Types of Daylight Lighting

 

Rooflight glazing material can play a major role in determining the type of light, either direct or diffused, and amount of light entering a building. If direct and diffused light materials have the same light transmission rating they will let equal amounts of light into a building, the light is simply distributed in a different way.

Direct Daylight Lighting

Polycarbonate and clear glass glazing may provide direct daylight lighting. Direct light passes through rooflight glazing without any disruption or interference and enters the building as a straight beam.

Direct light:

• Gives strong light in the area of the beam but less general light in the surrounding areas.
• Produces shadows and glare on sunny days.
• Is ideal for environments where the designer wants to create a natural environment and allow the sky to be viewed.
• Gives uninterrupted external vision.

Diffused Daylight Lighting

 

Diffused light is when the light passing through rooflight glazing is diffused (scattered) by the rooflight material. Polycarbonate, Nanogel® and some patterned and opal-tinted glass materials diffuse light.

Diffused light:

• More evenly distributes light into the building.
• Is useful for creating ambient light over a larger area with minimal shadows.
• Is commonly used for industrial, commercial and sporting facilities.
• Provides privacy.