Skylights: what they are, advantages and tips for choosing them

2023-04-29 00:30:21

Skylights are a lighting system that allows more natural light to enter the home. Discover which models best fit each environment.

Last update: April 28, 2023

Skylights are a type of window that they are placed on the ceiling or on top of a wall. They seem unusual to have in the home, but there are increasingly wide and adaptable varieties, while their installation is accessible.

Also known as a ‘skylight’ or ‘lucerna’, it allows the entry of natural lighting in a much larger percentage than a common window. In addition, it brings style and distinction to the environment, since it gives a feeling of spaciousness to the space. Its models vary according to shape, size, materials and placement.

Advantages of skylights

The installation of this type of windows can be complex to do with one’s own hands. However, your investment brings a series of benefits that usually increase the value of a property.

Natural light

One of the main advantages of skylights is the greater entry of natural light. Being placed in upper parts of the house, the sun’s rays enter with more intensity and for a longer time. This means energy savings, since it causes less consumption of electricity and heating.

Privacy

When open, ordinary windows have the disadvantage of exposing the interior of the house. To cover it, curtains are placed, but these affect the entry of light and air. Being in hard-to-reach places, skylights allow permanent lighting, without compromising privacy.

decorative aspect

It seems that the skylights can only be seen in historical constructions, such as religious temples or architecturally designed buildings. However, they are increasingly used in homes, due to their variety of sizes and adaptable materials. Chosen judiciously, they add decorative aesthetics and a distinctive style to the property.

width and view

Another advantage is that a skylight gives the feeling that the environment where it is located is larger. On the other hand, the direct view of the sky is a possibility that ordinary windows do not have.

For example, if placed in a bedroom, a starry night is within reach. In case of having exterior landscapes, you can take better advantage of your vision.

ventilation systems

Some skylights have manual ventilation systems and electrical control. They are more expensive, but they can prevent problems later. This type of window helps to ventilate humid environments and heat the coldest ones. Besides, by placing screens or blinds, it is possible to filter the level of light that enters.

Tips for Choosing Skylights

There are many types of skylights, classified according to size, material and placement method. Whatever the choice, it is advisable to request advice and installation to a specialist.

It is advisable to take into account the type of roof and the distance of the support beams from the center, since it may require reinforcement. In general, skylights are grouped into three models.

fixed skylights. The most common on the market. They are ideal for providing lighting to gloomy spaces in the house. Within this model, it is possible to vary between rectangular, polygonal or dome shapes, and also the quality of materials, such as glass or acrylic.
Ventilated skylights. They are similar to the fixed ones, but with manual or remote control opening and closing systems. Although they are more expensive, they allow better ventilation in humid spaces. In general, it is recommended that they carry additional frames to prevent water infiltration.
tubular skylights. A special model for small places, where others do not enter. For example, corridors or bathrooms. Although they are between 10 and 14 inches in diameter, they allow a good entrance of light.

Size

In general, to choose the size it is estimated that a single skylight must not exceed 5% of the surface of the ground where it is going to be installed. Another way is to compare it with the volume of the environment, in which case it has to be around 15% of the total.

Location

Some aspects must be taken into account when selecting the location of the skylight. For example, that does not coincide with light or water installations. In addition, it must be in harmony with the rest of the decoration of the environment and, above all, receive as much sunlight as possible.

Advice

Although you can do the installation yourself, It is a somewhat complex task.. Working on roofs carries a risk, you must have experience and the necessary tools.

It is recommended to have this done by a roofing contractor or specialist, as the main problems with skylights stem from poor installation.

Frames and flashing

Some types of skylights, due to the way they are installed, require additional waterproofing frames. This prevents leaks and water seepage, which can cause future structural damage.

It is an element that involves drilling holes in the roof, so the manufacturer usually includes both the frames and the flashing that help to seal. It is advisable to pay attention that ultraviolet rays do not impact the furniture directly, since they over time they are marked and ruined.

Roof types and materials

The choice of skylights is subject to the materials from which the house is built. Installation kits are different for drywall, masonry, or wood shingles. The forms of assembly vary between those that include a platform, those that are placed on the curb and those known as flash.

environments of the house

Just as the tubular ones —which are smaller— fit well in corridors or bathrooms, skylights with ventilation are better applied in kitchens, to encourage air renewal. Therefore, to choose the ideal model, also the type and size of the environment must be taken into account.

Quality

The materials vary according to the budget and the desired quality. For example, acrylic domes are cheaper, but less aesthetic; therefore, they are recommended for workshops or garages. Crystal or glass is best suited to the decor of a living.

Others, with a higher budget, include insulating thermal glass, which They prevent heat loss in winter and cool more in summer. This also depends on the weather conditions in the area. The skylights are exposed, so regions with frequent hail fall require more resistant materials.

safety and cleanliness

These may seem like secondary considerations, but safety is important as skylights provide a gateway into the home. It must be taken into account at the time of installation, as well as the cleaning system.

As they are elevated, accessing them to sanitize them presents some difficulty. Another possible complication is the entry of insects. For that there are protective meshes or blinds that prevent their entry.

What is there to remember?

In short, if you know how to choose the ideal environment for your installation, skylights are an excellent alternative to provide natural light to the home. It is always advisable to seek advice from an expert in these cases and decide according to the characteristics of the space.