The domes used with most Solatube® Daylighting Systems are injection-molded with impact modified acrylic. The high quality and durability of the material combined with the molding process produces a dome that creates a benchmark for the industry. For markets in High Velocity Hurricane Zones, the optional Shock Inner Dome is available to meet building codes. This material is required to pass stringent missile impact tests for hurricane threat areas. In the Solatube SolaMaster® Series, we also offer a military-grade dome for applications that require anti-terrorism blast testing.
The Solatube SkyVault® Series dome, intended for commercial use, is made of high-impact, vacuum-formed polycarbonate that is 43 times stronger than acrylic. A different material is used with this model due to the dome’s massive 29 in. (74 cm) size. An acrylic dome with that diameter would be too flexible and not strong enough to withstand high impact conditions. This model is also available with a dual-glaze dome assembly that includes an outer and an inner dome for added durability.
