difference between a soothing drizzle and an unbearable clatter.

And there’s another quiet perk: UV protection. Laminated glass blocks up to 99% of ultraviolet rays, helping prevent your furnishings (and plants, if you’re into indoor jungles) from fading.

Double and Triple Glazing: The Energy-Savers

We don’t need to tell you that energy prices have gone slightly... unhinged. So, choosing skylight glass that keeps warmth in and cold out isn’t just sensible - it’s survival-level strategy.

Double-glazed skylights are now pretty much standard, combining two panes of glass with a sealed air or gas-filled cavity in between. This trapped layer acts like insulation, slowing down heat transfer. It’s a simple concept that makes a big difference - your room stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Triple glazing takes it one step further, with an extra pane and an extra cavity. That’s even better thermal performance, but also more weight and cost. So unless you live in a particularly harsh climate (say, rural Scotland or anywhere with biting coastal winds), double glazing often strikes the right balance between efficiency and practicality.

If you’re curious how long skylight glass typically lasts - and how to maintain that efficiency - we’ve gone into more detail on the durability and lifespan of skylight glass over on our blog.

Self-Cleaning Glass: The Lazy Genius

There are two kinds of people: those who clean their skylights regularly, and those who pretend it rains enough to do the job. We’re the latter - which is why self-cleaning glass feels like a miracle.

This clever material has a special coating that reacts with sunlight to break down organic dirt, which then washes away with rain. The result is clearer, streak-free glass without the faff of ladders or long-handled sponges.

It’s not completely maintenance-free (sorry), but it drastically reduces cleaning frequency. For skylights in hard-to-reach spots - like above stairwells or high vaulted ceilings - it’s an absolute game changer.

Low-E Coatings: Invisible but Effective

“Low-E” stands for “low emissivity,” and it’s a thin, almost invisible metallic coating applied to the glass surface. What it does is quite clever - it reflects heat back into the room while still letting light through.

In winter, that means you lose less warmth through your skylight. In summer, it prevents too much heat from coming in. So essentially, your home stays comfortable year-round, and your energy bills stop looking like a bad joke.

It’s subtle tech, but incredibly efficient. Pairing Low-E glass with double glazing is often the sweet spot for UK homes - high light transmission, minimal heat loss, and a nice balance between performance and cost.

Solar Control Glass: When the Sun’s a Bit Much

There’s a point every July (or May, if we’re lucky) when the sunlight pouring through a skylight becomes less “beautiful natural glow” and more “uncontrolled laser beam.” That’s where solar control glass comes in.

It uses a special coating to reduce the amount of solar heat entering your home, without significantly darkening the glass. The result: less glare, less heat build-up, and no more feeling like you’re living in a greenhouse.

This option is particularly useful for south-facing roofs or extensions with big glass areas. You still get the brightness, but without roasting in it.

Choosing What’s Right for Your Space

Here’s the tricky part - there’s no single “best” glass for every skylight. The right choice depends on where it’s installed, what the room is used for, and how much light or insulation you need.

For example, a bedroom skylight might benefit from laminated or solar control glass to block noise and excess light. A kitchen or hallway, meanwhile, might suit self-cleaning glass for convenience. And if you’re renovating a period property, you might want to explore different skylight options for traditional roof designs here at Sterling build.

Final Thoughts

Choosing skylight glass isn’t the most glamorous home decision (we get it - handles and paint colours are far more exciting). But it’s one of those details that quietly defines comfort, efficiency, and even the mood of a space.

We think the best approach is to mix practicality with realism: prioritise safety and insulation first, then look at extras like self-cleaning coatings or solar control if your budget allows. Because when it’s done right, a skylight doesn’t just brighten a room - it transforms it.