If you’re thinking of installing a skylight in your home, there are many factors to take into consideration. For example, you may need to have your ceiling redone to install a skylight which can become an expensive project if it’s not done properly.
Furthermore, the type of skylight and installation process will be different in every home. Contact a skylights Sydney expert to give you advice and someone who can answer all your questions.
In today’s article, we are going to look at the pros and cons of installing a skylight, so you can make an informed decision before you take the plunge.
Benefits of Installing a Skylight
If a room doesn’t have a window or seems dark and dingy, then a great way to let natural light in is by installing a skylight or rooftop window. Other advantages include:
- Solar Heat: Solar lights don’t only let the sunshine through your home they also allow your home to be heated naturally by the sun.
- Sunlight is a mood enhancer: Warm sunlight helps improve your mood and concentration.
- Better ventilation: We recommend installing skylights that can be opened. By opening them you can allow air to pass freely through your home. This helps with cross-ventilation.
- Saves you money: Sunlight helps heat your home, while cross-ventilation improves airflow. These benefits will save you money on your energy costs.
- Increases the value of the home: Not only does a skylight look sleek and stylish, but it also adds value to your home.
- Feels more spacious: Installing a skylight will make the room seem larger than it is.
Disadvantages of Skylights
Making any structural change to your home can cause potential problems. You need to enlist the help of professionals that know what they are doing.
Some pitfalls to look out for include:
- Warranties: Make sure that the work comes with a warranty. If the skylight is poorly installed, it can leak or cause other problems.
- Installing them incorrectly or in the wrong place: Proper installation and proper placement are key to get the most out of your skylight. That’s why it’s vital to contact an expert before you decide where to place your skylight.
- Choosing the wrong professional: Anyone can call themselves an expert, but if they don’t know what they are doing you could find yourself spending extra money on ceiling repairs. Always opt for professionals who have experience with skylight installations.
- DIY: This is a job that’s best left to the experts. Skylight installations require expert knowledge so this is not a suitable DIY project.
- Replacement costs: If you have to remove or repair shoddy workmanship, the entire project will end up costing you even more money. Don’t be tempted by low prices. Do your research and choose a real expert.
Even though there are disadvantages, the advantages outweigh them. If you lookout for the pitfalls and rely on experts that you can trust, there is no reason why your home shouldn’t benefit from installing a skylight.
Consider the Sun
When deciding to install a skylight, it’s important to think about where it will be placed. The sun moves around as the earth turns. A sloping roof could let in too much light or cause the room to overheat.
A North-facing skylight will only allow in a small amount of light and won’t bathe the room in sunlight. Don’t forget to consider your furniture and carpets. Upholstery and carpets that are exposed to direct sunlight may wear and fade over time.
If this is a problem in your home, opt for additional shading such as horizontal curtains. Some skylights can be installed with bronze-tinted glass to block out more UV light and stop your items from being damaged.
Additionally, if glare is a problem your skylight can be treated with a special glaze that helps minimize this effect. Try to install the skylight in a way that it aligns with the opening of a window or door. This will increase the amount of light that enters the room.
Types of Skylights
There are two main types of skylights: curb-mounted or deck-mounted. A curb-mounted skylight requires a box structure for the unit to be fitted into. These are easier to replace in case it leaks.
Deck-mounted skylights have a more modern design and a much lower profile. There is no additional structure that sits beneath them. This placement makes them more energy efficient.
Flashing the Skylight
The skylight needs to be flashed to the roof to ensure that it doesn’t leak. With harsh weather and everyday wear and tear, the flashing may need to be repeated at least every two to three years. There are a number of flashing kits available on the market.
Waterproof flashing can be attached to the flashing kit. This will help keep the water from pooling around the flashing and causing more damage.
Final Thoughts
A great way to add value to your home is to install a skylight. If you have a dark room with poor ventilation a skylight will be the perfect solution to bring in some much-needed light.
Make sure to call a professional and watch out for shoddy workmanship.
