What You Need to Know Before Installing Skylights

Are there areas in your house that need a little more light? Adding a skylight is one of the best options. It’s a great way to light up a dark space without consuming energy.

But before you start installing a skylight, make sure to do some research first. It’s best to know your do’s and don’ts to assure that you’ll get the best from the skylight.

Researching a particular topic can be time-consuming. That’s why we compiled every important thing you need to know before installing skylights.

Skylights Aren’t Suitable for All Roofs

Skylights are usually installed at the roofline below the roof shingles and sheathing. The construction of the roof must be able to support the weight of the skylight.

With that said, coordinate with the installer to know what type of skylight will suit best to your roof. If your contractor in Sydney is suggesting to install smaller skylights, make sure that its size is enough to light up your room.

Glass Isn’t the Only Option for Glazing

You can use wood, vinyl, or metal for the frame of your skylight. But in case you don’t know, glass isn’t the option for glazing. Glazing is the light-transmitting piece in skylights. You can choose from either glass or plastic glazing.

To better help you make the right choice, here’s the difference between the two:

• Glass glazing – This is heavier and 25% more expensive than plastic glazing. But despite that, it offers more benefits–it’s clearer and more resistant from scratch and impact. In addition to that, glass glazing resists discolouration, blocks out more UV rays, and comes in custom sizes and shapes.

• Plastic glazing – This type of glazing is cheaper, half as light, and less likely to break than glass. However, it’s not scratch resistant and becomes discoloured more easily. Also, plastic glazers block little to no UV light and are usually only sold in standard sizes and shapes such as flat, pyramidal, arched, or domed.

Glazing Films are Available

Adding an overhead window can give you light but reduces your privacy. So in case you are worried about the brightness, glare, room temperature, and your privacy, there’s a solution. There are glazing films available. Adding a coloured window film or installing a shade below the inner pane of a skylight’s glazing allows you to regulate light and temperature levels.

Location is Important

The location of the skylight will determine its effectiveness. If you install the skylight on the wrong spot, it’s more likely that it’ll give you drawbacks rather than benefits.

With that said, make sure to place your skylight in the right location.

Usually, it’s best to install the skylight that meets the minimum slope requirements of your skylight. In addition to that, the direction of the skylight is important as well. Installers often recommend north-facing skylights are ideal because they can provide constant year-round illumination.

Consider Vented Skylights

Many people opt for fixed skylights because they are more energy-efficient and less prone to leaks. However, that type doesn’t promote air circulation. So if your room isn’t well ventilated, it’s best to install vented skylights. This type of skylight allows fresh air into the room and lets the heat out.

But to get the best of the vented skylight, choose the one that has motorised options so you can control it with a remote.

Final Thoughts

Those are the things that you need to know before installing a skylight. But to ensure the effectiveness of your skylight, work with a reliable contractor that offers services for skylight installation Sydney.