Skylights instantly light up your rooms without increasing your energy costs. These can also be installed to provide ventilation or even as decorative additions. Installing skylights or roof windows can prove very beneficial. The main purpose is to lighten up rooms during the day, especially in areas where it is impossible to put windows like attics and stairwells.
There are three main types of skylights:
Fixed Skylights - This is the basic type of skylight. These are purely for lighting purposes. We can find fixed skylights in church domes, attics, stairwells, malls and above indoor pool areas where maximum lighting is sought after. These are fixed or immovable.
Ventilating Skylights - This type has dual purpose. It readily admits light into the room, and when opened, it also facilitates room ventilation. The panes of ventilating skylights can be opened and closed according to need. This type of skylight is usually installed in places where there is moisture build-up like in kitchens and bathrooms. Some attics are also installed with ventilating skylights in order of facilitate air movement. There are manually operated ventilating skylights and there are also skylights that can be operated through the use of a remote control, while some are controlled by heat sensors.
Tubular Skylights - Also known as light tunnels or sun tunnels, these are the most innovative and complicated skylight installations. Precise placement of the tubes and reflectors is important for the skylight to work. Dark closets and kitchens deep into the house can be reached with the tunnel of light. It provides maximum lighting without affecting the heating levels, perfect for areas where lightning is essential like in libraries and kitchens. Skylights installation is complicated and requires the skills and experience of roofers that specializes in skylight installation. Fixed and ordinary ventilating skylights or those that are operated manually can be installed by your regular roofing company. If you prefer the more sophisticated type of ventilating skylights or the tubular skylight, contact their specific installers.
Factors to Consider When Planning on a Skylight
There are no pre manufactured skylights. They are constructed according to the roof, its material, its slope and its orientation to the sun. The type of skylight to be installed should also fit the room to be lighted, the weather and the lighting needs.
The contractor - Make sure that you properly evaluate the roofing contractors that will install your skylight. Referral from your community is the best way to get a good contractor. You can ask around for their reputation and you can also ask for some of their previous works. Good contractors will just be so glad to show you their previous accomplishments. Ask for a quotation on the job and make sure that everything is clearly stated.
The expense - Installing a skylight is very beneficial in the long run as you can lower down your energy cost. But the upfront cost of the installation can be steep. Do not install low quality materials just to lower the cost. This will only mean repairs and additional expenses in the years ahead.
The weather - Determine the weather in your area. The type of skylight to install will depend on the type of weather you have. Consult your roofing contractors for recommendations. Skylights can add tremendous value to your home. There are many options to choose from, but the most important part is to make sure you choose a qualified roofing contractor for your installation.
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1 Responses to "Lighten Up Your Home with Skylights"
Roofer911 says:
September 27, 2013 at 5:30 PM
Immediate Response!
