A skylight is an elegant and efficient way to significantly add natural light to an interior room and increase your home’s resale value, but there are several key things to consider before jumping into a skylight installation project.
Check out this breakdown to learn everything you need to know before installing a skylight.
Consider Your Roof Type
Not all roof types are right for skylights, and you can trust that to be true based on how well it rhymes. You need to be sure your roof can support a skylight, so assess your roof’s frame type. Do you have a stick-framed roof or a truss-framed roof?
- Stick-framed roofs are better suited for skylights as they are comprised of evenly spaced rafters that allow for easy installation and adequate support.
- Truss-framed roofs could be weakened if cut after construction, however, installers may still be willing to put in a smaller skylight.
Contact a roofing expert to determine if your roof is well-suited for a skylight.
Consider a Fixed or Vented Skylight
A couple of skylight types to consider are fixed and vented.
- Fixed skylights are completely sealed, and their sole purpose is to spread sunlight. They are not likely to leak and promote excellent heat retention on sunny winter days.
- Vented skylights can be opened manually or by remote to allow fresh air to flow freely throughout your home. You can even opt for moisture sensors that detect rainfall and automatically close the skylight.
Your regional climate should be a key consideration when choosing the type of skylight that is right for you.
Consider the Location of Your Skylight
Where you put your skylight is a decision determined by several factors:
- You probably want to pick an interior room that receives little to no sunlight.
- North-facing skylights provide balanced light with minimal heat retention while south-facing skylights will retain more heat. If you prefer more light in the morning, an east-facing skylight is the way to go while a west-facing skylight is excellent for afternoon sun and sunsets.
- Avoid placing the skylight in a portion of the roof that could be obstructed by taller, nearby objects (e.g., trees, walls, other houses, or buildings).
- The skylight installer will have to work out which section of the roof in your chosen room meets the slope standards for installation.
Consider the Type of Light Shaft For Your Skylight
The shape of the light shaft will dictate the diffusion of light in a room, so you will want to consider the size of the room, how much natural light it already receives, and the look you want to achieve.
- Flared light shafts allow sunlight to evenly diffuse throughout a room. These are great for rooms with low natural light, or if you want to maximize the existing natural light
- Straight light shafts focus sunlight and are better for flat roofs or roofs with limited space.
Shaftless is an excellent option for tall, steep-sloped roofs and are striking, aesthetic architectural additions that contribute to the illusion of space.
Consider a Skylight Assessment Today
Now that you are well-versed in skylight varieties and roof types, make your home bright by contacting Gurr Brothers Roofing to see if your roof is right for a new skylight!
