Frequently
Asked
Questions

As sustainability and saving energy has become more important customers are looking for knowledge. We wanted to provide answers to some of the typical questions.

Skylight Faq Page Hero Bg

As sustainability and saving energy has become more important customers are looking for knowledge. We wanted to provide answers to some of the typical questions.

Columbia Energy Efficiency Website FAQ

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We receive many inquirers for interested customers looking for help purchasing ENERGY STAR® certified skylights, here are the answers to the typically asked questions.

Explained in the simplest terms, energy efficiency is the elimination of energy loss – using less energy to perform the same function, such as heating or cooling your home. In addition, you will protect the environment by reducing pollution and lowering your energy bill.

By using products that utilize the latest energy efficient technology, such as ENERGY STAR® certified skylights you decrease the amount of energy being used to maintain your comfort levels within your home.

ENERGY STAR® uses a number of criteria to determine if a product is energy-efficient, based on the current Version 5 One Zone requirements. The simple rule is, if a skylight has a U-Value rating is greater than 2.29 then the certification is out of date, and does not qualify for ENERGY STAR® status.

Energy-efficient skylights do help reduce heat loss in the cold winter months and heat gain in the hot summer months, reducing your energy bill. By maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the year, your home will be more comfortable.

You will achieve the best results if you upgrade your windows and doors at the same time. If you are doing a significant renovation or building a new house it makes sense to invest in ENERGY STAR® certified products throughout the home. Skylights can be part of an entire energy efficient system for your home, combining current building products, technology and materials.

Triple-pane LoE skylights and windows can help you save up to an additional 2-3% on your energy bill annually. The benefit will increase over time as energy costs go up during the long life of your skylights. A skylight is a 20+ year purchase, the impact of your decision will last the life of your home. Skylights that utilize the latest technology do cost more at the outset, but they will save you money over the long term.

Feel good you are doing the right thing to protect our environment. We must all do our part to secure a brighter future for our family and the planet.

The ENERGY STAR label is easy to understand. Look for the ENERGY STAR® and NFRC logo. Below are the criteria and their definitions. Make sure the manufacturer data is accurate and current. If the U-Value rating is greater than 2.29 then the certification is out of date.

LOW-E (Low Emissivity)

Low-E or low emissivity glass is a type of glass used in skylights developed to reflect heat. In the summer months, it will repel ultraviolet rays that cause heat but in the winter months it will absorb them to keep your house warm. Often abreviated to LoE.

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient)

The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is a ratio that shows the amount of solar energy that can pass through the skylight glazing unit. In a cooler climate, windows that have a high SHGC allow a greater amount of solar radiation to pass through which heats up the home.

U-Value

The U-Value measures the rate at which heat is transferred through the glass. You want to look for a product with a low U-Value to ensure the best energy efficiency. Look for a product with a U-Value no higher than 2.29 for skylights to meet the ENERGY STAR® Canada Version 5 One Zone requirements.

A good warranty that sets the standard for the industry

It is always good to buy products that are backed by a strong warranty and built by a company that has been around for many years. Decades in business prove that a company’s products are well built and can be relied on.

See the Columbia skylights industry-leading warranty.

Go to the ENERGY STAR® Canada page of this website to learn more.

Lower monthly energy bill

The biggest benefit for customers investing in energy efficient skylights is the energy cost savings. It is important that all your doors and windows are at the same energy efficiency rating as the skylight to work as a unified system. Although the upfront cost is more, ENERGY STAR® certified skylights are approximately 20% more efficient than the average skylight. The investment will save you money over the lifespan of the product. Skylights, windows and doors can easily last 20 years, it adds up to significant savings, especially as you are reducing the impact of future energy cost increases.

When you choose ENERGY STAR® certified skylights, windows and doors, they work together to keep your home’s relative humidity up for a warmer winter and allow less radiant heat in for a cooler summer. Therefore, with less hydro needed you will see a significant decrease in your energy bills every month.

