What Should I Know Before Installing Skylights?

Skylights add natural light (goodbye light bulbs!)

Say goodbye to your light bulbs during the day. Your skylight lets natural sunlight into your home, even when the sky is cloudy. As a result, you won’t need to use your lights very often because the natural light is so bright. This brightness will potentially help you save money on your energy bills.

Skylights can make a room feel larger.

Skylights can transform any room, but they are especially effective when they are installed in smaller spaces. If the room is in the smaller size, allowing natural light into the ceiling creates a sense of openness. Townhomes and multifamily units with only front and rear windows may be particularly affected by this effect.

The direction of skylights affects energy efficiency.

Light and heat are most abundant in skylights facing east at sunrise and lowest in skylights facing west at sunset—the least amount of light and heat results from skylights facing west in the afternoon and early evening. The south-facing skylight will allow the most sunlight to enter your room but will also transmit more heat. Rooms with south-facing skylights may overheat more quickly. 

Get the most out of the directions! When living in a colder climate, you might consider installing a south-facing skylight. You could always add shade during the summer!

You can’t put skylights just anywhere.

Maintaining your home’s structural integrity is vital. You’ll want to make sure skylights are placed correctly in the room. Otherwise, they won’t look great! Identify the safest places to install skylights on the roof with the help of a qualified roofing contractor. 

Skylights can impact your mood.

With daylight savings ending in November, we are exposed to less sunlight. This can result in fatigue, sleep problems, low energy, and weakened concentration, in addition to many other symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

It’s important to note that SAD isn’t only an issue in the fall and winter, but less sunlight, anytime during the year, affects the production of melatonin and serotonin in the body. Skylights can help mitigate the effects of minimal sun exposure on cloudy days, as suggested earlier in the article.  

Types of Skylights

Flat vs. domed.

In terms of cost and ease of installation, flat glass is the most popular. Occasionally, slightly curved glass is used to prevent rainwater from setting on flat roofs and causing puddles. 

Fixed vs. vented.

It is not possible to open or close fixed skylights. You can use these in places where natural lighting is all you need, and air circulation or ventilation is not an issue. The installation of a venting skylight is highly recommended in bathrooms and other locations where moisture accumulates in the air. This allows for the quick release of water and prevents condensation from ruining paint or interior surfaces.

Solar-powered venting skylights are available, as are electric venting skylights and manually operated venting skylights. With the solar and electric ones, there is a remote control, as well as a rain sensor that closes them when it starts raining. You can improve the indoor air quality in your home by installing venting skylights. In 2021, a federal tax credit of 26% can be claimed on the entire cost of supplying and installing a solar-powered skylight.

Glass vs. plastic

In terms of strength, glass is a better choice than plastic or acrylic domes. In commercial applications, glass is ineffective on domed skylights because of the curvature. Plastic or acrylic is typically used instead. The glass made by Velux is cool! Check it out!

Shades & accessories

Light-filtering and blackout blinds are available in multiple colors for any standard-sized skylight. Solar panels are attached to the outside of the skylights, allowing them to be powered by remote control. By using these shades, skylights become more efficient and easy to use, as they can be used for privacy as well as to block or shade sunlight to change the mood or temperature of a room. In addition to the 26% federal tax credit that is available in 2023, your solar-powered blind must be installed on one of your fixed skylights (fixed or vented).

Quality matters

Your roofing professional will be able to advise on the best skylight option that meets your needs and budget. They will also be able to provide recommendations on the type of skylight that will best suit your home and climate, considering factors such as size, shape, materials, and installation techniques that can affect energy efficiency, noise reduction, and water tightness.

What about sun tunnels?

An exterior dome shape of a sun tunnel captures light and magnifies it, adding natural light to your home. After passing through the tube, the light enters the light diffuser. A flat-surfaced sun tunnel is constructed of glass flush with the roof line. Glass options are typically less energy efficient and don’t allow as much light.

In contrast to skylights, sun tunnels do not provide a direct view of the outside. Nonetheless, sun tunnels are ideal for areas that are dimly lit, such as hallways, bathrooms, and closets. 

The sun tunnel is not as large as a skylight, so you may be able to save some money on labor costs by installing it yourself!

It’s cost-effective to get natural sunlight into these areas with Sun Tunnels, especially if you ordered a solar-powered night light to qualify for a 26% tax credit in 2023.

Talk to Sugar Land Premier Roofing!

Sugar Land Premier Roofing provides both residential and commercial roofing services in Sugar Land, Katy, Fresno, and Houston, TX. If skylights and sun tunnels are suitable for your roof, we would be happy to inspect them and provide you with a detailed quote. Contact Sugar Land Premier Roofing at 832-639-1299.