5 Things You Should Know Before Installing a Skylight

Skylights are an excellent addition to any home.

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They can brighten up darker rooms, make an area feel more spacious, and even improve the value of your home too.

Before you start installing skylights there are a few things you should take into consideration to make sure you get the best solution for your needs (and don’t waste money in the process!).

Today we’re going to run through the five most important things you need to know before installing skylights in your home.

1. What features do you want on your skylight?

Not all skylights are the same! Before installing your skylights, you should know what features you want your skylights to have.

For example, do you want it to be a flat or domed skylight?

Do you want a fixed skylight, meaning you can’t open it, or a vented skylight that can be opened to improve airflow?

You should also consider what material you want your skylight to be made out of. You can have glass skylights, but you can also have plastic skylights. Glass is more expensive than plastic, but it doesn’t get scratched up as quickly as plastic does.

Do you want a skylight with blackout shades?

You can get blackout shades for your skylight so you can have the option of letting light in or keeping things nice and dark.

VELUX offers 30 different colors of room-darkening shades, and they come in two types.

1. Double pleated with a honeycomb structure

These are more energy-efficient and they help keep the chill-out and the heat in.

2. Flat roller blinds

These boost the skylight’s energy efficiency but not as much as the double pleated shades.

2. Where do you want to place the skylight?

Figure out exactly where you want your skylight to go before you start the installation.

Choosing the perfect spot for your skylight takes a lot more thought than you would initially think.

You can’t just pick a random spot in your home and say that’s where you want to put it. You have to instead think about how your chosen location will benefit day-to-day living in your home.

Where you place your skylight will affect how much solar heat you get in your home. For example, if you place your skylight on a north-facing roof, then you’ll get a consistent amount of natural light all year round.

You should also take into consideration where the dark spots are in your home. If there’s a place in your house that doesn’t get as much natural light as you’d like, then consider adding a skylight.

Size matters when choosing your skylight so if you want to bring more light in then you’re going to need additional roof framing to meet building codes. Don’t worry though you can add more light by installing smaller skylights between rafters.

Can you add skylights to a wooden shingle shake roof?

You can easily install a skylight to a wooden shingle roof but the best time to do it is when replacing the roofing.

3. Know how long your skylight will stay leak-free

A skylight that’s installed correctly should stay leak-free for as long as the materials hold up. So how long your skylight will stay leak-free will depend on the materials you’ve chosen for your skylight.

Before installing your skylight, you should make sure that you know how long you have until your skylight begins to leak. You don’t want to end up with water damage in your home.

VELUX skylights come with a 10-year leak-free warranty. This is why we recommend using them for your skylight installations.

As long as you get your VELUX skylight installed correctly, it should last through the warranty and even stay leak-free for 20 years or so.

What causes a skylight to leak?

A skylight usually starts leaking when the glass and metal cladding seal fails, allowing water to get in. With some lower quality skylights, the seal between these components might be easily compromised.

If you want to make sure your skylights stay leak-free, then consider having them inspected every couple of years to be on the safe side.

We make sure your skylights are leak-free!

Here at Fitch, we only use VELUX because we know that they’re high-quality and have a track record of being leak-free.

When we install VELUX skylights in three important steps to make sure that they don’t leak for our clients.

1. Nail the deck seal to the roof deck for an airtight seal.

2. Install the all-weather underlayment and cover the sides of the skylights and 6 inches around the skylight on the roof deck. Adding up to 2 feet of all-weather underlayment around the skylight is necessary for areas with extreme weather.

3. Install the flashing.

4. Choose how you want your skylights installed

When installing your skylight there are two ways you can get them installed:

1. Curb mounted skylight

2. Deck mounted skylight

What’s the difference?

Curb mounted skylights require a box structure for the unit to sit on. When replacing your skylight in the future, these can be used without having to re-flash the skylight as long as the flashing is in good condition that is.

A curb-mounted skylight is usually built on-site and is sometimes fitted to an existing opening in your home.

Deck mounted skylights are a newer installation design.

They have a lower profile because they don’t use a box structure. Instead, these skylights hug the roof and are made in a factory, making them ready to go in the fitted opening as soon as the box is opened. They’re also the more energy-efficient choice.

If you’re installing a skylight in an already existing home or a brand new construction then the recommended choice is a deck-mounted skylight.

The only time you’ll really need a curb-mounted skylight installed is if you’re replacing an older existing skylight that was mounted on a curb frame. Houses that have flat or low-pitched roofs will also benefit more from a curb-mounted skylight.

