How to Choose the Right Skylight
February 10, 2024
Skylights can transform your home by enhancing energy efficiency, illuminating dark areas, and adding a unique dimension to your living space. The additional light from a skylight can reduce lighting costs, and the heat it brings in can significantly impact your energy bills. This guide will explore the various types of skylights and provide insights on selecting the perfect one for your home.
Types of Skylights You Should Know
- Fixed Skylight: An option designed for areas where consistent natural light is desired. They’re sealed, which means they don’t open for ventilation but are excellent for illuminating darker spaces like attics or stairwells.
- Ventilated Skylight: Dual-purpose, these skylights offer natural light and air ventilation, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens where moisture and odours need to be expelled.
- Tubular Skylight: Engineered for tight spaces, these funnel sunlight through a reflective tube from the roof to the interior, providing a concentrated beam of light to specific areas.
- Custom Skylight: Made to order to fit unique roof shapes or design preferences, offering flexibility in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
- Pyramid Skylight: Named for their shape, they cover larger areas and are often used in commercial settings or large residential spaces for dramatic effect and ample sunlight.
- Dome-Shaped Skylight: Their dome shape offers durability against elements like hail, with the curved surface dispersing light evenly throughout the room.
- Barrel Vault Skylight: Long and arched, these are suited for commercial buildings or residential spaces with long, flat roofs, providing a striking architectural element and natural light.
- Curb-Mounted Skylights: Installed above the roof line on a built-up curb, they’re versatile for flat and sloped roofs, offering a secure installation method suitable for various roofing materials.
- Ridge Skylight: These are aligned with the roof’s ridge, maximizing daylight entry and blending seamlessly with the roofline for a cohesive aesthetic.
How to Choose a Skylight
- Aesthetic Value or Natural Light: Beyond the look, consider how the skylight integrates with the home’s architectural design and interior lighting scheme. It should complement the design elements and enhance natural light flow in a way that aligns with the home’s character.
- Positioning: The skylight’s location affects not only the interior lighting but also thermal comfort. Proper positioning can maximize solar heat gain in winter and minimize it in summer, contributing to energy efficiency.
- Size and Shape of The Room: The interplay between the skylight’s size and the room’s dimensions is crucial for achieving the desired lighting effect. A skylight too small might not provide enough light, while one too large could cause glare and excessive heat.
- Operability: Consider the benefits of remote-controlled or automated skylights for enhanced ventilation and ease of use, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This can also help maintain indoor air quality.
- Glazing: Look into the latest glazing options, including double-glazing and low-emissivity coatings, which can significantly improve thermal performance and reduce fading of interior furnishings.
- Planning Permission: An in-depth understanding of local regulations can help you design a project that meets legal requirements while achieving your aesthetic and functional goals.
- Cost & Installation: Factor in the initial costs and potential savings on heating, cooling, and lighting. A well-installed skylight can offer returns on investment through energy savings and increased property value.
Maintaining Your Skylight: Essential Tips for Longevity
Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure your skylight remains an effective source of natural light and ventilation for years to come. Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep your skylight in top condition:
- Regular Cleaning: Dirt and debris can accumulate on skylight glass, reducing clarity and light penetration. Clean the glass at least twice a year with mild detergent and water.
- Inspect for Leaks: Check around the skylight for signs of leaks, especially after heavy rain. Early detection of moisture can prevent more significant water damage.
- Sealant Checks: Inspect the sealant around the skylight annually. Cracked or peeling sealant can lead to leaks and should be replaced as needed.
- Check the Flashing: Ensure the flashing — the metal strips that seal the skylight to the roof — is intact and free from rust or damage.
- Operational Tests: For ventilated skylights, perform regular operational tests to ensure the opening mechanism works smoothly. Lubricate moving parts as needed.
- Condensation Control: In colder climates, condensation can be an issue. Ensure your room is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
- Shade and Blinds Maintenance: If your skylight has shades or blinds, keep them dust-free and operational. Regularly check their mechanism to ensure they open and close correctly.
- Professional Inspections: Consider having your skylight inspected by a professional every few years to check for any issues that may not be visible or apparent to you.
We Offer Residential and Commercial Skylight Installation
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