Selecting The Right Skylight For Your Home Or Workplace

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When you are considering what type of skylights or natural lighting solution you need, you should first consider what purpose it will serve:

1. To provide light to any poorly lit space in your home or workplace

2. To provide light to a room where there are no windows – for example hall spaces, walk in wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms, storage spaces, etc.

3. To provide an architectural statement in your living areas that give these rooms a perception of space and airiness

4. To provide additional ventilation in enclosed spaces like bathrooms and additional airiness to living spaces

5. To help you save money on your power bill by providing natural light, ventilation or radiant heat

You will also need to consider if there are other implications or limitations associated with a preferred natural lighting solution for your home.

Acrylic Skylights

Fixed acrylic skylights are a low-cost alternative for delivering natural light into any interior space. They come in a range of sizes and incorporate flashings for all roof types, and can be supplied in clear, tinted or translucent (opal) formats.

Acrylic skylights are a low-cost solution for commercial workspaces like warehouses and workshops. They can be supplied in unvented or vented formats to allow passive airflow – for example to allow steam to exit from bathrooms or kitchen cooking areas.

Acrylic skylights are not an ideal solution if you are concerned about thermal performance as they allow heat to escape from your home in winter and enter your home in summer.

Acrylic skylights are not suitable for any residential area that has a fire hazard or BAL Rating greater than BAL 19 – for these areas Single Glazed (up to BAL 29) and Double Glazed (up to BAL 40) would be a required solution.

Tubelights

In smaller enclosed spaces like hallways and ensuite bathrooms Tubelights offer a very effective natural lighting solution and come in easy to install kit formats that require no expensive carpentry, framing or internal shaft work.

Tubelights come with ceiling diffusers that allow light to enter the space but not direct sunlight – ideal for walk in wardrobes and storage areas and any area where privacy is required. Tubelights are typically circular and come in 300mm, 400mm and 500mm diameters – with larger format Tubelights available for commercial workspaces.

Tubelights are low cost and functional but are not best suited in open plan and larger living spaces and tend not to be used when you are looking to deliver an architectural or design impact.

Tubelights can achieve better thermal performance that standard acrylic skylights by incorporating a double-glazed ceiling diffuser – and they can also be installed with glass tops rather than acrylic domes if non-combustibility or a specific local council BAL rating must be met.

Keylite and INFINITI Fixed Glass Skylights

If you are concerned about the thermal performance of your home then best to consider the Keylite or INFINITI range of high-performance double-glazed roof windows or skylights.

Double-glazed glass skylights are ideal for living rooms and open plan spaces and can add substantial value to your property. They can be installed as single units or in multiple coupled flashing arrays with internal light shafts to deliver a stunning interior architectural effect.

Double-glazed glass skylights are available in a range of sizes in both roof window (pitched) and flat roof formats. Keylite also offer provide higher levels of non-combustibility and BAL Ratings to meet more stringent local government requirements.

Keylite Manual and Electric Openable Glass Skylights

If ventilation is an issue and you want the flexibility of openable skylights, Keylite offers a variety of manual openable and electric remote control openable skylights.

If the skylights are within reach (if you were lighting up a ceiling loft, for example) then you may want to consider manual opening centre pivot skylights. Out of reach manual skylights can be opened by extendable poles (up to 3 metres) – for other applications remote opening skylights are the only option.

Electric opening skylights also come with rain sensors to automatically close if left open in the rain.

As with Fixed Double Glazed Glass skylights, Keylite also provide higher levels of non-combustibility and BAL Rated openable skylights to meet more stringent local government requirements.

Custom Solutions

If you have a particular requirement that is not covered by any of the standard products outlined above, you may want to consider a custom natural lighting solution for your home or workplace. Talk to one of our sales consultants today about how a custom solution could be designed and installed in your home or workplace.

The post Selecting The Right Skylight For Your Home Or Workplace appeared first on Natural Lighting Products.

