Natural light has the remarkable power to transform a space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home. Adding skylights is an effective way to flood the interior of your home with sunshine, making rooms feel more expansive and alive. In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of adding skylights and key factors to take into consideration when planning out your project.
Increasing Natural Light
One of the most significant advantages is the increased natural light skylights provide. Natural light not only enhances the visual appeal of your interiors but also has numerous health benefits, from boosting your mood and productivity to aiding in the regulation of your circadian rhythm. Allowing more daylight into your home, skylights can help reduce the reliance on artificial lighting during the day, potentially lowering your energy bills.
Structural Integrity of Your Roof
Before embarking on the installation of skylights, one of the primary considerations is the structural integrity of your roof. It’s essential to assess whether your roof can support the additional weight and alterations required for skylight installation. Consulting with a structural engineer or a professional skylight installer, such as us, is a must. It can help you determine the feasibility and necessary reinforcements, if any, to ensure a safe and secure installation.
Choosing the Right Location
As mentioned, selecting the right location for your skylights is important to maximizing their benefit. Start by identifying the areas in your home that would benefit most from additional natural light. Consider the daily activities that take place in these spaces and how increased natural light can improve functionality and comfort.
South-facing skylights will capture the most sunlight, making them ideal for spaces where you want to maximize natural light exposure. However, they can also lead to overheating and glare, so it’s important to incorporate shading solutions like blinds. At Chapman Windows Doors and Siding we carry the Velux Skylight System that combines built in blinds that can be controlled with your phone.
Fixed or Operable
One of your choices is between fixed or operable skylights. With the advancement in technology, we love operable skylights. Velux’s Solar-Powered Fresh Air Skylight System utilizes a solar panel to capture available daylight for opening and closing the skylight. A rain sensor is built in to close the unit if inclement weather arises while you’re away. The skylight also comes with built in room-darkening shade which you can control remotely.
Choosing the Right Size Skylight
One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing the wrong size or type of skylight for your space. Oversized skylights can overwhelm a small room and cause excessive heat gain, while undersized skylights may not provide enough light to achieve the desired effect. Another common mistake is improper installation, which can result in air and water leaks, structural damage, and reduced energy efficiency. By going with a professional company like Chapman Windows Doors & Siding, you can avoid these pitfalls.
