There is no alternative to the benefits of natural light! In fact, studies show that exposure to natural light can increase happiness, improve sleep, and even boost your mood. One of the most effective ways to bring natural light into your home is through skylights.
They not only brighten up your living space but also create a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. Skylights can bring a touch of magic to any room, letting in natural light and giving you a view of the stars at night.
If you are looking to install a new skylight, you are in the right place. In this blog post, we will talk about everything you should know before you move ahead with your skylight installation project.
What Is A Skylight?
A skylight is a type of window specifically designed to be installed in a roof or ceiling, allowing natural light and fresh air to enter a space from above. These architectural features can significantly enhance the aesthetics and ambiance of a room by creating a brighter, more open environment. Skylights come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, including fixed, tubular, and operable options (more on this later), enabling homeowners to choose designs that best suit their needs and preference
Types of Skylights
Before installing skylights in your homes, it’s a good idea to know your options. Here are the top types of skylights you can choose from:
1. Fixed Skylights
Fixed skylights are non-operable skylights designed mainly for bringing natural light into your home. As the name suggests, they will remain fixed, i.e. closed, and can not be opened for air circulation. They are usually installed in areas where extra light is needed but do not necessarily need extra ventilation, like living rooms, hallways, and staircases.
Known for their simpler installation and easy maintenance, fixed skylights are the most commonly used skylights in Wisconsin homes. They are also more affordable, easy to install, and can be found in multiple different shapes, sizes, and designs.
2. Vented Skylights
Unlike fixed skylights, you can use vented skylights to let in both natural light and fresh air into your home. Ideal for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and attics, these skylights can be opened to regulate indoor temperatures, reduce humidity, improve air quality, and increase comfort inside your home.
Due to their multipurpose uses, vented skylights can be found in manual, electric, and solar-powered models, which can help you to easily open or close it with minimal effort. Some vented skylights even feature rain sensors that can automatically close when they detect moisture on their surface, making them easy to maintain in any weather conditions.
3. Tubular Skylights
Tubular skylights, also known as solar tubes, are an energy-efficient way to bring natural sunlight into your home. Designed with a dome-like structure, these skylights are made of glass and capture sunlight and reflect it into the home, where it is diffused throughout the room.
A tubular skylight is perfect for areas like hallways, bathrooms, and closets, where installing a bigger skylight is difficult. These skylights are easy to install and do not require major alternations on your roof.
4. Customized Skylights
If you want a specific skylight, depending upon your taste, design, or requirement of the house, you can always opt for a customized skylight design that will enhance the curb appeal of your home. Unlike other skylights, these will be more expensive due to the time required for manufacturing and installation.
Pros and Cons of Skylight Installation
Before introducing any new feature into your home, you should be aware of the pros and cons of the product. In this section, we will go over some of the positives and negatives of installing a skylight.
Pros of Skylights
1. Good For The Indoors
One of the best things about skylights is their ability to transform a home by inviting natural light in. Skylights can make your home feel bigger and open due to the flooding of sunlight throughout the day. You may also feel more connected to nature, even though you are inside your home.
2. Good For Your Wallet
When you install a skylight in your home, the increased natural sunlight may help you save on your energy bill by lowering the need for artificial light. Plus, skylights can help warm up your room in winter, which might mean using less heat.
3. Good For Your Lungs
When you use vented skylights on your roof, you can open and close them whenever needed. This will not only invite sunlight in during the day but also maintain a fresh flow of air into the room. This is great for getting rid of cooking smells or just airing out a stuffy room.
4. Good For Curl Appeal
Skylights are an easy way to improve your home’s look and feel. They bring in natural light, making rooms feel brighter, more open, and inviting. Skylights also offer a unique connection to the outdoors, letting you enjoy views of the sky, clouds, or stars without leaving the room. With different styles and sizes available, skylights can fit any home, whether your design is modern or traditional. Plus, the natural light they provide highlights your home’s colors and decor, giving everything a fresh, vibrant feel. Skylights add beauty and warmth to your space effortlessly.
Cons of Skylights
1. Installation Costs
One of the cons of skylights is their cost. Installing a skylight on your roof can be a costly affair. Choosing the right skylight and hiring experienced professionals for the installation can be expensive upfront.
