Skylights are a beautiful addition to your home, providing natural light and luminous accents to your décor. On sunny days, they give the glowing warmth of the sun’s rays. At night, they provide a romantic peek at the moon without stepping outside.
One of the best times to consider installing a skylight is when you are replacing or installing a new roof. Roofing professionals, like Pro-Home Services, are generally help you select and install your desired skylight.
There are many different types of skylights on the market and many factors to consider before making your decision. Your selection will significantly depend on your home’s layout and the design of your roof. Here is a list of features to consider when selecting a skylight for your home.
- The three main types of skylights are fixed, vented, and tunnel. Fixed skylights are like windows that don’t open. Vented skylights open manually or by remote control and provide airflow in addition to natural light. Tunnels filter light through a tubular chamber and are ideal for small, dim areas, like closets or hallways, that cannot accommodate an average-sized skylight. Your selection will depend upon your budget and where you plan to install the skylight.
- The placement of your skylight will be determined by a conversation between you and your roofing contractor. Skylight positioning may be subject to the slope and design of your roof.
- Any skylight you choose should be proportionate to the size of the area and the amount of natural light it already receives. According to experts, if a room has lots of windows, the skylight should take up roughly five percent of the floor size of the room. Skylights may take up to 15% of the floor size for a room with no windows. Skylights come in many sizes and are typically rectangular, with widths ranging from 14 to 72 inches and lengths from 16 to 96 inches.
- Skylights are available in various materials, such as glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. Glass provides better clarity and durability, while acrylic and polycarbonate are lighter and more affordable. Your decision will depend on the aesthetic you are seeking and your budget.
- Glazing provides energy efficiency and UV protection. Skylights can be glazed with single, double, or triple-pane glass, low-emissivity coatings, and gas fills between panes. Again, your decision will depend upon the aesthetic you are looking for and your budget.
- Energy Efficiency. Like windows, skylights can save or increase energy use based on the design. Look for the energy efficiency rating on the skylight models you are considering.
- Tempered glass is a wise choice for your skylights in areas where bad weather is a concern. Low-UV glass may also be an option. Most glass is quite scratch-resistant, durable, and provides a clear aesthetic.
- For vented skylights, you have two choices for owner operation. You may open them manually, which typically requires a pole and cranking mechanism, or you can open them automatically with a remote control. Solar-powered ones provide electric-free operation. The highest-end skylights are “Smart” and will automatically close if they feel rain.
- Outside Appearance. Skylights will be visible from the outside of your home. After you decide where the skylights will be placed, be ready for the changed appearance of your home’s exterior.
- Pro-Home Services guarantees all installation, and our products also carry impressive warranties. You are assured that your installed skylight will provide hassle-free, weather-proof natural lighting for years.
The experts at Pro-Home Services can guide you in selecting your skylight and helping you plan your new roofing project. Call us for an estimate at 630-790-0800