VELUX Daylight Renovation Sweepstakes Winner Profile: Rochester, NY Couple Brightens Kitchen with Skylights

Table of Contents

by Dana Haydock.

Ever since Jen and Ken Dickerson moved into a farmhouse dating back to the 1880s outside Rochester, NY, the couple has had a kitchen renovation on their to-do list. The home was last renovated in the late 1990s, and the kitchen was spacious enough, but it was dark.

So, when Jen saw one of her favorite interior designers, Shavonda Gardner, promote the VELUX Daylight Renovation Sweepstakes on Instagram, she entered.

“I’ve followed Shavonda for a long time; I love what she does and I feel like her projects are attainable for normal people,” Jen said. “When I saw the sweeps in her stories, I said, ‘I want that.’”

“And she texted me to enter, too,” said Ken, Jen’s husband, whose entry was selected at random for the grand prize: two VELUX No Leak Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylights with solar blinds and installation.

“I’ve been dreaming of a new kitchen,” said Jen.

“And this is probably the first domino to fall,” Ken replied.

Below: the kitchen before adding skylights.

The kitchen’s rustic English farmhouse decor includes blonde wood floors, wood ceiling beams, and cast iron door hardware. Previous owners had expanded the kitchen outward to encompass a porch, so the room includes varying ceiling heights with its interior at the home’s center and far from any windows.

Adding two skylights completely transformed the space where the family of four — Jen, Ken, and their two daughters ages 9 and 12 — spend most of their time.

“We spend 90 percent of our time right where the skylights are, so before they were installed, it was dark or we had harsh LEDs on,” Jen said. “To be able to have extra natural light is so great.”

“And our girls love to watch the rain through the skylights,” Ken added.

VELUX 5-Star Skylight Specialist Fitch Construction installed the skylights over the course of a week in September. The couple opted for room darkening skylight blinds because a loft that overlooks the kitchen space is where the family watches TV, and closing the blinds will let them eliminate glare on the screen.

“When we close them it’s a reminder of what it used to look like,” Ken said. “It’s a good before-after.”

Jen, a freelance jewelry designer who Instagrams as @circleandstone, interrupted her feed of rings, necklaces and earrings to post photos showing the skylight blinds open and closed.

“I don’t know how many times i’ve taken photos of the way the light changes throughout the day,” Jen said.

The couple had skylights in their previous house and Ken’s parents’ home has four.

“I grew up in a house with skylights and always loved the light they created and how it changed depending on the time of day,” he said. “Adding them to our current home has been on the wish list for a while.”

If you are thinking about adding a skylight and want to work with a professional and trusted team of contractors, turn to Rochester Skylights. We provide unique craftsmanship to every job and focus on customer satisfaction. For a free design consultation or to get started on your skylight project, call us at 585-377-3330.

The post VELUX Daylight Renovation Sweepstakes Winner Profile: Rochester, NY Couple Brightens Kitchen with Skylights appeared first on Rochester Skylights.

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By: Scott Joseph
Title: VELUX Daylight Renovation Sweepstakes Winner Profile: Rochester, NY Couple Brightens Kitchen with Skylights
Sourced From: www.rochesterskylights.com/velux-daylight-renovation-sweepstakes-winner-profile-rochester-ny-couple-brightens-kitchen-with-skylights/
Published Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2020 05:45:45 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sun tunnels worthwhile?

Sun tunnels are an efficient and cost-effective way to bring natural sunlight into spaces in your home that traditional windows can’t reach. Sun Tunnels can provide up to 20 times more light than an ordinary skylight. They are also known for their superior performance against air leaks and energy efficiency, making them an ideal choice for any climate.

The size of the Sun Tunnel required for your home will determine how much it costs to install. While the tunnel is cheaper than skylights, its installation will cost more. Sun Tunnels come with an extended warranty of 25 years. That means you won’t have any additional expenses for weather damage, leaks or other issues 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. You can also expect substantial savings if this product is chosen over traditional lighting solutions.

All in all, sun tunnels are well worth their price tag when it comes to bringing natural light into those difficult-to-reach areas of your home. They offer superior levels of energy efficiency, air tightness, and a long-term guarantee. This means you won’t have to worry about any future damage or maintenance costs for at least 2045.

What is the difference of a solar tube versus a Sun tunnel?

Both sun tunnels and solar tubes can bring natural light into dark places in your home. Although they may look similar and serve the same purpose as each other, there are some key differences.

A solar tube is made up of two parts. An outer dome sits on the roof and an inner tube runs through the attic or other enclosed area. The inner tube has a reflective surface that amplifies the sun’s reflection. It is also often insulated to help keep energy in the house throughout the day. The outer dome connects directly on to shingles. It allows for easy installation without the need for additional framing, or tearing up walls.

The sun tunnel is also known as a tubular Skylight. It uses a slightly different approach. The sun tunnel is basically one tube with an acrylic dome attached at one end. The other end leads into the chosen space. You will have an efficient and evenly distributed interior lighting solution that is easy to install. This is ideal for homeowners who want to enjoy bright daylight every day from sunrise to sunset. Because they are easy to install and visually appealing, sun tunnels are increasingly popular.

A solar tube is more efficient than a sun tunnel because it has a reflective interior surface. Sun tunnels, on the other hand, provide excellent natural light indoors and do not need additional insulation. Sun tunnels can be installed in a much simpler manner than traditional skylights and use less material.

What’s the difference?

