Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Florida Principle and Practice Licensure Practice Exam

What is the default U-factor for a double pane metal skylight?

1. 1.1

2. 1.3

3. 1.7

4. 2.0

The correct answer is: 1.3

The default U-factor for a double pane metal skylight is 1.3. The U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer and indicates how well a building element insulates. A lower U-factor signifies better insulating properties. For double-paned skylights, which consist of two layers of glass sealed with an air space in between, the U-factor reflects the thermal efficiency relative to designs that may utilize single panes or less effective glazing methods. In compliance with building codes and energy efficiency standards, a U-factor of 1.3 strikes a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. This standard helps architects and builders to design structures that provide sufficient natural light while also maintaining energy efficiency. Other values, such as 1.1, 1.7, and 2.0, may apply to different configurations or materials but are not representative of the default U-factor for this specific application.