What to Consider When Installing Skylights

Are you considering adding skylights, sometimes referred to as roofing skylights, into your home? This is a popular design option for bringing natural light to buildings. Not only does it bring light to a room, but it adds style, ventilation, and saves energy. Before installing a skylight, there are a few important things you should consider.

Pros and Cons of Skylights

Skylight additions are not simply windows added to your home. They are structural changes that will enhance its design and value. There are pros and cons to adding a skylight to your roof. Here are some important factors to consider before making your decision:

Pros

· Adds natural light 

· Rooms appear larger

· Saves energy

· Attractive views

· Ventilation 

Cons

· Time 

· Finding a contractor

Although time is in the “cons” section for skylight installation, any renovation in your home would require this. Since skylights are meant to add value to your home this could be considered an investment.  

Skylight Benefits

A skylight project addition is meant to increase your home’s value. Houses with these cosmetic changes pique the interest of home buyers because of the attractive atmosphere it creates. You can capture the daylight and welcome fresh air into your home. 

Makes a Room Feel Spacious

Darker rooms without windows or proper ventilation feel smaller and confined compared to those with them and a lot of natural lighting. Skylights amplify the amount of natural light entering a space, reducing the need for artificial lights. They also increase visibility to the outside world in rooms that lack many windows. 

Windows Add Lighting

Adding natural lighting to a room improves your health and increases the value of a building. Natural light can elevate your mood and change the way you feel compared to a darker room that would normally feel gloomy. So, not only does it add light and style to a room, but it offers health benefits and improves your energy levels. 

Types of Homes Skylights That Work Best In

Deciding on whether your roof can effectively insert a skylight depends on the condition and style of your home. If you have an older home your skylight contractor may recommend new cut-ins, as they determine what shingles need to be removed and replaced. It is best to consult with professional skylight contractors who can inspect your roof and detect what work needs to be done. 

How Rates are Calculated

Rates vary depending on whether it is a new cut-in, repair, or replacement.  The cost can be thousands of dollars or less than that depending on the materials used and the time for installation. The size, shape, and type that you install have the biggest impact on cost.

Determine Length of the Project

The contractor you work with should be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take to install a skylight. You can work with them to schedule a time for the installation that best suits your schedule. Oftentimes, skylight installations are scheduled in advance, depending on the number of projects the contractor already has. So, it’s best to prepare ahead of time and schedule your installation as soon as possible to avoid long waiting periods. 

Maintenance Behind Skylights

Like most windows, skylights require maintenance and cleaning. You must clean them with specific materials like soft rags with a lint-free cloth or nonabrasive sponges. You might need to use a ladder if it is in a high area. If there are any damages or parts you cannot properly clean, you might need to call a skylight repair company. 

How It Will Affect Your Home Long-Term

In the long-term, skylight installations will benefit your home value and design. The maintenance required for skylights includes regular cleaning and periodic inspections so that it will last as long as possible, as well as be safe and secure. For the best information about skylights and whether they are a good fit for you, contact a skylight contractor who will give you a consultation. 

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