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By: admin
Title: Selecting The Right Skylight For Your Home Or Workplace
Sourced From: www.naturallighting.com.au/selecting-the-right-skylight/
Published Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2023 21:04:02 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference of a skylight versus a rooflight?

Skylights and roof lights are used to bring natural light into buildings, but they have some differences.

A roof light is a window set into the structure of the roof itself, typically making up a substantial part. It often has insulation around it, which makes it soundproof and watertight.

Skylights are built from an internal platform and can be accessed through an access ladder. They tend to be smaller than roof lights, making up only a small portion of the overall opening. To protect against extreme weather conditions, skylights can also be fitted with protective material like polycarbonate sheets.

Skylights, on the contrary, allow for greater control over the amount of sunlight entering the space. Skylights are used for general lighting purposes and not for direct sunlight. Skylights can also let in more heat as they cannot be adequately insulated without losing their natural light capabilities.

Skylights can be added to existing structures without affecting the structure. This allows people to have the freedom to add them after the main building has been completed. Roof lights however have to be built in at the same time as their surrounding roofs, meaning they must be planned ahead of time and take up more of an initial investment when installing a new roof.

Solar tubes can look just like natural light

Solar tubes are designed for natural light to be brought inside buildings without the need to cut holes in roofs. Many people are curious if these tubes produce light that is as natural as sunlight.

The answer is yes – solar tubes offer a very realistic and natural solution for bringing more light into commercial and residential spaces. The reflective tunnels inside the tube direct natural daylight from the rooftop directly down into the home or office, providing just enough glare-free illumination to make the space comfortable without being too intense.

Solar tube lights have a color rendering Index (CRI) that is very close to natural sunlight. They also produce a much warmer light than other lighting sources, such as incandescent, fluorescent and LED bulbs. Additionally, solar tubes use multiple reflective surfaces and diffusing lenses, which create even brightness distribution throughout the room.

These solar tubes are highly efficient, and fully automated, and can be installed anywhere on any pitched or flat roof type. Their advanced glare-free technology makes them a safe option for any indoor environment while still providing plenty of needed illumination. Solar tube users around the globe report that they find this form of lighting to be calming, refreshing, and cleaner than other forms of lighting available today!

What are the drawbacks of skylights

Skylights may sound great in theory, but there are a few disadvantages to consider before you decide to install one in your home.

Skylights can be costly. Skylights are more expensive than other windows and require a lot of upfront money. Skylights with flashing or venting systems can be more expensive.

Another problem with skylights are the possibility of leaking. A poor installation or damage by impacts could cause water to get into your home. This can result in expensive and costly water damage. This risk is even more evident if you live in a climate that sees regular heavy rains and strong winds.

It is possible to create an imbalance in the interior temperature depending on the place you place your skylight. Skylights do not provide the same insulation as windows, so if there is no shading or window coverings, too much sun can make rooms extremely hot or bright during the day. Residents may find it hard to rest during daylight hours.

How can solar tubes and skylights differ?

Both skylights and solar tubes provide natural light to interior spaces. There are some key differences.

Solar tubes are a cost-effective way to brighten up dark spaces without the need for electricity, as the tube captures daylight from outside and transports it inside with mirrors. A solar tube can easily be mounted almost anywhere, even in places where a skylight would not work.

Skylights on the other side are larger than sun tubes, which means they can catch more sunlight. These skylights offer outside views comparable to windows, and can have built-in blinds or screens. While becoming increasingly popular due to their aesthetic appeal, skylights require professional installation due to their large size and the complexity of rooftop flashing details needed in order to prevent leaks.

It all comes down to what you need. While skylights can provide a spectacular view from the most natural light source, solar tubes require more paperwork and higher installation fees. Solar tubes might be better suited for those who are looking for an affordable, yet efficient lighting solution with minimal paperwork.

How much light does a tubular skylight give?

A tubular ceilinglight is a great option for adding natural light in any room. This skylight allows sunlight to enter the home through its roofs and can spread light throughout multiple rooms. What is the light that a tubular ceilinglight can provide?