Skylights, as well as sun tunnels, are great ways to bring natural light into a house. But they have different installation methods and provide different amounts of light.

Sun tunnels, also known by the names solar tubes and tubular skylights (or simply sun tubes), make use of an existing roof to let in the sun’s heat. These tunnels are made of reflective tubing, which is placed between the exterior wall of your home and the opening in your roof. This allows sunlight to travel down the tube and into the attic. From there, it travels through another tube that has reflective walls, then into a designated area in your home. Sun tunnels have limited viewing angles and do not allow access to your roof when installing or maintaining them.

Skylights take more effort than sun tunnels. Skylights typically require cutting a hole to mount on your roof. They are available in fixed and operable versions depending on their intended uses. Because of their larger openings, skylights can let in more natural light into a space than sun tunnels. If skylights are not properly fitted with weather-resistant seals, they can leak air from your home, as with all roof windows.

Can solar tubes be sealed?

Yes, solar tubes can be closed. Some sun tubes have adjustable shutters, which can be opened or closed depending on their design. This allows light to enter when it is needed and blocks out sunlight when it isn’t. Caps can be used to limit light entering tubes. These are installed at the top of a tube to close it off from any external light entering as well as keep precipitation from accumulating in the tube itself. Many solar tubes are equipped with an acoustic filter that reduces the noise level, as well as an integrated blind, or curtain, depending on how they were designed. This gives you more control over the amount of natural light entering your space, without the need to manually open/close a shutter or operate a cap. In summary, solar tubes can be opened and closed to control their resulting efforts in daylighting systems better.

What are you looking for in a tubular skylight purchase?

You should consider several things when choosing a tubular skylight. First, consider the space you have available. The tubular skylight must fit snugly and securely in order to maximize daylight and save energy.

Next, consider your dome material. Although they provide good insulation and performance, mid-grade domes let less sunlight in but are less effective at blocking out heat. High-quality domes made of aluminum or stainless steel will block more light from entering your home while providing better thermal resistance.

It is important to choose the type of diffuser: You can choose from prismatic diffusers which disperse light evenly, or adjustable diffusers that adjust light according to the day. This allows you to control brightness.

Additionally, make sure to look out for features such as UV protection and exhaust valves. These will help you get maximum natural light into your home from your tubular rooflight.

Do sun tunnels get dirty?

Because they aren’t as easily damaged by the elements like regular windows, sun tunnels can bring natural sunlight into darkened or dimly lit rooms. Sun tunnels usually have high-quality acrylic domes and polycarbonate domes. This helps to limit the amount dirt, dust, and debris that can get in the tunnel. Additionally, their thick lining material helps deflect smaller objects that may be brought in by wind or other environmental factors, keeping your sun tunning clean and bright.

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. As long as they’re kept away from direct contact with chimneys and other sources of smoke, sun tunnels can last for years without needing major cleaning. Because they require very little maintenance, a sun tunnel can be used to brighten up any surface without requiring much effort.

Many sun tunnel systems have self-cleaning features, such as wipers that clean the lenses of dirt and dust. This eliminates the need to spend time cleaning them. This makes sun tunnels even more suitable for people who want to maximize sunlight but can’t dedicate time specifically to cleaning them regularly.

Do solar tubes need maintenance?

Solar tubes bring natural light into buildings and homes without any need for electricity. How important is maintenance?

Solar tubes require regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly and maximizing the benefits of natural light. Inspections should take place at least once a year and may require cleaning, replacing components, or adjusting the tube’s angle towards sunlight.

Check for light leaks by checking the solar tube’s glass. It’s advisable to replace any damaged tubes as soon as possible. Sometimes debris can accumulate on top of the dome. If this happens, it is important to remove this as soon as possible so that light can still pass through.

If there is no evidence that the tube has suffered any damage, you can simply adjust the tilt of the tube according to the seasons to ensure even distribution of direct sunlight and maximum efficiency. Positions should not be altered more than two times per year because extreme weather conditions may require additional moving parts or complex systems. These extra parts will also require their own maintenance procedures, such as spring adjustments or lubrication.

You can make sure that solar tubes work effectively for many years.

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)
The federal solar tax credit allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a solar energy system. (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)

External Links

How To

Clear the Path for Sunshine: How to Properly Maintain and Clean Your Skylight

Are your skylights feeling dingy, dull, and dirty? Proper maintenance and cleaning are key to ensuring that skylights bring in lots of natural sunlight into your home.

Start by using a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt. To prevent it from gritting your glass, rinse it off with water. You should use a special cleaner to clean skylights. This will remove tougher stains and grime. If you don’t take proper care, mineral deposits or mold can get onto your skylight. A mixture of vinegar and water can help remove these deposits and subsequent oxidation caused by the debris.

You must remove rust spots immediately to prevent them from growing over time. Remove rust stains using a nonabrasive, soap-free pad that has been dipped with steel wool soap. The soap is then diluted in warmwater with an oil-based detergent. For stubborn rust buildups use an acid-based product designed for surface cleaning followed by thorough rinsing in order to avoid any damage being caused to the operating surfaces or seals on the glass units’ edges.

You should inspect for cracks or damage that might have occurred due to winter storms and snowfalls. To seal any areas more severely damaged, painters may fill in the cracks with latex sealant. This prevents water infiltration and further leakage into surrounding structures.

Finally, you might consider adding a sunscreen coating to your roof during summer months. It will protect you from direct sunlight and can keep indoor temperatures comfortable while also saving energy.