Skylights can make a major contribution to both energy efficiency and comfort in your new home.
They can provide natural light with even distribution, helping to save energy and give an overall visual boost to the home. So what are the key factors to consider when installing one?
1. Home design and materials
Skylights are installed on roofs, so the shape of the roof and overall design of the home will have a direct bearing on whether or not this is a good option for your home.
Skylights must be installed properly, because they’re subject to all the forces of nature, rain or shine.
Both traditional and tubular skylights can exhibit problems with leaking, so it may be worth investing in professional installation to ensure that this isn’t an issue.
2. Placement of the skylight
Along with the installation and materials used, the placement of the skylight will have a direct bearing on how successful it is integrated into your home’s design.
For a large room, a big skylight placed directly in the centre of the room can have a far-reaching brightening effect.
3. Skylight types and sizes
With some idea of the positioning, you can work out the type and size of the skylight that will be the best fit in a particular room.
The best size of skylight will let in just the right amount of natural lighting that you want, so take your privacy concerns into consideration as well as architectural design.
The size of the skylight also influences its solar heat gain. T
here are many different types of skylights to choose from:
- Roof windows are often used in attics or other areas without a great deal of roof space, as well on flat ceilings. They can usually be opened, which can have a breezy effect in the summer to let heat in the home escape as it rises.
- Skylights or roof lights are usually single glazed, light diffusing moulded units. These are found in any shape, and can be vented, non-vented, fixed, or operable, to best suit your needs.
- Tubular skylights are often the best option in areas that are frequently clear and sunny. They have a smaller area, providing a direct beam of sunlight into the room.
4. Maintenance
To keep skylights in their best possible condition, they should be regularly cleaned.
If you are building your new home in an area with abundant pollution or an extreme temperature, it’s best to clean them externally once every six months. Otherwise, once every two years should be sufficient.
5. Accessories and diffusers
If you’re worried about the glare of a skylight, you can look at the range of diffusers out there to help soften or shade the light.
These act like light fittings, helping you control the natural daylight to best fit your mood and décor scheme.
Further accessories include daylight dimmers, special effect lenses, and ventilation kits to prevent the build-up of steam in areas like the bathroom. Choose from modern or classic accessories to fit your theme.
As you can see, there’s a whole world of skylight options out there.
Skylights can be a valuable addition to your home when carefully selected and properly installed, boosting both efficiency and aesthetic value.