Increase your home’s resale value

Besides saving money every month while you are living in your home, skylights increase the resale value and are attractive to buyers. A home full of natural light is more inviting than a dark gloomy house, it makes your interior seem more spacious and luxurious, highlighting your furniture, appliances, and interior design. Natural light reduces Seasonal Affective Disorder, increases happiness and productivity, and reduces nearsightedness in children and young adults – all factors you can bring to the attention of your real estate agent. You could end up getting back the extra money you spent for quality skylights when incorporating it into your selling cost.

Improve your home’s comfort

Due to energy-efficient skylights using high-quality materials, especially laminated glass, you will experience significant exterior sound reduction and increased home comfort. Reducing the stress and anxiety caused by traffic noise, and other street noise pollution.

Save the planet

Not only do energy efficient skylights benefit you directly, but you are doing your part to help reduce climate change by decreasing strain on the environment. Using less energy will shrink your carbon footprint and result in a decrease in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Do the best for future generations.

Columbia Skylights supports ENERGY STAR® Canada and its goal is to help Canadian consumers choose sustainable energy efficient products. All Columbia skylights are designed & manufactured to withstand the extreme Canadian climate – built by Canadians for Canadians.

Columbia is the only Canadian skylight manufacturing company with ENERGY STAR® certified products.

Columbia manufactures its skylights to withstand Canada’s harsh climate – from the frame design, high-quality material choice, and the widest selection of ENERGY STAR® certified glass options available.

Offering the widest selection of ENERGY STAR® Canada skylights, Columbia offers triple glazing on all models, fixed and venting, standard and custom sizes.

With decades of experience Columbia has developed a water-tight system second to none, dispelling moisture efficiently. The largest condensation gutter in the industry to handle the humidity common in Canadian homes because of the fluctuation in exterior temperature compared to the interior.

During installation, we recommend the use of a ‘wet’ seal to create an air-tight bond that does not allow moisture or cold air to penetrate.

Columbia is the only Canadian skylight manufacturer to be recognized by ENERGY STAR® Canada

This year, Columbia was proud to be recognized for its commitment to sustainability by receiving the 2021 ENERGY STAR® Canada Sustained Excellence award.

This prestigious award acknowledges Columbia’s dedication to producing the most energy efficient skylights in Canada. Columbia offers ENERGY STAR® Canada certified double glazed LoE3 i89 Energy Plus glass and triple glazed LoE3 366 glass on all models – fixed or venting, in standard or custom sizes. Energy Plus comes close to the same performance as triple glazed. The triple glazed LoE3 366 comes in tempered/tempered/tempered and tempered/tempered/laminate.

We have put decades of experience in the development of these products and are proud that over the years they light up close to a million Canadian homes. Have been in business since 1955 building products that customers can rely on.

We use state-of-the-art materials and technology. We offer the widest glass section in Canada, use the highest quality aluminum, and have developed a gutter and gasket system that has stood up to the test of time.

Columbia is the only Canadian skylight manufacturing company with ENERGY STAR® Canada certified products.

It is important to remember that by buying Canadian you support Canadian jobs and keep manufacturing in our country. Columbia Skylights is proud to be a Canadian manufacturer, operating a plant in Burnaby, British Columbia and a distribution warehouse in Mississauga, Ontario. Columbia is Canada’s largest skylight manufacturer and has been fabricating high performance products designed for our northern climate since 1955. We employ a local workforce and support our local communities, in addition, most of the materials and parts we use are produced in North America.

In 2021 we were awarded the ENERGY STAR® Canada Sustained Excellence award, a first for any Canadian skylight manufacturer.

One of the reasons we created this website was to provide Canadian consumers with the knowledge they need to make the right energy efficient decision when buying a skylight.

Decide for yourself, check the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR® uses a number of criteria to determine if a product is energy-efficient, based on the current Version 5 One Zone requirements. The simple rule is, if a skylight has a U-Value rating is greater than 2.29 then it is not certified.

