Choosing Skylights For Your House

Choosing Skylights For Your House

There can never really be enough natural light inside the house. Most homes look too dark and stuffy by adding windows may be out of the question. Another way to bring in the sunshine is to install skylights around the roof. This is perfect for attics that are due for conversion into livable spaces such as bedrooms and playrooms. You can also illuminate rooms lower than the attic by using shafts to redirect light. Just be sure to get the right type of skylight for your needs to get the best results from the installation. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

Size and Shape

Think about the size of the skylight that you need. How much light does the space need? Will it be the singular source of daylight? Are you installing one or several units on your roof? What is the orientation of your house? Are there tall trees surrounding your house? All of these will affect the intensity of the sunlight that will get through these openings. South and west-facing roofs tend to get more sun than north and east-facing ones. Consider the views as well. If you want to look out the sky at night, then you will probably want a large unit to really appreciate the stars. Note than most of these are flat but some have rounded edges.

Fixed or Operable

Consider whether you prefer a fixed unit or something that is operable. The former will be good for places that receive a lot of rain since sealing will be better. On the downside, you will not be able to open it if the room feels too hot or stuffy. Moving skylights may even become an escape route in case of emergencies if there are supporting structures around the roof. The latter will be more expensive on average but some might find the added cost worth every cent. It all depends on the unique situations.

Insulating Property

Finally, homeowners should think about the insulating property of the skylights. Poorly insulated ones will allow the rooms to heat up to an uncomfortable level in the summer and let the heat escape in the winter. The HVAC system will have to work double-time just to compensate for these virtual windows on the roof. The problem will not be as bad if you choose to install Energy Rated Skylights. Look for options with double-insulated glass with argon gas inside the gaps. Some even have low-e coatings which help neutralize possible heat transfers. All of these mean that a well-insulated skylight will keep your energy bills affordable.

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