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All You Need To Know About Skylights

Are you considering adding a skylight to your home? Then you should be informed before making a decision.
Here are the pros and cons of skylights:-
1/5 of British adults spend at least 5 days in a row indoors per year. 1/4 don't feel that they get enough exposure to natural light, and 1/5 believe there isn't enough of it in their home. This is a major problem, but one simple home improvement can help fight it: a skylight. Skylights let in light from the ceiling for anyone who's not getting enough natural light. They're useful tools but aren't the best choice for every homeowner.

Skylight Benefits

Letting in natural light is one of the primary skylight benefits that convince homeowners to install them. It has several benefits, including:

Better mood
Increased vitamin D
Better sleep

Skylight windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can become the centrepiece of a room's design and create a sense of upward movement. You can install skylights in many different rooms that wouldn't otherwise get enough natural light. These include:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Converted lofts
TV rooms
Lounges

Vented skylights help circulate air through a room. When installed in the right area, they provide indirect solar light. This keeps the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You'll notice this benefit when it comes time to pay your energy bill. It'll be significantly lower because you won't have to use your heating and cooling system as often.

What Are The Different Skylights On The Market?

There are several types of skylights available for purchase:

Fixed Skylights

Permanently mounted windows that do not open
Provide maximum light and scenic views
Typically installed on high ceilings
Best for rooms where ventilation is not a primary concern

Vented Skylights

Operable windows that can be opened
Allow for ventilation and air circulation
Help regulate indoor temperature and humidity
Can be manually or electronically operated

Tubular Skylights

Compact design with a reflective tube
Transport sunlight into smaller interior spaces
Distribute light evenly
Ideal for areas with limited ceiling space

Flat Roof Skylights

Designed to sit flush with the roof surface
Minimalist, contemporary design
Provide uninterrupted views
Available in various sizes and shapes

Dome Skylights

Project upwards in a dome shape
Usually made of acrylic (Plexiglass)
Resistant to hail damage
Cost-effective option

Pyramid Skylights

Rectangular or square base
Project upwards to form a pyramid-shape
Create architectural interest
Glass panels meet at a central point

Specialty Shape Skylights

Polygon designs (octagon, hexagon, triangle)
Unique shapes for dramatic architectural statements
Can be flat or vaulted

Each skylight type offers unique benefits, so choose based on your specific room requirements, architectural style, and functional needs.

What Are The Issues With Skylights?

One of the most important cons of adding a skylight to keep in mind is that they have the potential to damage your home. They can cause:

Roof leaks
Pools of water and grime
Interior Damage

High-quality, waterproof skylights are the safest option. Make sure that you get one that has a curb and isn't glazed with plastic. Some of the pros and cons of a skylight are related to each other. They may let in more light, but it can be difficult to manage the amount they bring in. Too much or too little creates an uncomfortable temperature and unwanted glare. Make sure that the skylight is installed with the proper orientation. Adding blinds also keeps out excessive heat and light. Skylights lose heat in the cooler months if the shaft isn't properly installed. Choose one that's thermally broken and insulated to avoid this .

By Naomi Showman