Installing a skylight in your home can offer a variety of benefits and even increases the resale value of your home. One of the major advantages is that it brightens up your room. On the other hand, one of the potential disadvantages is that it makes the room warmer, which in the winter can be a good thing- but in the summer can cause your energy bill to increase because it takes more to cool it.
Below, we’re going to explain what skylights are, the standard types of skylights available, and some of the pros and cons associated with skylights. A skylight may be a great feature to add to your home if you live in the northeast.
What is a Skylight?
The first thing you need to know is that a skylight is a window installed either over your entire roof or just a portion. It provides natural light for your home/building during the day. It can also offer improved ambiance, views, and ventilation and can even serve as an emergency exit if needed.
Types of Skylights
When it comes to skylights, you have several different options. We’ll take a look at these below:
Fixed
A fixed skylight provides a lot of light and doesn’t need to be opened/closed. They are typically installed in taller ceilings that cannot be reached.
Ventilating
A ventilating skylight is a window on the roof. They can be opened/closed as needed to allow ventilation and daylight in.
Domed
A domed skylight is installed over the fixed skylight to offer a different design and make the space’s lighting a little less direct.
Tubular
A tubular skylight is used in tight spaces and provides an adjustable reflective surface. It is primarily for lighting needs instead of a dramatic visual piece.
Advantages vs. Disadvantages of Skylights
Below, we’re going to explore the pros and cons of skylights. A skylight does provide a lot of natural light into your space. However, during the summer, it can cause the area to get too hot, which means your energy bills increase due to a load of trying to keep the space cool.
Advantages of Having a Skylight in Your Home
There are several advantages to having a skylight in your home, including:
Increased Home Value
A skylight adds value to your home- both in design and functionality. Skylights create a dramatic, eye-catching light display and reduce the need to use electric lights.
Options for Design
As you see above, there are lots of options when it comes to skylights. In addition to the various types, you have options for size, shape, angles, and location. This significantly increases the flexibility of the skylight since you can adapt it to your design.
Daylighting
One of the major reasons people add a skylight is the natural lighting it provides for the space. This is especially great when the sun is lower in the winter, as windows can’t pick up the light that a skylight can.
Saves Energy
Due to the increase in natural light in the space, you may save on your electricity bill in the winter, which is good for your bills and the environment. Of course, it is important to note that you could have an increase in cooling requirements in the summer, which we’ll look at below.
Ventilation
As mentioned in the types of skylights above, some can be opened for ventilation. This is a great option for areas that could use fresh air/cool breeze.
Outdoor Views
When you have a skylight, you have a better view of the outdoors, which has proven to be calming. Everyone could benefit from a great outdoor view.
Disadvantages of Having a Skylight in Your Home
Now that we’ve gone over some of the advantages of having a skylight, it’s important to understand some of the potential disadvantages. We’ll explore those below:
Overheating/Overlighting
As mentioned, the natural light/heat can be beneficial during the winter. However, it can bring in too much light and too much heat during the summer months. Since the skylights are on the roof, it’s difficult to mitigate this effect. You can control it somewhat with your skylight’s placement, shape, and size. Also, you may want to consider having automatic shades installed that can be closed if the light/heat is too much.
Issues with Heating/Air Conditioning
A skylight can allow the warm air to escape during winter and cold air during the summer. Additionally, they are likely to develop condensation due to water vapor on the windowpane.
Installation
Skylights are difficult to build/install. The process must be properly done, or they can leak and, in some cases, even fall into the building. Even a small leak could cause significant issues. The skylight must be secured, as it is on the roof and fighting against gravity.
Maintenance/Cleaning
The maintenance and cleaning of skylights can be difficult because they are in the ceiling, and you need to have extendable cleaning items or ladders to reach them. Typically, repairs to seals and other components are done from the outside, in which case you would need a contractor.
Conclusion
Skylights can provide you with various benefits, including increasing the value of your home. They provide natural light and can help you save energy. Of course, they can also increase your energy usage, especially during the summer, because the natural heat from the sun heats the area- which your air conditioner has to work harder to cool. If you are interested in installing a skylight in your home, contact the professionals at A&J Reliable. They are experienced in all kinds of roofing needs.
