Skylights are a wonderful addition to your home in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or Port Orchard. They add natural light to a room and can also supply ventilation. When they are not installed properly, they can cause leaks and damage to your roof and home.
Here’s what you need to know before installing a skylight.
Know Your Type
Skylights offer several options, so be sure you know your options:
Fixed vs. Vented. Fixed skylights rarely leak when installed properly and are wonderful for adding natural light to a room. A vented skylight is one that can be opened, much like an operable window. This means they can also be accidentally left open during a rainstorm, allowing water to leak into the home.
Both are great options but be aware that vented skylights are usually much more expensive than a fixed skylight.
Glass vs. Plastic. Skylights glazed with glass are more expensive than plastic, but this type is virtually scratch-free, and offers a clear view for years. While plastic skylights are more affordable, they often become discolored over time.
Installation
Quality installation is the key to ensuring you have a leak-free skylight, and we recommend you hire a professional to install it. This is because you are required to cut through your roof, and you want to ensure you are not doing structural damage. A professional will be able to place the skylight so that it gives you the desired effect, without becoming an issue.
A professional installer will also understand how to protect your roof as you install. For example, waterproofed flashing along with additional drywall and insulation is a good idea. This helps reduce condensation and ensure you get the proper lighting.
Location Matters
When choosing a location for your skylight, location absolutely matters. We recommend North-facing skylights, as they supply continuous year-round daylighting without getting too much direct sunlight.
Be sure you avoid placing a skylight where the light would be blocked by a building or tree.
Energy Efficient
Additional lighting can also mean more heat. So, to avoid turning your home into an oven, be sure to consider energy-efficient options. Skylights can be slightly tinted to reduce the amount of heat in the home, and the placement of the skylight also affects the amount of heat you let in.
Skylights can add a great deal of warmth and comfort to your home, and when keeping these considerations in mind, you will be pleased with your choice for years to come.
If you’re looking to install a skylight on your home, give us a call. We would be happy to help.