What's new
  • Interested in local meetups and a Lucid Newsletter? Sign up HERE

Metal vs Glass roof

obelix

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2022
Messages
48
Location
NJ
Cars
BMW X3
Would it make any difference between glass vs. metal roof if car is not kept in the covered garage? I don't have double garage so one car stays inside and other in driveway. So, was wondering if that makes any difference either longevity or something else. Never had glass roof car so no direct experience.

Also, any experience with glass in winter? I mean does the cabin get colder than it would typically be with metal roof?
 

MHDave

Active Member
Verified Owner
Joined
Oct 20, 2022
Messages
346
Location
San Jose CA
Cars
Touring, F150, R1200RT
Would it make any difference between glass vs. metal roof if car is not kept in the covered garage? I don't have double garage so one car stays inside and other in driveway. So, was wondering if that makes any difference either longevity or something else. Never had glass roof car so no direct experience.

Also, any experience with glass in winter? I mean does the cabin get colder than it would typically be with metal roof?
Bird poop probably comes off glass easier than metal, although some of the protection coatings may make it the same. I'm quicker to wipe droppings off metal as the finish could be etched by the acid in the droppings. And in terms of temperature, there's usually more insulation under the metal roof, but glass can be a good insulator. I would speculate that heat would be more of a factor with the glass roof than the cold, but all I've heard here is some comments on oppressive heat on really scorching days sometimes being more than the cooling system can effectively battle. Heard about the heat from a Lucid sales person driving in Fresno/Bakersfield area in California on a hot day.
 

obelix

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2022
Messages
48
Location
NJ
Cars
BMW X3
Bird poop probably comes off glass easier than metal, although some of the protection coatings may make it the same. I'm quicker to wipe droppings off metal as the finish could be etched by the acid in the droppings. And in terms of temperature, there's usually more insulation under the metal roof, but glass can be a good insulator. I would speculate that heat would be more of a factor with the glass roof than the cold, but all I've heard here is some comments on oppressive heat on really scorching days sometimes being more than the cooling system can effectively battle. Heard about the heat from a Lucid sales person driving in Fresno/Bakersfield area in California on a hot day.
Thank you. I've not had any problem with bird droppings. Maybe once or twice a year so not a big deal. Don't have trees in front so that's helpful. I'm not too concerned about heat much in east coast as opposed to AZ or CA or even FL, etc. even though it can get hot for few days. I've always had cars with sunroof so that's helps a lot. I always valued the flexibility to open the roof to see the sky. But, it does stays closed most of the time :)
 

NoseyReporter

Active Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
189
The headliner for a metal roof will probably take up 1/2 an inch. That's usually what is gained when you remove a headline to get a roll hoop closer to the roof skin.

But what you gain from the headliner is also a boat load of vibration damping. You'll find a bunch of fluffy material attached to the side facing the roof skin that significantly reduces noise. It's also light when compared to glass.

I'd wager a metal roof will result in a lighter car, which is equally as quiet if not more quiet when considering weight, better cg ( but probably negligible due to the battery being in the floor), and better thermal properties.
 

Sheena

Member
Verified Owner
Joined
Jan 29, 2022
Messages
61
Cars
touring or pure
Hopefully soon we will know weight difference between two roofs.
I'm guessing 175 pounds.
Head room differences as well as sun visor attachments also something to nerd out over.
 

Slam08

Active Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2022
Messages
557
Cars
2022 Jaguar I Pace
The headliner for a metal roof will probably take up 1/2 an inch. That's usually what is gained when you remove a headline to get a roll hoop closer to the roof skin.

But what you gain from the headliner is also a boat load of vibration damping. You'll find a bunch of fluffy material attached to the side facing the roof skin that significantly reduces noise. It's also light when compared to glass.

I'd wager a metal roof will result in a lighter car, which is equally as quiet if not more quiet when considering weight, better cg ( but probably negligible due to the battery being in the floor), and better thermal properties.
I’ve been tempted to cover my cars (not a Lucid) panoramic glass roof with acoustic foam panels. Just to see how much it affected the interior noise. I would expect a dramatic difference.
 
Top