Triple glazed skylights are definitely more energy efficient than double glazed, but to really understand the benefit you have to look a the cumulative long-term savings. In the Canadian climate triple glazing just makes sense, creating an energy efficient barrier against our harsh extreme climate. Columbia has been the leader in the use of triple glazed glass technology for decades, being the first manufacturer to sell triple glazed skylights in Canada.

All Columbia skylights are manufactured with the harshest climates in mind, and we offer triple glazing options to meet the requirements for ENERGY STAR® in Canada. Keeping hot or cold weather outside and heating or air conditioning in.

By choosing ENERGY STAR® certified triple glazing you save on energy costs and protect the environment.

Columbia uses the technologically advanced Cardinal LoE3-366 triple glazing with LoE coating and argon gas for maximum daylight and heat control.

You can also choose LoE3-366 in tempered/tempered or tempered/laminated triple glazing. Tempered is ideal for most situations, but for additional safety and security, lamination adds strength and will not shatter into pieces.

Features of Triple Glazed LoE3-366 Tempered/Tempered/Tempered:

  • Triple pane glass with two argon gas filled chambers.
  • LoE3 triple coating on surface 2 & 5 – Industry leader, or two of three panes of glass.
  • Best U-Value in industry.
  • Offered in all standard and custom sized fixed and venting models since 2010.
  • 10 Year hail warranty.

Features of Triple Glazed LoE3-366 Temp/Temp/Laminated:

  • Triple pane glass with two argon gas filled chambers.
  • Additional security: Innermost interlayer holds the glass together in case of breakage.
  • Reduces the effects of sound by up to 30%.

Offered in all standard and custom sized models since 2010.

Meets Vancouver building code.

  • 10 Year hail warranty.

The ENERGY STAR® Canada symbol is recognized and trusted by Canadian consumers. Identifying tested high efficiency products that meet the current standards of Canadian government certification.

ENERGY STAR® Canada is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than 1,000 organizations working to use our natural resources more wisely through greater energy efficiency run by Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN). Behind each ENERGY STAR® Canada label is a product that is certified to use less energy, reducing emissions that contribute to climate change.

All skylight ENERGY STAR® specifications are regulated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authorized NRCAN to use the ENERGY STAR® name in Canada. All window and door manufacturers must sign a Fenestration Administrative Arrangement with NRCAN.

Look for ENERGY STAR® Version 5 (1 Zone) energy ratings and compliance standards. All skylights that are ENERGY STAR® certified in Canada must display this certification on the label. Be aware, just because a product has a label or the logo on it, doesn’t mean it meets all the standards required.

To qualify for ENERGY STAR® certification, products must also be tested by a third-party organization that’s accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC.)

Columbia is proud to be the only Canadian supplier of the revolutionary U8-VSG quadruple glazing for the popular FAKRO FTT central pivot thermal roof window skylight. U8-VSG is the most energy efficient glass available in Canada. As well as 4 panes of glass, the 3 inner chambers are filled with superior insulating properties of krypton gas, 3 glass surfaces have Low E coating.

The FTT’s solid wood sash frame is engineered to be thicker than standard windows, which significantly increases durability and thermo-insulation.

When installed using FAKRO’s exclusive EHV-T Thermo Flashing the FTT is the most efficient roof window skylight available, also providing best-in-class sound insulation.

Rest assured, knowing your home is protected by the latest Passive House certified technology, keeping your family comfortable year-round and you are doing your part for the environment.

Features:

  • U8-VSG quadruple glazed with rare krypton gas.
  • U8-VSG is Passive House certified.
  • Superior Low E coating is virtually invisible on three glass surfaces.
  • A laminated inner layer reduces the effects of sound by up to 30%.
  • Laminated glass provides additional security: Innermost interlayer holds the glass together in case of breakage.
  • Up to 99% UV protection.

