Installing Skylights? Here’s What You Need to Know

Is it your dream to lean back on a chair or couch in your home and gaze up at the open sky through an opening in your roof? Are you looking to add more natural light to your home? It sounds like you want to add a skylight (or more!) to your roof.

We understand the appeal, but there are a few things that you should know before you start looking for a contractor to install a few skylights in your dream home.

Fixed or Vented?

This is likely one of the first questions you will be asked by a contractor. There are two main types of skylights that can be installed: fixed and vented. Fixed skylights are completely sealed; they cannot be opened and, if installed correctly, are not susceptible to leaks. Vented skylights can be opened to allow in fresh air, but they do open up a very small opportunity for leaks because they are not completely sealed shut.

Placement and Slope Matter

Once you know which type of skylight that you want in your home, it’s time to figure out where to place it. Keep in mind that because this is entirely dependent upon your roof’s slope, the layout of your home and many other factors, you may not have complete control over where the skylight can be placed. Always consult with your roofing expert on where it is possible to place a skylight and then choose from the options available.

Why is the slope important? Because a skylight is made of glass, it needs to be angled properly so that it doesn’t admit too much heat, or too little. If the slope of the window is not set properly, you could wind up allowing more light (and thus heat) in the summer and not enough in the winter, sending your energy bills through the roof!

Quality is Important

Adding a skylight is an investment and, like any investment, you don’t want to immediately drift towards the cheapest route. Do your research, consult with professionals and most certainly shop around, but keep in mind that installing a low-quality window (or hiring an untrustworthy company) will lead you down the path towards window replacement in the near future.

Although it’s not something that can be seen with the naked eye, a quality skylights insulation is one of its most important features. This is another reason to ensure that you hire the right professional for the job. Proper window insulation is the only way to prevent leaks and give you the most comfortable experience possible.

It’s Not a DIY Project

Painting a room is do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Building a shelf is a DIY project. You can even learn to install a garbage disposal by watching videos online. Windows, on the other hand, are tricky to install. You can see people do it online, but that doesn’t mean the skill it takes to properly install a window, let alone a skylight, is something that anyone can pick up and do. Even the people who make YouTube videos showing you how it’s done are professionals who have been working in the industry for years. Make life easy for yourself and find a roofing and windows company who can help you get the job done right, the first time.

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