Considering A Skylight?

It’s no surprise that as energy prices go up and days are getting shorter, more and more people are drawn to the possibility of a skylight in the kitchen or living area. After all, how better to make the most of natural light, especially as winter approaches? As with every remodel, installing a skylight requires careful consideration and comes with a host of potential issues as well as potential benefits. Here’s a quick summary of how to tackle the task head-on.

Benefits

Are skylights just glorified windows? Maybe, but they let in more light than wall windows and can therefore both reduce your energy bills and increase the value of your property. A few well-positioned skylights can mean you vastly diminish your dependence on electrical lighting in the mornings and afternoons, ultimately reducing your carbon footprint. Natural light is easy on the eyes, has been known to improve mental health and can also help you adjust your internal body clock. In warmer weather, a skylight can contribute to a home’s ventilation, providing fresher air as it opens with a simple twisting mechanism. Another thing to consider - especially for city-dwellers - is that, unlike wall windows, a skylight doesn’t compromise the privacy of your home. What’s more, it can make a room feel more spacious and comfortable overall and it can replace the need for ceiling lighting in hard-to-reach areas.

What's the catch?

Skylight installation is far more serious than window installation and should be treated as such. Finding a service provider you trust is especially important, since you are relying on them to source top-quality materials that have been properly sealed and prepared. One big (yet unavoidable) cost is professional advice. It is important to position your skylight according to your geographical location so that you don’t inadvertently end up increasing cooling costs in summer. Your skylight should be fitted with a proper cover and you should discuss carefully the ease with which you can access the skylight for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Another thing to be advised on is whether to opt for single or double panes or otherwise a glass that will minimise heat loss over winter. For those in the city, minimising noise is another issue. Clearly, putting in a skylight is something which requires extensive work with a contractor.