5. Make sure to get skylights fitted right the first time

You want your skylight to be fitted right the first time, so if you’re hiring a roofing company to fit them in your home, make sure you’re getting a reputable team.

The damages from faulty skylight installations can be quite costly, so make sure that it’s done right the first time to avoid going over your budget.

If you’re working with a company to install your skylights, then make sure they’re using high-quality materials to install your skylights.

We recommend checking out the company’s Google reviews and having a scroll on their Facebook or other social media accounts to ensure they’re an excellent team to work with.

You don’t have to worry about leaks or damage from a faulty skylight installation when you choose to work with Fitch Construction Inc. Our team of professional skylight installers will make sure your skylights are installed correctly.

We would love an opportunity to sit down and show you how we can turn your dream decking into a reality. Call us in Rochester at (585) 377-3330 or in Buffalo at (716) 919-3330.

The post 5 Things You Should Know Before Installing a Skylight appeared first on Rochester Skylights.

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By: Scott Joseph
Title: 5 Things You Should Know Before Installing a Skylight
Sourced From: www.rochesterskylights.com/5-things-you-should-know-before-installing-a-skylight/
Published Date: Mon, 17 May 2021 23:35:21 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected lifespan of a Skylight?

The lifespan of a Skylight is affected by its material, geographical location, and how much care it gets. A skylight that is well maintained can last for anywhere from ten years to thirty years.

Skylights are often made from quality materials such acrylic or PVC. They can last up 15 years if taken care of properly. In addition, they can be made from tempered glass, steel, or even wood frame options. Each material offers different levels of longevity but all should provide good structural integrity over many years if taken care of properly.

A skylight’s durability will depend on the quality of its materials and the location it is placed. You might find that they don’t last as long in places with extreme temperature or humidity. Exposed to harmful elements like ultraviolet radiation or windblown matter can also reduce its performance and usefulness.

Skylights can offer wonderful natural lighting options in homes for many decades if they’re properly maintained. This useful life span can vary from 10 to 30 year depending on many factors such as the material used, geographical location and regular upkeep.

Are sun tunnels a good investment?

Sun tunnels provide natural light in places that traditional windows cannot. They are cost-effective and easy to install. Sun Tunnels can provide up to 20 times more light than an ordinary skylight. Sun tunnels are also well-known for their excellent performance against air leaks, energy efficiency, and versatility. They are an ideal choice for all climates.

The cost to install a Sun Tunnel will depend on the size of your tunnel. The tunnel is fairly inexpensive compared to other solutions like skylights, but installation will add an additional cost. The good news is that Sun Tunnels have a 25-year limited warranty, so you won’t have to worry about extra expenses due to weather damage or leaks after installation.

Sun tunnels have the potential to help you reduce your cooling costs by preventing heat from entering your home while still letting natural light in during the day. Sun tunnels don’t use electricity, so you will save money if you choose this product over traditional lighting options.

Sun tunnels can bring natural light into difficult-to-reach places in your home and are worth the investment. Not only do they provide superior levels of energy efficiency and air tightness but they also come with a long-term guarantee that ensures you won’t have to worry about future damage or maintenance costs until at least 2045!

What are the drawbacks of tubular skylights

There are many potential drawbacks to tubular skylights. They require professional installation to ensure they are properly sealed and secured. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, leading to higher costs than the initial purchase price of the fixture. In addition, tubular skylights are limited in size due to their design and may not be suitable for larger roof openings. These styles also tend to block out an area of the ceiling instead of a traditional skylight, which allows natural light to enter at all angles.

One potential problem is that tubular skylights may need direct sunlight to function properly. This could limit their utility in certain climates. It is important to choose the right fan or additional air ventilation system. These fixtures will heat up the home more and can cause discomfort during summer months. Additionally, tubular skylights can’t offer as expansive a view of the sky or the landscape as traditional fixed-glass skylights.

What size is considered a good-sized skylight?

The size of the space you are trying to lighten is a key factor in determining the ideal size skylight. For spaces with long daylight areas, such hallways and stairwells that are narrow and require a lot of light, it is best to use a smaller, more extended skylight. A standard skylight size is 4′ x 4′, though sizes up to 6′ x 10′ are available. Although large areas that require lots of natural lighting can be lit by multiple smaller windows, it is possible to lighten them with large skylights. When choosing the size of your skylight, it is important to consider where the sun should shine at different times of the day. Skylights should not be placed closer than 6 feet to other windows. This will prevent glare and ensure that the space receives enough natural light during day and night. It is a good idea to have a sloped roof section, as lower-sloped roofs tend to receive more sun than steeper ones.

