Contemporary skylight showcasing a clear blue sky and a single cloud reflection.
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There are many reasons why adding a skylight in a house is a great idea. It is a custom feature that adds appeal and function, and there’s no doubt that it is a good investment. In this article, we will discuss the different kinds of skylights, the benefits they offer, the cost of skylight installation, and much more.

What is a Skylight?

Contemporary skylight showcasing a clear blue sky and a single cloud reflection.

A skylight is a structure in a room that is best described as a window built into the ceiling of the roof. Skylights allow natural light to flow into a room, and some models offer ventilation. Skylights can be installed in any room and are mostly made from glass, plastic, or fiberglass. They are a unique feature to have in your home and offer a range of benefits.

Different Types of Skylights

There is plenty of variety when it comes to skylights, and you can customize the shape and size of your skylight to suit the room and your needs. They can be circular, rectangular, square, or tubular and can be fixed or manual.

  • Fixed skylights – These skylights are sealed and cannot be opened. So they serve more of an aesthetic purpose but also offer energy savings and allow natural light to enter the room. These skylights are the most common kind of skylights on the market.
  • Manual skylights – A skylight with a manual mechanism that allows you to open and close it by either using a motor or a lever is called a manual skylight. The advantage of this kind of skylight is that it provides an additional benefit of ventilation.
  • Tubular skylights – These types of skylights are ideal for small areas in your home, such as a bathroom or laundry room. This is because tubular ceiling skylights are compact and don’t take up much room in the ceiling. Due to their tunnel shape, they can effectively draw light into the room easily.

Benefits of Skylights

Skylights offer great aesthetic value. They are stylish and modern and come with a host of benefits that make them worth considering for your custom home. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy by installing a skylight.

Natural light does wonders for a home. It instantly brightens the mood of the room and connects you to the natural world outdoors. Many studies show the link between natural light and overall well-being. Natural light also makes a room feel more spacious. With a skylight, you can increase natural light in your home without sacrificing privacy.

By utilizing the natural light from the sun, you can reduce your use of artificial lighting, which will result in energy savings for your household. Also, during winter months, ceiling skylights allow heat from the sun to warm your home naturally. This reduces your need to use artificial heating. In the summertime, vented skylights can offer ventilation that cools your house.

Installing a skylight adds value to your property. It enhances the overall aesthetic of your home and contributes to its energy efficiency, which are things that potential buyers find appealing. Skylights also improve natural ventilation, which improves your indoor air quality and helps promote a moisture-free home. Additionally, skylights are a lifestyle upgrade that makes a home feel more luxurious.

The natural light that enters your home through a skylight makes your home look brighter, more appealing, and more spacious. Potential buyers want a home that looks beautiful and modern, and skylights provide just that. They can make a dark room, ie. an attic, look and feel more inviting and cozy. Natural light does wonders and shows off the different elements of a room.

Considerations Before Installing a Skylight

Spacious kitchen with skylights, plants, and wooden decor, creating a calming natural ambiance.

It’s important to ensure that you have a good understanding of skylight installation and what aspects of your home influence the installation process.

Before installing a skylight, you will need to ensure that your roof is in good condition and that any repairs that are needed i.e., replacing shingles, are done first. Improving the roof’s condition may result in additional costs and delay the skylight installation until the roof is ready.

The type of roof that you have will determine the installation plan. The best type of roof for skylight installation is stick-framed roofs. They offer a smooth and easy installation. The most complicated roof to install a skylight on is a truss-framed roof.

Have your roof inspected to ensure that it has the right slope for a skylight. Steep roofs can make it more difficult to install the skylight. An experienced contractor can determine the best installation plan for your roof slope.

Where you plan to place your skylight will have an impact on the installation process and the cost. Choose a location that allows you to experience the full benefits of the skylight. Also consider sunlight exposure and the function of the room.

Think about the local climate when considering a skylight for your home. Consider skylights that are impact-resistant to withstand extreme weather like strong winds or hail. Factor in the heat gain and heat loss, and select skylights that are well-insulated and offer good energy efficiency.

There are local regulations that govern the installation of skylights on roofs, which vary depending on your location. So before you move forward with installation, be sure to check with your local building department to find out what the requirements are for skylight installation in your area.

The two main types of mounting options for skylights are curb mount and deck mount. Curb mount is the most popular of the two, where the skylight is installed on a raised frame that is built into the roof. It’s a popular choice because it offers greater versatility. While it can be installed on various types of roofs, it’s most ideal for flat or low-pitch roofs. Deck mount skylights do not come with a frame and are installed directly onto the roof surface. These are perfect for new construction, but also can be added to an existing home. They do require more labour and are more aesthetically pleasing than curb mount skylights.

