The Ultimate Guide to Skylights: Everything You Need to Know Before You Install One in Your Home
Skylights are an increasingly popular feature in modern homes, providing natural light and ventilation while adding a touch of elegance to any space. If you're considering adding skylights to your home, there are a few things you should know beforehand. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about skylights, including their benefits, types, materials, installation process, maintenance, and cost.
Benefits of Skylights
- Natural light: Skylights provide natural light, which can improve your mood and reduce your reliance on artificial lighting.
- Energy efficiency: Skylights can reduce your energy costs by providing natural light and ventilation, which can help regulate your home's temperature.
- Aesthetic appeal: Skylights add an element of elegance to any space, creating a unique and visually appealing feature.
- Improved air quality: Skylights provide natural ventilation, which can improve your home's air quality and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
Types of Skylights
- Fixed skylights: Fixed skylights are stationary and do not open, providing natural light without the option for ventilation.
- Vented skylights: Vented skylights can be opened manually or with a remote control, providing natural ventilation in addition to natural light.
- Tubular skylights: Tubular skylights are smaller in size and can be installed in areas where traditional skylights may not be possible.
Materials
- Glass skylights: Glass skylights are the most common type and come in a variety of options, including clear, tinted, and low-e.
- Plastic skylights: Plastic skylights are a more affordable option and come in a variety of materials, including acrylic and polycarbonate.
Installation Process
- Hire a professional: Installing skylights requires experience and expertise, so it's best to hire a professional skylight installer.
- Choose the location: Determine the best location for your skylights based on the direction of the sun and the layout of your home.
- Cut the hole: Once you've chosen the location, the installer will cut a hole in your roof to create the opening for the skylight.
- Install the skylight: The installer will then install the skylight, ensuring a tight seal to prevent any leaks.Here is a video of a skylight installation that we did.
- Natural light: Skylights provide natural light, which can improve your mood and reduce your reliance on artificial lighting.
- Energy efficiency: Skylights can reduce your energy costs by providing natural light and ventilation, which can help regulate your home's temperature.
- Aesthetic appeal: Skylights add an element of elegance to any space, creating a unique and visually appealing feature.
- Improved air quality: Skylights provide natural ventilation, which can improve your home's air quality and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
Types of Skylights
- Fixed skylights: Fixed skylights are stationary and do not open, providing natural light without the option for ventilation.
- Vented skylights: Vented skylights can be opened manually or with a remote control, providing natural ventilation in addition to natural light.
- Tubular skylights: Tubular skylights are smaller in size and can be installed in areas where traditional skylights may not be possible.
Materials
- Glass skylights: Glass skylights are the most common type and come in a variety of options, including clear, tinted, and low-e.
- Plastic skylights: Plastic skylights are a more affordable option and come in a variety of materials, including acrylic and polycarbonate.
Installation Process
- Hire a professional: Installing skylights requires experience and expertise, so it's best to hire a professional skylight installer.
- Choose the location: Determine the best location for your skylights based on the direction of the sun and the layout of your home.
- Cut the hole: Once you've chosen the location, the installer will cut a hole in your roof to create the opening for the skylight.
- Install the skylight: The installer will then install the skylight, ensuring a tight seal to prevent any leaks.Here is a video of a skylight installation that we did.
Maintenance
- Clean regularly: Clean your skylights regularly with a mild detergent and water to keep them looking their best.
- Check for leaks: Inspect your skylights regularly for any signs of leaks, and contact a professional if you notice any issues.