December 18, 2024
December 29, 2024
Sure, a home with fancy lights is incredible. But few things compare to a room flooded with natural light. It’s one of those vivid, delightful things you must experience to appreciate.
Beyond aesthetics, exposure to natural light has several health benefits, such as:
While plenty of window styles bring natural light into your home, skylights stand out because they’re installed on your roof. The ceiling placement means they let in much more light than traditional windows and can make any room feel brighter, airier, and more spacious.
However, without proper planning, you could end up with a skylight that leaks, overheats your space, or doesn’t provide the benefits you were hoping for. To help you avoid any fiascos, our roofers in Reno have pulled together everything you need to know before installing skylights.
Skylights come in different shapes and sizes. The right choice will vary based on what you need.
A fixed skylight frame does not open or close, so they do not provide ventilation. However, they can be used in areas where you want to let in more natural light without worrying about airflow, such as living rooms and hallways.
Ventilating skylights work well if you prefer opening up every window in your home. They’re especially useful in moisture-prone areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
With tubular skylights, sunlight travels down a reflective tube or light well through a diffuser and enters your home as soft, natural light. These are suitable for sunny climates and don’t cause as much temperature fluctuation as other skylight types.
If you want something unique—maybe a large skylight that doubles as a design statement—you can work with manufacturers to create a custom skylight installation option. Keep in mind that these can be pricey.
The placement of your skylight plays a big role in the following:
Start with roof orientation. Skylights on south, east, and west-facing roofs get the most sunlight throughout the day, but they can also turn your home into a sauna. North-facing skylights provide softer, more consistent light.
Next, consider what you want the skylight installation to do. For instance, in a kitchen or bathroom, you’ll need it to open and help with moisture.
It’s also important to consider your home’s structure. Skylights must fit within your roof’s design without weakening it. A professional installer can help you determine a spot that balances natural light, energy efficiency, and structural safety.
Skylight installations in Reno typically use either glass or acrylic.
You’ll also need to choose the right type of glazing for your skylight. Glazing affects how your skylight handles heat, light, and UV rays.
Your options include:
If you play your cards right, a skylight installation can help lower your energy bills. Energy-efficient skylights with low-E coatings and double glazing can help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Some skylight glass also blocks UV rays, protecting furniture and floors from fading. If you live in a colder area, look for skylights with insulated frames.
A skylight installation isn’t something you want to DIY. Leave it to the professionals to make sure the outcome is safe, leak-free, and works exactly as it should.
Skylights need to be properly sealed and aligned with your roof’s structure, and a pro will know how to handle this correctly. Here’s what to expect during the installation process.
Vented skylights can help improve the air quality in your home and reduce the risk of mold or mildew caused by trapped humidity.
To control heat gain and loss, you can pair your skylights with blinds or shades. On hot days, they’ll block out excess sunlight to keep your home cooler. In colder months, they can help retain warmth and lower heating costs.
The price to install a skylight depends on several factors, like the materials, size, and how complicated the installation is. For instance, glass skylights are energy-efficient but cost more upfront.
The size of the skylight matters as well. Larger skylights bring in more light but are costlier to buy and install.
Finally, the complexity of your roof can impact labor costs. Flat roofs are easier to work with, while angled or heavily supported roofs may take more time and effort, which can drive up the skylight installation costs.
Maintaining your skylight installation will help you enjoy it for a long time without issues. Be sure to clean the glass or acrylic regularly to remove dirt, debris, and water spots. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
Check the seals around your skylight for any signs of wear or damage. Cracked or failing seals can lead to leaks. Also, if you notice condensation building up, it could mean poor ventilation or insulation. Take care of it right away.
It’s also smart to inspect the skylight’s opening mechanisms, especially for vented models. Make sure everything operates smoothly, and nothing is stuck or broken.
Before installing a skylight, it’s essential to check your local building codes and make sure you have the necessary permits.
Building codes often cover things like the size and placement of the skylight, the type of materials you can use, and how the installation is done. They may require certain safety features, like tempered or laminated glass, to reduce the risk of injury. A licensed Reno roofing company will usually handle the permit process for you.
At this point, you should have a good idea of whether you want a skylight or not.
If you’ve decided to go for it, we hope this guide helps you make informed choices and get the most out of your installation.
Have more questions about skylight installations? We’re here to help! At Mountain Vista Roof Systems, our team has the knowledge and experience to guide you through every step of the process.
Reach out to us anytime- we’d love to hear from you.
