Replacing Your Bubble Skylight

Keep the light flowing in your Atrium home.

The light flows into the atrium of this Streng Bros home. Plants thrive with the light from a bubble skylight.

Several of the Streng Bros models feature large double dome skylights or as they are more commonly known, big bubble skylights. This architecture feature is sought after but for those who live in these models know that repair and maintenance is complicated.

I spoke with Bill Mang of Mang Skylights to get his expert opinion on replacing these skylights. Bill has replaced skylights on dozens of Streng homes in Carmichael, Sacramento, Elk Grove and Davis. (His answers have been edited for clarity.)

“Strengs have both single and double dome skylights. Originally they were just single dome. But the single dome skylights let in too much heat so the double-dome skylights became popular as they block more heat. To take it even one step further, some even have bronzed-colored outer domes on the double-dome skylights but those can get really hot to the touch. And even worse, they can start making popping noises on partly cloudy days as they heat up and cool off.

Almost all Streng Skylights are Unique

Bubble skylight in a Streng Bros halfplex.

“There is no standard size on the big bubble skylights. They all vary a few inches, so before replacing them, they need to be carefully measured and then ordered to fit. They can be glass or acrylic but most people do acrylic. The glass ones are more expensive and much heavier. They require more equipment, sometimes even cranes, for installation.

“Some people opt for split frames with four individual bubbles to save money. Of course this option doesn't fit with the original look of a Streng home.

“The process to make the bubble starts with one flat piece of acrylic or glass and then it is heated and blown into the shape with the bubble.

“The cost of materials as well as the installation cost can vary depending on how previous installation or repairs were done and what needs to be done to the roof after the installation.“

The bottom line in replacing a skylight is to figure out your goal in advance. If you are trying to be as close to the original look of the home as possible, then you will want the bubble skylight and this will be custom made. If you are looking to save money, you will be changing the look of the house.

Light from a bubble skylight bathes the whole Streng Home.