True Light Transmittance Expectations Following Cleargress Doors Installation

Egress Systems, Inc. • September 16, 2026

Replacing a heavy steel bulkhead with a modern transparent door drastically changes the feel of your basement. At Egress Systems, Inc., we install Cleargress doors for homeowners in Chester County who want to flood their dark stairwells with natural sunshine. However, assuming that a clear polycarbonate door will make your basement look like a glass sunroom often leads to unrealistic expectations. Understanding how these heavy duty plastics filter light is essential before you commit to the upgrade.

Polycarbonate is engineered for extreme impact resistance and weather durability, not optical perfection. As the material weathers and handles daily yard dirt, the light transmittance naturally shifts. We want to explain the physical realities of these clear doors so you know exactly what to expect. Knowing the facts helps you appreciate the massive functional upgrade without demanding the clarity of a living room window.

Understanding Polycarbonate Light Filtering

The clear panels on a Cleargress door are built from the same industrial grade polycarbonate used in commercial greenhouses. The material is incredibly tough, but it inherently diffuses the sunlight that passes through it.

→ From a professional standpoint: The thick plastic creates a slightly frosted or scattered light effect, which excellently brightens the stairwell and eliminates dark corners, but it will not provide a crystal clear view of your backyard.

Dealing With Surface Scratches and Cloudiness

Because basement doors sit low to the ground, they constantly take a beating from blowing sand, bouncing rain, and yard debris. Over several seasons, these tiny impacts create micro scratches on the surface of the plastic. This natural wear and tear gradually reduces the crispness of the light entering the basement.

→ A quick tip to remember: You can easily preserve the light transmittance by gently rinsing the doors with a hose on a weekly basis to stop abrasive dirt from baking into the polycarbonate under the hot sun.

This level of honest expectation setting is something clients notice firsthand when we evaluate their deteriorating exterior hatches.

►Client Experience: Robert Denito shared "I have worked with another well-known company in the past and after switching to Gary’s company, I realized how badly the other company was gouging me... Gary’s pricing is honest, and his list of satisfied customers continues to grow."

Providing truthful assessments without pushing unnecessary markups proves the true value of working with a dedicated general contractor.

Why DIY Cleaning Makes Surface Damage Worse

When homeowners notice their clear doors getting cloudy, they often reach for the wrong tools. Scrubbing the polycarbonate with a stiff bristle brush or a rough kitchen sponge instantly gouges the soft plastic. Applying standard glass cleaners containing ammonia or harsh chemicals will chemically burn the polycarbonate, causing it to turn permanently yellow and brittle. DIY attempts to restore clarity usually destroy the material and force a premature door replacement.

How much light does a clear basement door actually let in?

A new Cleargress door allows roughly eighty to ninety percent of available sunlight to pass through the panels and down your concrete stairwell. This massive influx of daylight completely eliminates the dungeon like feel of a standard basement exit. While the light is diffused, it is more than enough to safely navigate the stairs without turning on an overhead electrical fixture during the day.

Setting the Standard for Basement Entrances

Adding a clear polycarbonate door to your basement is a phenomenal way to brighten your underground space. By understanding the natural wear of the material and keeping away from harsh chemicals, you protect the door for the long haul. Reach out to our installation experts today to discuss upgrading your old steel bulkheads to a vibrant Cleargress system.

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