A tubular Skylight will let in bright daylight to your home. It can provide up to 50% more daylight than traditional flat glass ones. A single tubular model can produce around 10 times the light of a standard bulb, depending on its size. This is because of the high reflective materials, which reflect sunlight directly onto the living spaces below.

You should look for models with Energy Star ratings when choosing these models. This indicates that they have met strict environmental protection agency standards regarding efficiency and quality. Additionally, many brands now come with their own remote controllers so you can enjoy ultimate convenience when it comes to controlling your lighting levels at any time – perfect for dark dreary days or long summer evenings!

When it comes to bringing natural light into your home, tubular skylights are more efficient than traditional flat glass models. Not only are you able to introduce bright daylight levels into multiple rooms but features such as remote controllers add extra flexibility and control over how much or little light you want in the space at any one time. It is crucial that you comply with all applicable local regulations and take the necessary precautions before proceeding.

Do solar tubes make a room hot?

The solar tubes (also known as sun tunnels) are highly reflective tubes that have a dome-like roof. This captures the sunlight from outside and directs it down to the living area. An interior diffuser distributes this light evenly. The main benefit of solar tubes compared to traditional windows is their ability to efficiently capture natural daylight, reducing dependence on electric lighting throughout your home.

Although sunlight passing through a tube won’t heat the air directly, it can warm other objects in the area if they are pointed at them. Due to the sun’s rays, a solar tube placed on an outside wall could make this side of the house much hotter. The sun can heat furniture and fabric by shining on it. The temperature could rise even further if multiple sunrays combine, such as a tube and a window.

Solar tubes won’t usually save you money on heating costs, but they can make your home more comfortable in cooler climates. Solar tubes are extremely energy efficient and require only electricity to run their fan system and vents. The tubes’ low maintenance design means they can last for decades and not need to be replaced. It’s not about saving money, it’s about creating long-lasting comfort indoors.

Statistics

See more product details, Special offers and product promotions to save up to 10% withCreate your FREE Amazon Business accountBusiness-only prices and free shipping. (amazon.com)
We observed the hole at various solar illumination conditions and estimated its depth to be 80 to 88 m. (agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
However, including all the expenses, skylight installations can cost you a good 600$ to 2500$. You can choose the skylight particulars according to your project specifications and budget constraints. (glassgenius.com)
Skylights let 30% more natural light in as compared to conventional wall windows. (glassgenius.com)
The estimated maximum width of the tube is 370 m for S = 6.9 MPa, d = 60 m, ρ = 2500 kg/m3, and g = 1.62 m/s2 [after Oberbeck et al., 1969 ], a value that exceeds the MHH diameter and is less than the width of Rille A (∼500 m). (agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

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How To

Rain, Rain, Go Away: How to Repair and Prevent Leaks in Your Skylight

Skylight leaks can be caused by many factors, including poor installation and damage due to adverse weather conditions. Water will seep through the skylight elements, adjoining frames and shingles. Moisture can also enter through the seams between the flashing, chimney or vent pipe. Low-sloped roofs could also be vulnerable to leaks.

To fix a skylight leak, first clear away any debris around the frame. Next, check the frame for any damage or gaps and then fill in with caulk where necessary. Inspect flashings for missing or loosening nails, and reattach if necessary. Make sure that all areas surrounding the flashings, such as rooftops and walls, are sealed. To prevent leaks from occurring again in the future, inspect your rooftop regularly (at least once every six months) for any signs of wear and tear, and repairs should be performed accordingly. Additionally, install quality flashing materials around your skylight to help protect against water intrusion from rain and other sources of moisture. For optimal waterproofing, it’s a good idea to hire seasonal roof maintenance services at minimum twice per year. This will ensure that your skylights are protected even during heavy storms.

There are many options for sealing your skylight. This depends on the type and material of roofing you have (e.g., standing seam metal versus asphalt shingle). Counterflashing mode metallics like lead stock strips or aluminum steps flashings should be used over regular roof flashings. This includes flat roof materials that are made up of synthetic rubberized asphalt combinations.