The Power of Skylights
With summer in full swing, the lightness in the air inspires a sense of renewal and refreshment. Skylights help capture this essence.
They bring more natural light into your home, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere while adding a unique design element.
Aesthetically, natural light adds beauty to your home, boosting curb appeal. (Psst If you haven’t checked out our guide to increasing your curb appeal, click here for our 7 Luxury Roofing Makeover Secrets!)
From a physical standpoint, natural light is scientifically proven to provide numerous health benefits. Whether you want to make minor tweaks or undertake a major transformation, these tips will help you brighten up your abode and mood to make the most of your skylights.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Benefits of SKYLIGHTS
Skylights have become popular in modern homes. They provide a solution for increased light and ventilation while adding a sleek architectural look.
When installed correctly, skylights offer numerous benefits.
Natural Lighting: Skylights can dramatically increase the amount of natural light in a room, which decreases the need for lighting fixtures.
Energy Efficiency: Skylights help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling and artificial lighting. This leads to lower utility bills.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Ventilating skylights remove stale air, odors, and excess humidity, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. This improves overall indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment.
Aesthetic Appeal: Skylights add elegance to your home’s design, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness.
Now that you know the benefits of skylights, let’s explore different styles you can choose from.
2. Skylight Styles
There are many skylights to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.
Fixed Skylights: Permanently sealed and non-ventilating, these skylights are ideal for spaces where additional light is needed, but ventilation is not a priority, such as hallways or stairwells.
Ventilating Skylights: These are skylights that you can open and close. They are a good solution for more natural light and ventilation. They are perfect for areas prone to humidity or heat build-up.
Tubular Skylights: Also known as solar tubes, these skylights use a small tube to channel sunlight from the roof to a diffuser on the ceiling. They provide a soft, natural glow. They are great for smaller spaces where traditional skylights may not be possible due to structural constraints.
Pyramid Skylights: Pyramid skylights feature a four-sided pyramid design that can add a striking architectural element to flat or low-pitched roofs. They provide excellent light diffusion and a dramatic effect in larger spaces.
Dome Skylights: Dome skylights are bubble-like structures that can capture light from multiple angles, making them practical for locations that don’t receive direct sunlight throughout the day. They are typically made of durable acrylic or polycarbonate and are often used in commercial settings but can also enhance residential spaces.
Barrel Vault Skylights: These are long, curved skylights that resemble half a cylinder. They are ideal for larger spaces like hallways, walkways, or commercial buildings and provide consistent light along their length, creating an even distribution of natural light.
Custom Skylights: Custom skylights are excellent for unique architectural needs or design preferences. If you are interested in discussing a skylight for your home or building, contact us today!
3. Skylight pLACEMENT
It’s important to take inventory of your current lighting situation to help you find the perfect spot for a skylight.
First, determine the direction of your windows. Knowing the direction of your windows helps you gauge how much light they allow into your space and where you can optimize a skylight.
Consider the sun’s path throughout the day and the room’s purpose to decide the best placement.
Directions
North-facing windows provide low to moderate indirect light, making them the coolest and dimmest.
South-facing windows receive a range of indirect light to full sun in the afternoon, so they receive the most light and are the warmest.
East-facing windows get morning light and medium to bright indirect light, which is gentle and cool.
West-facing windows get afternoon light, which can be indirect or direct sun in the late afternoon and can be intense and warm.
Once you determine what natural lighting your home already has, you can decide where to place your skylight to add more light.
4. Considerations Before Installing a Skylight
Apart from your windows' orientations, there are other factors to consider when planning to add a skylight to your home.
External Obstructions: Identify anything outside that blocks sunlight, such as buildings or trees. Even a south-facing window can have reduced light if obstructed. Consider indoor obstructions, too, like furniture or other plants.
Window Size: The size of your windows affects light dispersion. More oversized windows allow light to reach farther into the room, while smaller windows provide a more limited range of sunlight. The size of the skylight will directly impact the amount of light and ventilation it provides. A general rule of thumb is that the skylight size should not exceed 5-10% of the room’s floor area for optimal lighting and flow.
Glazing: Skylight glazing can be made from glass or plastic, with various options for insulation, UV protection, and impact resistance. When choosing the right glazing material, consider your climate and specific needs.
Energy Efficiency: Look for skylights with a high energy performance rating from organizations such as ENERGY STAR or the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). These skylights will have better insulation and heat-reflecting properties, reducing heat gain or loss through the skylight.
Installation: Proper installation is critical to ensure your skylight’s performance and longevity. Hiring an experienced roofing contractor in skylight installation will help ensure a seamless project. Discuss flashing and sealing techniques and warranty info with your contractor.
Understanding and optimizing these factors can create a brighter and more inviting space.
5. Conclusion
Bringing more natural light into your home can significantly improve your living environment, enhancing your mood and your space’s aesthetic appeal.
Ready to transform your home with a skylight to bring more natural light? Contact Huber + Associates for all your custom roof needs. Our expert team is here to help you create a brighter, more inviting living space. Reach out to us today, and let’s bring your vision to life!
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