6 Important Things You Should Know About Installing A Skylight

There is no form of artificial light that compares to a source of natural light in the home

. Plenty of sunlight can beam in through regular windows but a skylight is a wonderful source of natural light that also adds beauty and interest to a room. Skylights involve essentially the same process as installing any window, though there may be extra steps involved in the framing and sealing of a skylight. Skylights are relatively inexpensive to install, costing about the same as a traditional picture or bay window but they are often considered a prominent feature of a home. Whether you choose to install a skylight on your own or hire a contractor to do it, there are a few things you should know before the project gets underway.

Choosing the Best Style

Choose your skylight carefully. Unlike flooring, countertops, and toilets which can be changed easily enough, skylight installation involves quite a bit of work and structure modification that dictates the longevity of its existence in your home. Consider the kind of skylight you want carefully. Keep in mind that while bubble lights or domes may be inexpensive and still let light in, you can't see out of them. Stationary skylights allow you to see out clearly, just as you would any window but you'll want to use low-E glass to minimize heat in the summer. Also consider if you want the high-end variety of skylights which have venetian blinds built in; they open and close to allow ventilation and are controlled by remote device. Choose the type you like best as it will be there for a long time.

Choosing the Best Location

Another important consideration of skylight installation is location. Though you can put a skylight in any room, kitchens, great rooms and master suites are the most prominent locations. Choose a room where the added light is not only useful but where you will get the most enjoyment out of the skylight. Regardless of which room gets the pleasure of a skylight, you want to make certain that everything is structurally sound and that any modifications made to the ceiling, attic and roof are properly reinforced. Depending on the style of your home, this could involve adding extra support to the trusses or ceiling joists.

Avoiding Leaks and Cracks

Maintaining structural integrity is vital to the stress points of the surrounding areas as well as to the skylight itself. Keep in mind that installing a skylight involves cutting a hole in your ceiling and roof. You will want to make sure the roof is properly repaired around the finished skylight, the flashing is properly installed, and any necessary caulking is adequately performed. The extra cautionary measures put in place during installation can save you costly repairs caused by leaks later.

Choosing a Contractor

If you have basic knowledge of construction, you can install a skylight on your own. If you are uncomfortable with the idea or unsure of the structural soundness of your home's attic, you should hire a contractor. Hiring a contractor may be more expensive but you are getting the reassurance that the job is done right without compromising existing structural components or the performance of your new skylight. Choose a contractor who specializes in windows or roofing, and one who has a reputable business history.

Energy Efficiency and Maintenance

Other factors to keep in mind before installing a skylight are energy efficiency and maintenance. As previously stated, a fixed skylight will allow heat to enter the home in the form of direct sunlight. Make sure to install a window with energy-efficient glass (such as low-E) to minimize this effect.

Consider the outside environment as well. If there are a lot of trees around your home and debris often falls on your roof, that same debris will be much more noticeable from the inside when it lands on your window. The rain cleans much of the outside of a skylight but the inside part can be a challenge. Keep in mind that the well will need routine dusting for cobwebs and the glass will need to be cleaned a couple times each year. Cleaning a skylight, especially in a vaulted ceiling, requires agility. Remember you can always hire someone to clean it if you are unable or unwilling.

A properly installed skylight can add value to your home while bringing in extra light that creates a sense of openness. By selecting the right window and installation method for your home, you can transform a part of your home into a much more enjoyable space.

by: Susan Hu.

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