Adding a skylight to your roof is a great way to transform your living place and bring your home to the next level. However, skylights or any other types of roof openings are not suitable for every home. First of all, it goes without saying these are only suited for houses and rooftop loft apartments. Yet, adding a window opening to your roof can bring new challenges and improvements to your home.
Therefore, there are a few important considerations that you need to take into account. In this blog post, we will look at all the things to consider before adding skylights to your roof and how to figure out if they are right for you.
Does it add value?
When considering adding a skylight to your roof, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether it will add value to your property. The answer is a resounding yes! Skylights add a unique aesthetic to any home and can even increase the resale value of your house. When contemplating the addition of a skylight to your roof, don’t overlook the aesthetic appeal of gable pediments. These decorative elements can enhance the overall look of your roofing structure.
Skylights add an element of visual attraction to the property, making it more valuable in the eyes of buyers. It is important to note that adding skylights does not necessarily translate into a price increase in the real estate market. However, buyers looking for unique architectural designs and features are willing to make high price offers for skylights.
Not only do they make your home more visually appealing, but they are also associated with increased well-being. As such, they can dramatically improve your interior even if there is no significant change in decor. Many homeowners associate roof openings with freshness, cleanliness, and healthiness. It is a massive psychological improvement in a home. So where is the value in psychological boost? As surprising as it might sound, feeling better and healthier in your home can boost your household income as you are less likely to splurge on comforting options such as junk food or unnecessary shopping.
Finally, there are also measurable advantages to skylights that can positively impact your energy bills, electricity, and even your physical health.
Is it suitable for your roof?
When it comes to determining whether or not your roof is suitable for a skylight, there are a few important factors to consider. The most important thing to consider is the type of roof that you have. Generally, flat or low-sloped roofs are best suited for skylights. However, there are other types of roofs that can also accommodate skylights, including gable and hip roofs.
It is important to ensure that your roof’s structure can handle the weight of a skylight before installation. Adding a roof opening also increases the weight your structure needs to carry. With this in mind, it is best to consider a full audit of your structural features, especially for older properties.
You should also ensure that your roof has adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture and humidity, which can cause rot and damage to your roof over time. Skylights can increase humidity levels in roof structures already affected by moisture buildup and poor ventilation. Take the time to consider your under-roof health and resolve existing problems before adding an opening.
Finally, you should take into account the weather conditions of your area when selecting a skylight. Make sure to select a skylight with an
It will transform your lighting needs
Installing a skylight in your home can be a great way to let in more natural light. Skylights bring in significantly more natural light than traditional windows, which means that you can potentially reduce your lighting costs significantly.
When installing a skylight, you should pay attention to the amount of sunlight that you allow in. Depending on the size of the skylight and its location, too much sunlight can cause unwanted glare and heat buildup. To prevent this, it is important to choose the right type of skylight for your needs. For example, you can install a skylight with a special coating that reduces the amount of sunlight that comes through. You can also choose to install automated blinds or shades to control the amount of light that comes through.
Adding a skylight can also help to create a more pleasant atmosphere in your home. Natural light is known to improve mood and reduce stress levels. It can also bring warmth to any room, which is especially useful during the winter months.
Cleaning them
When you add a skylight to your roof, you will want to ensure it stays clean and clear. Over time, the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris can obscure the view of the sky and reduce the amount of light that enters your home. That’s why you need to consider how to keep your skylight clean and the best cleaning strategies.
One easy way to keep your skylight clean is to use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt and dust from the surface. This should be done from both the outside and the inside. You may also want to use a mild detergent and water solution for tougher spots. Make sure that you dry off any liquid solutions with a soft cloth so as not to leave any streaks.
Depending on the location of your skylight, you may also need to get up on a ladder and clean the glass with a squeegee or window-cleaning tool. Some skylights can also come with self-cleaning glass technology.
It’s also important to note that some skylights come with special coatings that require additional care when cleaning. These coatings can help keep out UV rays, reduce heat loss, or provide other benefits.
Different design options
When it comes to adding a skylight to your roof, there are two main design options: a flat roof opening and a pyramid-shaped skylight. Flat roof openings are the more traditional choice, and they can easily be integrated into your existing roof without major modifications. Pyramid-shaped skylights, on the other hand, offer a modern aesthetic and more light diffusion than flat roof openings. Regardless of the shape, all roof openings will require professional quality glazing bars that provide a waterproof seal. It is worth investigating professional solutions, such as those from Clear Amber Shop, to figure out the best approach for your design.
Flat roof openings are ideal for small spaces, such as bathrooms and hallways, as they can be installed in tight and dark spaces to increase natural light. They also don’t require any extra structural support, and they offer greater control over the amount of sunlight that enters the space.
Pyramid-shaped skylights are usually made of glass or acrylic panels, and they offer a contemporary look that’s perfect for larger rooms like living rooms and bedrooms. These skylights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can customise them to fit your specific needs. They also diffuse light better than flat roof openings, so you can get more natural light in your space.
Different types of skylights offer different benefits, and the right one for you will depend on your unique needs and preferences.
Insulation considerations
When installing a skylight, it’s important to take into account the possible insulation issues that may arise. A skylight can significantly decrease the efficiency of your insulation, making it essential to ensure your new skylight will not affect your home’s energy efficiency.
The most effective way to prevent insulation issues is to ensure the skylight is properly sealed and insulated. This includes checking and improving existing insulation features before the installation. Additionally, you should use high-grade sealing solutions, as explained above, between the frame and the roof decking.
Noise considerations
When considering the installation of a skylight, it is important to consider noise pollution that can come from outside. It is also important to be aware of the noise you might experience inside the home with a skylight.
Noise from outside can include traffic, aircraft, or other external sounds. These sounds can travel through a skylight and into the home, creating an unwelcome distraction. This is a problem for skylights that can be opened for ventilation. But it can also affect your household even when the roof openings are shut. To reduce this noise pollution, homeowners should ensure that their skylights are properly sealed and insulated. In addition, window treatments can help absorb sound waves and block out some of the noise.
It is important to consider whether the occupants of the home are more vulnerable to noise pollution, such as children, pets, or those with hearing impairments. If so, it may be necessary to avoid skylights altogether or use noise-cancelling earplugs if you are concerned about external noise. As a rule of thumb, roof openings are not designed to let more noise inside your home. However, due to their nature, they can be less soundproof than traditional roof structures. So, if you have a skylight inside your home office or bedroom, noise-cancellation tools may be a great addition to your everyday comfort!
In conclusion, while skylights can be a fantastic addition to your home architecture, it is essential to prepare for them. They can be advantageous in cutting lighting costs down. However, improper preparation can drive high energy costs and affect your comfort.