Skylights bring natural light and increased value to your home. There was a time when a skylight product on the market seemed beyond most homeowner’s reach. It is no longer that way. A well-placed skylight offers great solutions to any building. Today the cost of skylights is similar to that of other windows in the home. There are three main types: fixed, roof and tube. Each type excels in different ways. Choosing the right one to achieve your desired effect will add beauty and light to every home. To help you decide, read the following tips to learn which choice will work for your residential home or commercial office.
Skylight Pros
By far, the greatest benefit a skylight brings is increased natural lighting. This decreases electricity usage and adds beauty and will brighten dark areas. Increased light also improves your mood. A strategically placed venting skylight on top of your roof also increases the efficiency of your home with better air circulation during warm summer months or in humid areas of the home. This keeps your home cooler and decreases air conditioning usage.However, In colder climates a skylight increases natural heating from the sun above. You will find a skylight also makes a room feel more spacious.
Skylight Cons
Many of the biggest disadvantages of skylights can be prevented with high quality and properly installed skylights. Since installing a skylight improperly will not only cause a loss of heat, it can also cause damage to your home if water gets in. If placed wrong, it can bring in too much light and heat. Prevent these problems by using an experienced contractor. They will help you determine the best options for your space and budget. Skylights also open your house to possible damage if something heavy falls onto the glass. To prevent this, get a skylight with laminated glazing. Laminated glass holds the broken glass in. All skylights lose more heat than a well-insulated roof. Be sure to choose a high-efficiency skylight to minimize heat loss. Shades also help decrease heat loss.
Different Types
Skylights come in several standard varieties including fixed, roof and solar tubes. Knowing the options available helps you pick the right one for your home and space.
Fixed
A fixed skylight does not open or provide any ventilation. These may come in flat or curved glass designs. These are designed for out of reach areas to provide dramatic views and allow the sunshine in. These are often used in low lit areas like attics and stairwells. Specialty Home Products installs high-quality Velux fixed skylights.
Ventilating/Roof
A ventilating skylight opens, allowing for more ventilation to the area. For humid rooms or rooms that need ventilation, select a ventilating skylight. These not only increase light but decrease humidity. These are specially designed for kitchens and bathrooms. They come in both electric and manual opening options. Some skylights powered by electricity include rain sensors which close when it rains. Specialty Home Products proudly installs Velux roof skylights.
Solar Tubes
Solar tubes or sun tunnels are innovative and great for small, enclosed spaces such as hallways and closets. Looking like a vent from the roof, these are smaller in size and deliver sunlight through their highly reflective tubular tunnel. Solar tubes are an easy solution for roofs that cannot accommodate fixed or roof skylights. Solar tubes come in a variety of options. Some control how much light they provide. Others control moisture through exhaust fans. Some also filter out UV light. Specialty Home Products proudly installs VELUX SUN TUNNEL solar tubes.
Curb or Deck Mounted
A skylight comes with either a curb or deck mount. In regards to a curb mount, the skylight sits on top of a box structure. This has a higher profile but provides an advantage of easier replacement when needed. A new design, deck mounted skylights, sit directly on the roof creating a lower profile. Though more energy-efficient, an installer needs to re-flash the roofing when replaced.
Specialty Home Products provides reliable friendly service and uses the best materials available for all your window options. You will surely find the benefits of adding any traditional or specialized skylight to your home. We install Velux skylight and roof windows, and solar tubes made by Sun Tunnel. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service from consultation through installation. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to meet with you to guide you through selecting the right skylight and accessories for your home project. For more information, ask about getting the perfect custom skylights for your personal style and daylighting needs. Contact us today to meet with an expert representative.