Factors To Consider When Installing A Home Skylight
Posted on: 11 August 2023
Installing a skylight is a great way to improve your house's interior design and make it more comfortable. But to get the most from the installation, consider several factors outlined below.
Needs
Consider what you want from the skylight before choosing a specific model. Will you be happy with extra daylight streaming into your home, or do you also want the chance to open it for fresh air? A fixed skylight offers extra light, while a ventilating skylight can be opened.
You might also want to brighten up a room that doesn't have access to the roof. In that case, you can fit a sun tunnel, which uses reflective tubing that can be channelled to capture daylight in other ways. A sun tunnel is fixed and consists of a small dome.
Roofing
The roof is another factor to consider, as it will influence the appropriate model. If the roof is flat, you may need to install a skylight with a kerb to prevent rainwater from pooling around it. On the other hand, if the house's roof is pitched, the skylight must suit that angle.
The condition of the roof is also crucial; it needs to be in sound condition to bear the skylight's weight. Otherwise, it may need repairing beforehand.
Location
The skylight's location and the sun's angle will influence the light that enters your home. If you fit an eastward-facing skylight, you will enjoy the morning sunshine, whereas a westward-facing skylight will capture the afternoon sun. Often, a north-facing skylight will bring in the most consistent sunlight.
Consider if any trees or buildings will put the skylight in shadow at certain times of the day. Remember also that the sun's angle is different in summer than in winter, which will affect the amount of light captured by the skylight.
Glazing
The skylights' glazing will influence the quality of the incoming light. Transparent glass doesn't block the light flow, which may be what you want. However, you can soften the light with tinted or frosted glass to reduce glare. Depending on the structure of the skylight and how it was fitted, it may have a ceiling diffuser to scatter and soften the light.
Compliance
The installation of skylights is regulated by building codes, which your installer will be familiar with, and it will need to be compliant. Additionally, you may need a permit from your local council to install a skylight. Your installer can help you manage any approval process.
Contact a professional to learn more about skylights.
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