6 Things You Need to Know About Installing Skylights

A skylight can be a great addition to a home. Not only does it add natural light and ventilation, but it can also be a source of added insulation in the winter and cooling in the summer. But before you go out and buy one, there are some things you need to know. Here are six tips for installing skylights that will meet your needs and enhance your home.

1. Skylights can provide natural light and ventilation to your home

Skylights are a great way to add natural light and ventilation to your home. Unlike traditional windows, skylights are installed on the roof, allowing them to capture sunlight from above. This can help to brighten up dark rooms and reduce the need for artificial lighting. In addition, skylights can be opened to provide ventilation, helping to clear out stale air and keep your home feeling fresh. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra light and freshness to your home, skylights are a great option.

2. They can improve the energy efficiency of your home by reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling

Most of us are familiar with the feeling of coming home after a long day to a stuffy, dark house. Not only is it unpleasant to enter a hot, stuffy space, but it can also be a drain on your energy bill as you turn on the lights and the AC. Skylights are an easy way to brighten up your home and improve its energy efficiency. By letting in natural light, skylights can reduce the need for artificial lighting, saving you money on your electric bill. In addition, skylights can help to regulate the temperature of your home by admitting cooler air in the summer and trapping warm air in the winter. As a result, skylights can help you save money on both your heating and cooling bills. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your home or save some money on your energy bill, skylights are worth considering.

3. There are a variety of skylight designs to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs and style

There are four main types of skylights: fixed, ventilating, tubular, and solar-powered. Fixed skylights are stationary and do not open or close. Ventilating skylights can be opened to allow fresh air into your home. Tubular skylights are small in diameter and are designed to let light into small spaces, such as closets or hallways. Solar-powered skylights use solar panels to collect energy from the sun, which is then used to power a light inside the skylight. 

Now that you know about the different types of skylights, you need to decide which one is right for your home. The first thing you need to consider is the location of the skylight. Skylights can be installed in any room in your home, but they are most commonly installed in the kitchen or bathroom. If you live in a hot climate, like Florida, you may want to avoid installing a skylight in an attic or other area that gets direct sunlight, as it will make the space very hot. 

Another thing to consider is the type of roof you have. If you have a sloped roof, you will need a special flashing kit to install a skylight. This flashing kit helps prevent leaks around the edge of the skylight opening. If you have a flat roof, you can install a “curbside” skylight, which sits on top of your roof like a normal window. 

The last thing to consider is the style of your home. There are many different styles of skylights to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs and style. For example, if you have a modern home, you may want a sleek and simple design. If you have a more traditional home, there are many options available with wood frames and glass panes. No matter what your style is, there is sure to be a skylight that will fit right in. 

4. Installation is usually a do-it-yourself project, but you may want to hire a professional if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects

Skylights are a great way to let natural light into your home and can even help save on energy costs. You might be tempted to install a skylight as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project but, depending on your comfort level with home improvement projects, you may want to hire a professional. Here are a few things to consider before taking on this project yourself.

Cost

The cost of materials for a DIY skylight installation is relatively inexpensive—you can expect to pay around $100 for the skylight, flashing kit, and sealant. Hiring a professional will obviously cost more but, depending on the size and type of skylight you need to be installed, it may not be as much as you think. A basic skylight installation costs an average of $400-$500 but, if your roof isn’t structurally sound or if you need other repairs done at the same time, those costs can increase significantly. 

Time Commitment

Installing a skylight is not a quick project—it’s important to factor in the time commitment involved before deciding whether or not to do it yourself. The actual installation process usually takes around 4 hours but that doesn’t include time spent on roof repairs (if needed), cleanup, or dealing with any unforeseen issues that may arise. If your time is limited or you’re not confident in your ability to complete the project in a timely manner, hiring a professional might be your best option. 

Skill Level

Many DIYers are perfectly capable of installing their own skylights but there are some potential pitfalls that come with the territory. If your roof isn’t properly ventilated, for example, condensation can build up inside the skylight and cause damage to both the skylight and your roof. There’s also the possibility of leaks developing if the skylight isn’t installed correctly. And, if you’re not comfortable working on your roof, it’s probably best to leave this one to the professionals. 

5. Skylights can add value to your home if you ever decide to sell it

There are several reasons why skylights can increase the value of your home. First, they add natural light, which makes rooms feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. Second, they provide ventilation and can help improve air quality by reducing indoor pollutants. Third, they can help reduce energy costs by reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating/cooling. All of these factors combine to make skylights a valuable addition to any home.

When choosing a skylight for your home, it’s important to select one that is energy-efficient and will work well with your existing HVAC system. You’ll also want to consider the size, location, and style of the skylight to make sure it complements your home’s design. Once you’ve found the perfect skylight, simply have it installed by a professional contractor and enjoy the increased value of your home.

6. Keep in mind that skylights may require additional maintenance, such as cleaning or repairs

If you are considering adding a skylight to your home, it is important to be aware of the potential maintenance requirements. Skylights may require additional cleaning or repairs from time to time, and it is important to be prepared for these potential needs. 

Cleaning Requirements

One of the most common maintenance tasks associated with skylights is cleaning. Skylights are exposed to the elements and can become dirty over time. Depending on the location of your skylight, you may need to clean it more or less often. For example, if your skylight is located in an area that is prone to dust, you will likely need to clean it more frequently than if it were located in an area that does not have as much dust. 

In most cases, you can clean your skylight with a mild soap and water solution. You may also need a ladder in order to reach the skylight. For safety purposes, it is always best to have someone else hold the ladder while you are cleaning the skylight. 

Repair Requirements

Another potential maintenance requirement of skylights is repairs. Skylights are subject to wear and tear like any other part of your home, and they may eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Some common repair needs include fixing leaks, replacing broken glass, and repairing damaged frames. 

If you do experience a problem with your skylight, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage. In some cases, repairs can be made by a qualified handyman or another type of contractor. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire skylight. 

If you’re considering adding a skylight to your home, these are six important factors you need to keep in mind. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of skylights, you can make an informed decision about whether they’re right for your home.