Construction & Contractors Blog
Adding skylight windows to your home can drastically enhance the quality of lighting inside a room or living space while reducing your lighting expenses significantly. These windows can also improve ventilation inside the home by letting heat out during warmer months of the year. This helps to reduce the cost of running an air conditioning system.
A skylight can be a complex addition to your home. Taking time to properly plan for skylight installation will ensure you get the most out of your new windows. Here are some important considerations to make before you start the project.
Glazing
Although other glazing options may be used for solar lighting and heat control, skylight glazing is often either glass or plastic. Each glazing option has unique qualities, pros and cons that should be carefully considered before making a final purchase decision.
The ultimate choice will depend on a variety of factors including:
You don't have to choose the same kind of glazing for skylights located in different locations throughout your home. Match your glazing to every skylight location.
Size
Skylights are available in a wide range of sizes to suit the needs of different homes. Choosing the right size of skylights for your home is essential for getting the best results from your skylight installation.
Don't skimp on size because you're afraid that larger windows will be expensive to install. Going too small may prove counterproductive because smaller windows may not admit enough natural light into your living space.
Operation and Use
In terms of operation and use, skylight windows are available as either fixed or vented units. Fixed units are designed to always remain closed. They transmit only light and don't promote ventilation. Because of these two features, they're generally a better choice for houses that are already well-ventilated but require additional lighting.
Vented units, on the other hand, are ideal for use in situations where both natural lighting and air circulation are desired. Due to their operable design, these skylights are generally less energy-efficient and more at risk of leaks than their fixed cousins.
Installing a skylight isn't as simple as cutting a hole in any part of the roof to fit a new window. The placement of your rafters often determines where a skylight can be fitted and where it can't be fitted. Having copies of the blueprints for your house can help you keep a space plan for the job. Also, keep in mind that truss-framed roofs are less than ideal for skylight installation because they aren't designed to be cut once installed.
Share24 September 2020
Hello, my name is Colin and this is my construction blog. When people think of the construction industry, they often just imagine guys in hard hats building brick walls. While this is a popular image of the industry, it doesn't reflect the true diversity of different contractors and tradesmen who are involved in a construction project. Lasy year, my wife and I decided to construct our dream home. I had to arrange visits of plumbers, roofers, electricians, surveyors and home builders in order to get the job done. I learnt a lot during that experience, so I decided to start this blog.