2. Leaks and Repairs
While installing a skylight, you have to keep an eye on the process. If a skylight isn’t installed properly, it might leak during heavy rain or snowfall. A leak can cause water damage to your ceiling and walls, which can be expensive to fix.
3. Too Much Heat
In summer, skylights can let in a lot of heat. This might make your room too hot and force you to use more air conditioning. Some people add shades to their skylights to help with this problem.
Choosing the Right Skylight
Picking the right skylight for your home is important. Here are some things to think about when deciding:
1. Your Climate
If you live in an area with hot summers, you might need to install a skylight with coated glass that blocks heat to help maintain a cooler atmosphere. Similarly, if you live in a colder or snowy place, you might need a skylight with gas-filled glass to help you keep heat inside your home.
2. Type Of Room
Choose skylights depending on their use and where you are planning to install them. A bedroom might benefit from a skylight that can open for fresh air, while a living room might be fine with a fixed skylight.
3. Roof Type
The shape and slope of your roof can affect what kind of skylight will work best. A flat roof needs a different type of skylight than a sloped one.
4. Size Matters
A skylight that’s too big can let in too much heat and light, while one that’s too small might make little difference. A good rule is to have your skylight be about 5% of the room’s floor area.
5. Energy Efficiency
Look for skylights with good energy ratings. These will help keep your home comfortable without raising your energy bills.
How To Install A Skylight?
Installing a skylight is extremely tedious and should not be done as a DIY project. So, while considering an installment or replacement of a skylight, it is important to seek help from professional contractors.
The initial stage of a skylight installation requires a lot of planning and measuring. You also need to pick the right spot to install the skylight. Then, the professional will mark the area and carefully cut through the roof. Next, the skylight will be placed in the cutout and sealed to prevent leaks. The entire installation process may take a day or two depending on your roof’s structure and the complexity of your project.
How Much Does A Skylight Cost?
Before installing or replacing a skylight, you must know about how much it costs. The average cost to install a skylight can vary depending on the type, size, and locality of the project. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 for a standard skylight installation in Wisconsin, including both materials and labor.
The average cost of a skylight alone can cost you between $200 and $1,300. The price of a basic skylight typically falls on the lower end of that range, while larger or vented skylights can be more expensive than their counterparts. Especially if you are opting for a remote or solar power-controlled skylight, the cost can be higher due to their advanced features.
Installation fees, which cover the labor and any structural modifications, generally range from $500 to $1,000. If you are looking to install skylights in more complex locations like multi-storied homes, the price may rise.
Tips for Maintaining Your Skylight
Every component on your home requires maintenance to run smoothly. Similarly, with skylights, you need to take care of them to prevent premature aging and damage.
Made out of glass, they need regular attention and cleaning. Routinely clean the glass with a non-abrasive cleaner to keep it clean and free of dust and dirt. Make sure to inspect and clean your skylight because any sign of moisture can lead to potential damage to your home. After heavy rainfall, do not forget to inspect the area around your skylight for any signs of leaks. Seasonal maintenance is crucial: remove accumulated leaves in autumn and clear snow buildup in winter to prevent potential damage. Annually, examine the seals to ensure their integrity. For vented skylights, be prepared to replace the weatherstripping every few years.
Remember, proactive maintenance not only preserves your skylight’s functionality but also protects your investment in your home’s natural lighting solution.
Making the Decision
Deciding whether to get a skylight is a big choice. Here are some final thoughts to help you decide:
Budget: Can you afford the installation and potential extra costs?
Home structure: Is your roof suitable for a skylight?
Long-term plans: How long do you plan to stay in your home?
Personal preference: Do you love natural light, or do you prefer a darker room?
Take your time to think it over. Discussing your options with a roofing contractor can help you to make a decision.
Conclusion
Skylights can be a wonderful addition to your home, bringing in light, fresh air, and a touch of the outdoors. They can make your rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting. But they also come with some challenges, like potential leaks and heat issues. If you decide to install a skylight, give us a call at (920) 791-0414. The professionals at Prestige Roofing can help you choose a good-quality skylight and expertly install it. With proper care, a skylight can bring you joy for many years. Give us a call today to get started!