When you replace or install a skylight, one of the first real choices is the glazing material: glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate. They are not interchangeable, and the right one depends on what the skylight is for, how it looks, and the budget. We install all three, so here is the honest comparison.
Glass
Glass is the premium choice, and for a visible skylight it is usually worth it.
- Stays clear for decades. Glass does not yellow or haze with UV the way plastic does. A glass skylight looks the same in twenty years.
- The clearest view and best light. True optical clarity, not the slightly milky look of plastic.
- Modern coatings. Low-E coatings cut heat and UV, and laminated or tempered glass meets the overhead safety standard.
- The tradeoffs: it costs more than plastic, and it is heavier, which matters on some structures.
Glass is the right call for custom and architectural skylights, feature units over living spaces, and anywhere clarity and longevity matter. See custom glass skylights.
Acrylic
Acrylic is the classic dome material and the economical workhorse.
- Affordable and light. The budget-friendly option, and easy to handle in dome form.
- Fine for utility spaces. Over a hallway, garage, or back room where pure clarity is not the point, an acrylic dome does the job.
- The tradeoffs: older formulations yellowed and hazed under Southern California sun, and it gets brittle with age. Modern acrylic holds up much better, but it can still go brittle over decades, and when it does the light quality suffers. Most of the cracked domes we replace are acrylic.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is the tough cousin of acrylic.
- Impact resistant. Much harder to crack than acrylic or glass, which is why it shows up where breakage is a concern.
- Light and strong. Good for large spans and multiwall panels on some commercial and patio applications.
- The tradeoffs: older versions yellowed over time. Modern polycarbonate is more UV-stable, but it scratches more easily than glass and can still haze with enough years on it.
The short version: Want clarity and longevity on a visible skylight? Glass. Want the economical option on a utility dome? Acrylic. Worried about impact or need a tough large panel? Polycarbonate. We will tell you which fits your specific skylight and budget.
Which is right for you?
It comes down to where the skylight is, how much it matters visually, and the budget. On a feature skylight over your kitchen, glass is usually worth the jump. On a dome over the laundry room, acrylic is fine. We help you weigh it on the visit, and the cost guide explains how the material choice affects price.