8 Things You Should Know Before Buying Skylights

Maximizing natural lighting in your home or office is one way to include warmth, character, and luxurious spaciousness. Skylights offer a stylish way to do this and are typically built into spaces where standard windows cannot be added. However, as more homeowners realize the numerous health benefits accredited to natural lighting, the installation of the glorious skylight is no longer limited to dark hallways or dingy bathrooms. 

Roof skylights are also an aesthetic and functional feature in living rooms and kitchens. Before hiring a roofing company to install a skylight, educate yourself on the nitty-gritty of these unique windows. As wondrous as this architectural feature is, there are a few things to consider before you go ahead and cut a hole in your roof.

8 Things You Should Know Before Buying Skylights

Skylights can add a sense of wonder and lightness to a room. Before you get carried away and start wandering around your home planning your skylight placement, browse these Q&As about roof skylights. 

Use the links below to skip ahead:

1. What are the Different Types of Skylights?
2. Are Skylights Made From Glass or Plastic?
3. Does Skylight Placement Matter?
4. Who Installs Skylights?
5. Are Skylights Energy-Efficient?
6. Can Skylights Open, or are They Fixed?
7. How to Choose a Skylight
8. Can I Add Shades to My Skylight?

1. What are the Different Types of Skylights?

Skylights come in different shapes and sizes depending on the space where they'll be installed. When it comes to the actual windowpane, these can be domed, flat, or pyramid↗-shaped. 

To avoid debris or leaves settling on your skylight, plastic domed windows are favored. However, if you prefer clear glass, then a flat skylight can be installed. Pyramid skylights can use plastic or glass, while the angled shape attracts sunlight. 

2. Are Skylights Made From Glass or Plastic?

Both! Here are some differences:

• Cost - Plastic skylights are usually cheaper than glass.
• Weight - Plastic is lighter than glass, so if your skylight is grand, plastic may be easier to install due to the weight difference. 
• Durability and visibility - Glass may be cleaner, shinier, and provide a crisper view, but it's also vulnerable to breakage, where plastic offers a durable option. 
• Customization - Plastic skylights usually come molded in standard sizes, whereas glass can be cut to size for unique fittings. 

3. Does Skylight Placement Matter?

The position of your skylight, and the amount of light that it lets in, will significantly impact the energy savings and solar heat that's allowed into your home. Please speak to a specialist about what to expect and whether north or south-facing skylights will suit the room where you intend on placing them.

4. Who Installs Skylights?

Skylights are a specialty item, and installing them is best left to the professionals. Roofing contractors or specialized skylight contractors are best suited for the job. When hiring someone to work on your home, read reviews and make sure they have a good history of skylight installation projects. 

5. Are Skylights Energy-Efficient?

The energy efficiency of your skylight depends on the glazing (single, double, triple, or quad-triple), lamination, tint, or coating that you select for your window. Argon gas filling between panes, e-coatings, UV tints, and more are designed to eliminate energy loss. 

Energy-efficient skylights not only save your furniture from fading, or your home from losing warmth, but it also adds comfort, reduces noise, limits chances of condensation, improves your monthly savings, and are environmentally friendly. 

6. Can Skylights Open, or are They Fixed?

There is a range of features that you can select for your skylight. Here are the main differences between open or fixed skylights:

• Ventilation - A fixed skylight cannot open. If you want the skylight to provide additional ventilation for your home, then a vented skylight is for you. Opening the skylight can be done manually or with a remote. Ventilation prevents condensation and may be a better choice for bathrooms rather than a fixed skylight. 
• Leakage - There is a higher possibility of moisture leakage for open skylights, but if installed correctly, they should be just as airtight as the fixed skylights that are sealed shut. 
• Cost - A fixed skylight has no moving parts and will therefore be cheaper than a vented skylight option. 

7. How to Choose a Skylight

A good skylight comes with a leak-free warranty and provides natural lighting without exposing your home to damaging heat rays. Should you go for an open skylight, consider ease of use. If you live in an area with sudden and unexpected rainfall, Velux skylights have rain sensors↗ so that they automatically close when you're not around to shut them yourself. 

8. Can I Add Shades to My Skylight?

Yes, you can add blackout or honeycomb shades to your skylight for complete control of light and heat. Various manufacturers create shades that can be added after your skylight is installed, while some skylight companies provide the option of in-frame shades that open and close on rails. The shades can be motorized for out-of-reach windows or manual for those closer to ground level. 

Are Skylights a Good Idea?

Not only will skylights improve the lighting in your home, but natural lighting can improve your focus, reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood and help you get better sleep at night! By adding skylights to your dark hallways or bathroom, or even as a star-gazing portal in a luxury bedroom, the addition of natural lighting can improve your health↗.

Worries about leakage, energy loss, and placement should be addressed with a skylight professional. A skylight can be an excellent addition to any home, and you want the job done right! Rather than cutting costs, choose an installer that you trust.