Adding Skylights to My Home
If you live in the Sunshine State, you’ve probably thought about adding a skylight to your home. After all, who doesn’t want to let a little extra light in to brighten up your space? However, installing a skylight is a big project that requires a lot of planning and preparation. That said, if you’re thinking of adding one, here’s what you need to know:
Pros of Skylights
- Skylights provide natural light and ventilation. They can reduce energy costs by increasing the amount of natural light and air in your home.
- Adding skylights to your home can add value, making it easier to sell. They also make a room feel more open and airier.
Cons of Skylights
Skylights are heavy, and they need to be installed properly to avoid any structural damage. A professional will know how to install a skylight so that it doesn’t block other windows or block the roof’s slope.
Types of Skylights
There are several types of skylights, including tubular, fixed dome, and venting skylights.
- Tubular skylights: These are tubes attached to a little wind, which makes use of optical techniques to send light down and into whatever room you place it in. This is a great choice for rooms that don’t have a lot of ceiling space, like pantries or hallways.
- Fixed skylights: Think of this skylight like a roof window that doesn’t open. These skylights are great for adding some extra light to rooms that are already nicely ventilated. They’re also ideal for adding a dramatic flair to your ceilings.
- Ventilating skylights: These skylights are like fixed ones, but they can open to allow airflow! These are ideal for places that could use a little extra ventilation, like kitchens or bathrooms.
There are pros and cons to each of these types to be aware of.
- Ventilating skylights can be noisy. They’re also more expensive than fixed skylights because they need to be able to open. However, they’re perfect for rooms that need more airflow.
- Tubular skylights cost more upfront and may not be worth the investment if your home doesn’t get much sun. They also have a higher risk of leakage. Perfect for tight spaces that need light, though!
- Fixed skylights don’t provide much aside from light. They do make for a wonderful focal point in a room, though, as well as being the most energy-efficient!
DIY? Maybe Not
If you’re installing a DIY skylight, make sure the quality of your product is good enough. You want to make sure that it will last for years to come and won’t cause any problems in your home.
Due to the complications that can come with installing a skylight, it’s highly recommended that you go to a professional rather than DIY. A pro will know if a skylight will even work on your roof, as well as what kind will be best for your needs and how to properly install it. They’ll also be able to guide you through any permit requirements and local code compliance.
Time Commitment
Installing a skylight is a big project that requires lots of planning, but it can be done at any time during the year. You’ll need to consider where you want your new skylight placed, how much natural light it will let into your home, and whether or not there are any trees or buildings in the way of where you want to put it.
Once you’ve decided where exactly you want your new skylight installed and when (or if) it should go up during construction on your house, head over to City Hall and apply for all necessary permits before starting work on the installation itself! You should consult with an expert before starting this project, though, because it does require some planning and care so that everything goes smoothly once construction begins.