What You Need To Know Before Starting A Skylight Installation
A skylight installation is an excellent addition for finished attics or loft extensions.
They allow lots of light to come in, sometimes up to three times more than a regular side wall window. With skylights, you can transform a dark and dingy room to a light and airy one, perfect for a bedroom, study, or bathroom.
Skylights are trickier to install than a regular window though, so here’s what you need to know before you start getting one installed in your home.
Benefits Of A Skylight Installation
Why would you want to have a skylight installation in your home? There are lots of reasons why you may want to look into having one added including:
- Extra light – Firstly, they let in lots of extra light. Attic rooms are dark by nature, so you need to find a way to let that natural light in. Skylights let in so much light and they’re the perfect option for rooms that often don’t get much.
- Reduce lighting costs – Sick of having to turn the lights on in a dark room, even during the day? A skylight can change all that. It helps reduce lighting costs as they let in so much more light overall.
- Increase privacy – The problem with side wall windows is that if you want light and privacy, you need to find ways of covering them while still letting the light in. A skylight is situated in the roof, allowing you to get that light in without feeling as though you’re being watched.
Starting A Skylight Installation
If you’re thinking of starting a skylight installation, then it may be tempting to go the DIY route. Those who are used to making alterations to their own homes think they could take this on, but honestly, it’s better not to.
This is because you’re dealing with creating a hole in your roof to allow that light in. Your roof is a vital part of your home, and you don’t want to make any mistakes. If you do, you’re going to have issues with the roof structure, such as leaking. These will lead to more expensive repairs over time, so it’s best to leave the installation to the professionals.
When you call in professionals, you’ll see they’ll recommend different types of skylights depending on the roof you have. These are:
- Stick framed roofs: These are well suited to skylight installations, as they have more than four feet of space between rafters. That allows you to put good sized skylights in, without damaging the structure of the roof itself.
- Truss framed roofs: These are prefabricated roofs, and aren’t as well suited to skylights as they’re not designed to be cut open after being installed. You’ll see a lot of installers won’t want to work on a truss framed roof. If they do, they may not want to install skylights larger than two feet wide, which may not be enough for your needs.
Be aware that even if you have a stick framed roof, you may not be able to have a skylight installed. The slope of the roof may pose a challenge, as standing water could cause problems. Ideally, water needs to be able to slide off the skylight without a problem.
Air Flow And Skylights
You’ll see that skylights come in two different types: vented and fixed. A fixed skylight is one that is fixed in place, and cannot be opened. A vented skylight, on the other hand, can be opened in different ways. Some need to be opened manually, while others can be opened with a crank or motorized option.
Fixed skylights are good for some rooms, as they reduce the chance of leaks and keep in heat. However, they don’t allow for better air flow in a room. If you have a room that already has good airflow and just needs extra light, this is the option for you.
A vented skylight is better if you need the option to let air into a room. If heat builds up in a room, you want to be able to open the window to let it escape. It’s also a good option for bathrooms, as they allow steam to escape, stopping moisture build up.
Choosing The Right Location
The location of your skylight is so important, if you’re going to get the most out of it. You want to get the most light from it year round, in order for you to really reap the benefits. Most installers recommend installing the skylight on the north side of your roof, as this allows in the most light, year round.
You’ll also need to think about what can be seen out of the skylight. You don’t want your view to be blocked by overhanging trees or taller buildings, as you won’t get as much light as you should through them.
Your location must also meet the minimum slop requirement, as detailed with the manufacturer of your skylight. Your installer will be able to tell you if your roof meets these requirements.
Maintaining A Skylight
Once you have a skylight installed, you’ll need to take good care of it in order to keep it in the best condition. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to do that. Here’s how to take care of your skylight:
- Inspect rooms with skylights regularly for signs of leaks. This includes mold on the walls or floor, or water coming in around your skylight. If you see anything, call an installer right away to have the problem corrected, before it gets worse.
- Dust your skylight monthly with a telescoping dust mop, and clean them annually with a sponge mop and soapy water for the inner panel. Outside, a telescoping power washer will get rid of any dirt that has accumulated.
Conclusion
There’s a lot you need to know before you get a skylight, but if you follow these guidelines you’ll see that they give you so many benefits. They bring in heat and light, and give you privacy while making a room feel airy. Talk to an installer now about getting them for your home.