What is an average price for a tubular skylight

Average tubular skylights cost $200-$1000 depending on their size, light output, and energy efficiency. The more you spend on your tubular skylight, the more efficient it is likely to be. Although it is generally true that larger skylights cost more than smaller ones, this is not always true.

Shopping around for various brands and types of tubular skylights is the best way to find out what a fair price is. There are many material options available for products such as these. Some can be more expensive than others, but they offer higher energy efficiency. Online retailers may be a better option than traditional brick-and-mortar stores, which can often offer discounts or free shipping.

It is important to consider the climate of your home when purchasing a tubular skylight. Is it exposed to temperatures or high humidity? If you purchase the wrong product, it could cause permanent damage to your material or reduce its effectiveness over time. If this is the case, make sure you purchase one that can withstand extreme climates.

However, professional installation will add cost but ensure the correct installation. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks in low-cost versions. This could make it costly so it might be worth paying for professional installations to avoid headaches down the road.

Do sun tunnels get dirty?

Sun tunnels work well to bring natural light into dark or poorly lit rooms. Because they don’t get dirtier than ordinary windows, they can be used efficiently. Sun tunnels are typically made with high-quality acrylic or polycarbonate domes, which limit dust, dirt, and other debris from entering the tunnel. They also have thick lining materials that help deflect small objects that might be brought in from the wind or other environmental factors. This will keep your suntunnel bright and clean.

Sun tunnels are also easy to maintain since all you need to do is lightly rinse them with a mild detergent or soap every few months. Sun tunnels will last for years if they’re not in direct contact of chimneys or any other source of smoke. Sun tunnels are a cost-effective way to brighten any space without having to do much.

Sun tunnels come in a variety of styles, with many having self-cleaning features like wipers to remove dirt and dust from the lenses. This makes sun tunnels even more suitable for people who want to maximize sunlight but can’t dedicate time specifically to cleaning them regularly.

Which are better sun tunnels and skylights?

When bringing natural light into a home, skylights and sun tunnels can be great options. The key differences between these two options can help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

Skylights can be used in basements and bathrooms to provide additional daylight or dramatic window effects. Skylights are larger in size than sun tunnels and provide a more open view through the glass dome on the roof. Skylights are great for spaces with little furniture and don’t require privacy. They also make it easier to clean, since you can access all surfaces from the inside.

Sun tunnels are smaller than skylights and can be used in narrow spaces such as closets or hallways that have limited windowsill space. Sun tunnels work by reflecting the sunlight from an interior mirror into the room. Their reflective surface allows natural sunlight in without direct exposure from the outdoors, making them an excellent solution if privacy is important to you.

In conclusion, when it comes to adding natural light where you need it most in your home there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Skylights and sun tunnels are best for you if you want privacy and views.

Statistics

This means you’ll get a 26% tax credit on the skylight and installation costs. (billraganroofing.com)
You are eligible to receive a 30% federal tax credit on your entire VELUX Rigid Sun Tunnel skylight product and installation when paired with the VELUX Solar Night Light. (thisoldhouse.com)
4.2 out of 5 stars 5% coupon applied at checkout save 5% with coupon (amazon.com)
The Solar Night Light Kit makes the product and installation eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. (whyskylights.com)
3 Brightness, IP65 Waterproof Shed Light Home, Garden, Patio 3.7 out of 5 stars 6% coupon applied at checkout save 6% with coupon 12 inches (amazon.com)

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How To

Brighten Up Your Space With a Skylight

Skylights can add an extra dimension to your living space. You must first measure the area you need to install the skylight. This should take into consideration both the available space as well as the desired level and intensity of sunlight. You should then prepare safety precautions, such as weather sealing and insulation.

After deciding which type of skylight will be best suited for the location determined by the size and technical requirements (operable vs fixed), you’ll need proper mounting supports, such as rafters or joists according to building codes and accepted installation methods based on local regulations tendered by professionals like an architect or permit issuer.

The last stage is the fitting of all components.

Yes! Yes. Skylights bring natural sunlight into your house more effectively than traditional electric lighting sources. They are able to catch maximum sunlight from multiple angles and reduce dependence on artificial lighting sources. Skylight windows also fill rooms with light, which can affect moods subtly more than other types of interior design. They also reduce electricity bills by using less artificial lighting sources at certain times of the day. This can result in lower maintenance costs. The best part is that they improve the quality of air in your home by allowing sunlight to penetrate. Fresh air flows better than when you use enclosed spaces with no access points like traditional windows. This helps avoid allergies and other symptoms which can be exacerbated by closed environments.