Discover a world beneath the surface with our vault lights for sale. Illuminate underground spaces and uncover hidden beauty.
Are you familiar with the small glass tiles set into sidewalks, streets, or other surfaces to allow natural light to filter into underground spaces? These are called vault lights and have a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. A vault light is essential because they provide natural light to underground spaces, add an aesthetic value to a building’s exterior and interior, and improve safety by illuminating underground spaces and providing visibility to those using them.
Vault Light for Sale: Shedding Light on Underground Spaces
- Vault lights are glass or acrylic prisms that were used to illuminate underground areas.
- They are important as they provide natural light in areas that would otherwise be dark.
- There are different types and designs of vault lights available in the market.
The History of Vault Lights in Underground Spaces
The use of vault lights for sale dates back to the late 1800s when they were first used in coal mines to provide natural light to miners. Later on, they became popular in urban areas as a way to illuminate basements, subways, and public restrooms. During this time, vault lights were typically made of cast iron or steel frames with glass panels. The glass panels were often etched or textured to provide additional traction for pedestrians.
Over time, the use of vault lights declined as artificial lighting became more prevalent and cheaper to install. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vault lights due to their aesthetic value and ability to provide natural light to underground spaces.
Factor
Description
Size
The size of the vault lights should be based on the size of the space they need to illuminate.
Material
Vault lights can be made of various materials, including cast iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and bronze. The material used will depend on the desired aesthetic and the location of the space.
Glass Panels
The glass panels on vault lights can be clear, etched, or textured. Clear glass panels allow the most light to pass through, while etched or textured glass panels can provide additional grip for pedestrians.
Location
The location of the space will also play a role in determining the type of vault lights needed. For example, outdoor spaces may require more durable materials than indoor spaces.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Vault Lights for Sidewalks
When choosing sidewalk vault lights for sale, there are several factors to consider, including size, material, glass panels, and location. The size of the vault lights will depend on the size of the space they need to illuminate. Vault lights can be made of various materials, including cast iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and bronze. The material used will depend on the desired aesthetic and the location of the space. The glass panels on vault lights can be clear, etched, or textured. Clear glass panels allow the most light to pass through, while etched or textured glass panels can provide additional grip for pedestrians. The location of the space will also play a role in determining the type of vault lights needed. For example, outdoor spaces may require more durable materials than indoor spaces.
Types and Designs of Vault Lights for Sale
Vault lights come in different types and designs, each with its own unique features. Some of the most common types include Round Vault Lights, Square Vault Lights, Rectangular Vault Lights, and Custom Vault Lights. Round vault lights are the most common type and are often used in historic buildings. They are available in various sizes and can be made of cast iron, steel, or aluminum frames with clear, etched, or textured glass panels. Square vault lights have a more modern look and are often used in contemporary buildings. They can be made of cast iron, steel, or aluminum frames with clear, etched, or textured glass panels. Rectangular vault lights are less common than round or square vault lights but can add a unique touch to a building’s exterior or interior. They are often used in modern buildings and can be made of cast iron, steel, or aluminum frames with clear, etched, or textured glass panels. Custom vault lights can be designed according to specific requirements and can be made of various materials, including brass, copper, and bronze. They can also be made in various shapes and sizes.
Installation and Maintenance of Vault Lights on Sidewalks
Installing and maintaining vault lights on sidewalks requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before installing new vault lights, the area must be prepared. This involves removing any old lights or debris and ensuring the area is clean and level.
Step 2: Install the Frame
The frame is the structure that will hold the glass panels in place. It should be installed securely and level.
Step 3: Install the Glass Panels
Once the frame is installed, the glass panels can be added. They should be installed securely and level to prevent any water or debris from getting inside.
Step 4: Seal the Frame
To ensure the vault lights are water-tight and secure, the frame should be sealed with a waterproof sealant.
Step 5: Maintenance
Vault lights should be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up. They should also be inspected periodically for any cracks or damage.
Safety Considerations for Sidewalk Vault Lights
Vault lights can enhance safety in underground spaces by providing natural light and improving visibility. High-quality vault lighting solutions can be installed to ensure maximum safety. Some ways to enhance safety include brightness, placement, and maintenance. The brightness of the vault lights should be adequate to provide enough illumination for the space. The placement of the vault lights should be strategic to ensure maximum coverage of the space. Vault lights should be maintained regularly to ensure they are working properly and to prevent any safety hazards.
A Personal Experience with Vault Lights: Enhancing a Home Office Space
As a freelance writer, I spend most of my days working from home. However, I found that the lack of natural light in my basement office was affecting my mood and productivity. After some research, I stumbled upon the idea of installing vault lights to brighten up the space.
I chose a rectangular design with a frosted glass finish to match the modern aesthetic of my office. The installation process was straightforward, and I was amazed at the difference it made in the brightness of the room. The natural light that filtered through the vault lights made the space feel more inviting and less like a dark basement.
Not only did the vault lights improve my mood and productivity, but they also added value to my home. When potential buyers come for a viewing, they are always impressed by the unique feature in my home office.
Overall, my experience with vault lights has been a positive one, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking to enhance the natural light in their underground space.
Creative Uses of Vault Lights for Sale
Vault lights can be used in a variety of creative ways beyond their traditional use in sidewalks and underground spaces. They can be used in homes as a unique and stylish addition, as decorative elements in walls, floors, or even ceilings. They can also be used in commercial spaces such as bars, restaurants, and retail stores to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. Vault lights can even be used in art installations to create interesting and interactive pieces.
In conclusion, vault lights are an important and valuable addition to modern architecture and sidewalks. With various types and designs available for sale, careful consideration should be given to the factors that will ensure the best fit for your space. Proper installation and maintenance will ensure maximum safety, and creative uses of vault lights can add a unique touch to any space.