To provide Canadian consumers with the best engineered skylight product in the world, and supplement our existing line of well-regarded skylights. FAKRO delivers European design and experience, outstanding craftsmanship, innovative technology, and the use of the best materials available.

For over 30 years the FAKRO Group has produced European beautifully designed, technically superior skylights. As the second-largest skylight manufacturer in the world, FAKRO supplies 15% of the global market, selling in over 50 countries, distributed from their European manufacturing plants.

FAKRO produces exceptional skylights, fixed or venting (venting comes in 3 operation options: (1) manual, (2) electric hard-wired with rain sensor, and Z-Wave Smart Home integration, or (3) solar-powered with a rain sensor, and Z-Wave Smart Home integration). Top and centre tilt roof windows, emergency egress roof windows, and the innovative roof window that transforms into a balcony (incorporating krypton glass-filled glass).

Explore their complete flat roof window program featuring insulated built-in curbs, attractive infinity-edge laminated triple glazing, and fixed and venting in manual, electric, and solar models (DEF electric venting, DMF manual venting, and the DXF fixed). FAKRO produces an exceptionally strong walkable infinity laminated glass skylight (DXW) that can withstand a load capacity of 1,100 pounds/sq.ft. No other skylight manufacturer offers a comparable flat roof product.

FAKRO excels in leading Smart Home technology and premium factory lacquered thick wood pressure treated frames, designed to withstand the harshest weather. FAKRO wood frames are the thickest in the industry, increasing the natural insulation properties of wood.

Discover the natural beauty of FAKRO’s exclusive line of quality skylights.

In the warmer parts of the country double glazing can provide energy efficiency, keeping your home adequately warm. Obviously, it cannot duplicate the benefits of triple glazing, but it can come close.

Columbia offers the enhanced performance of Cardinal LoE3-i89 double glazed glass. The unit is argon gas-filled and coated on two surfaces. If your existing windows are double glazed and don’t plan to upgrade to triple glazing then this is a great option.

Features:

  • Dual pane with argon gas.
  • Superior LoE3 triple coating is virtually invisible.
  • LoE3-366 Clear plus i89 coating.
  • High-performance double glazed glass.
  • Close to triple pane performance.
  • Offered in all standard and custom sized fixed and venting skylight models since 2011.

Columbia skylights are built to last, we offer one of the best warranties in the industry.

20 YEARS
Glass: The sealed glass unit will not fail for a period of twenty years from the date
of purchase (condensation between glass).

10 YEARS
Columbia Curb Mount and Self Flashing Skylights, Sun Tubes, and Flashing components.

Triple glazed and laminated glass skylights on cracking or breakage due to hail.

5 YEARS
Columbia Roof Access Doors, Circular Roof Domes, Polycarbonate Skylights.

All controls such as Motorized Operators and Rain Sensors, Handles and Rods, and Manual Operators.

Note: Acrylic Dome/Pyramids are subject to condensation. Condensation is not covered under our limited warranty.

Columbia warrants that all Skylights, Sun Tubes, and accessories will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the periods of time listed above. Columbia will, at its option: 1) provide a replacement skylight or component delivered at no charge to the original point of purchase, or 2) repair the skylight.

Lower monthly energy bill

The biggest benefit for customers investing in energy efficient skylights is the energy cost savings. It is important that all your doors and windows are at the same energy efficiency rating as the skylight to work as a unified system. Although the upfront cost is more, ENERGY STAR® certified skylights are approximately 20% more efficient than the average skylight. The investment will save you money over the lifespan of the product. Skylights, windows and doors can easily last 20 years, it adds up to significant savings, especially as you are reducing the impact of future energy cost increases.

When you choose ENERGY STAR® certified skylights, windows and doors, they work together to keep your home’s relative humidity up for a warmer winter and allow less radiant heat in for a cooler summer. Therefore, with less hydro and gas needed you will see a significant decrease in your energy bills every month.