For the best outcome, you’ll need to regularly clean your skylights and conduct inspections to make sure that they remain securely positioned and performing optimally. The cleaning includes cleaning the glass, frame, and checking for leaks or signs of any damage. Skylights should be cleaned at least once or twice a year with a soft cloth or nonabrasive sponge.

Skylight Installation Costs

In general, installing a skylight costs anywhere from $1,000 to $2,700. Manual skylines cost a little bit more than fixed ones. The cost of your skylight will be impacted by the type and size of your skylight, with larger ones costing more than smaller ones. The complexity of the installation is influenced by the type and condition of your roof and the structural work required to update your roof to support the skylight. Depending on the location of your skylight, you may need a permit.

Installing Skylight on Your Own vs Hiring a Professional

Many DIYers get satisfaction from completing home improvement projects on their own. However, skylight installation is a very complex project that requires immense skill and care. Measurements must be precise, roof prep must be done properly, and the appropriate tools and equipment must be used. Waterproofing and insulation also need to be carried out correctly. The installation process requires more than one person to do the job. It is also dangerous, so we recommend hiring a professional who knows how to install a skylight.

How Long Do Skylights Last?

Generally, skylights last anywhere from 15 to 30 years if they are well-maintained. However, several factors can influence their longevity.

  • Material – A skylight window made of glass, particularly tempered or laminated glass, tends to have a longer lifespan and UV-resistant properties. This makes it outlast skylights that are made of acrylic or polycarbonate.
  • Installation – Hiring a professional who knows how to install a skylight properly makes all the difference. This will guarantee that it is fastened securely, which can lead to a longer lifespan.
  • Maintenance – As mentioned earlier, skylights need proper maintenance to address any issues that may balloon into larger issues and compromise the performance and lifespan of your skylights.
  • Environmental Conditions – If you are located in an area where strong winds, heavy rain, or hail occur, the lifespan of your skylight may be shorter.
  • Type of Skylight – Since fixed skylights do not open and don’t have additional mechanism parts to allow for the opening and closing, they tend to last longer than vented skylights, which are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Disadvantages of Skylights

While there are many advantages to a skylight roof, it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of as you consider skylights for your custom home. These disadvantages are:

Leaks

This is particularly an issue if the skylight is not installed properly or maintained well. However, in general, having a skylight on your roof does increase the chances of leaks. These leaks can cause damage, lead to the growth of mold, and compromise the structural integrity of the home. So it’s crucial that skylight installation includes sealing and flashing.

Higher Energy Costs

Allowing more light into your home can be a double-edged sword, as you may need to use more energy during the summertime to keep the room cool and comfortable. In the wintertime, you may experience some heat loss through your skylights.

Skylights have energy ratings. The rating, size, and placement of your skylight will determine how much heat gain or heat loss your home will experience. Additionally, the quality of the installation will also play a role in the amount of heat transfer.

UV Damage

Intense UV rays from the sun can damage furniture and other fixtures in your home. A good way to prevent this from happening is to install shades, screens, or use UV protective coatings that protect your home’s interior.

Glare

Large skylights or ones placed in the wrong area can cause glare and over-lighting. It’s vital to carefully consider the placement of your skylights and ensure that they are not too large. Otherwise, the room may feel very uncomfortable at certain times of the day.

Skylight Installation Cost

Installing a skylight can be expensive, and you’ll also need to consider the maintenance expenses. In some cases, skylights can increase your insurance premiums, and if leaks occur, repairs can be costly.

Let’s Install Skylights in Your Custom Home Today

A custom skylight could be just what your home needs to elevate the mood, improve its energy efficiency and ventilation, and enhance the overall appeal and value of your home. We’ll help you explore different skylight options and provide proper installation.

Get in touch today and let’s discuss adding this unique feature to your home!

FAQs

Generally, a standard installation using a plaster shaft can take approximately 4 days to install. This does not include drying time. For a simple skylight installation, the time may be as short as 2 to 3 hours. How long it will take depends on the weather, the roof pitch, and whether you need a light shaft.

Yes. Skylights are a great way to enhance rooms, introduce more natural light into your home, and increase its value.

It depends on your home insurance policy. While some home insurers do cover damage resulting from a leaky skylight, if the problem was caused by wear and tear or the lack of maintenance, it may not be covered. It’s essential to check with your insurance company to be sure.