A guide to skylights

Whether you call them skylights or roof windows, this particular type of window has been incredibly popular in recent years. With more and more people deciding to install them in their homes, now is as good a time as any to ask the questions: what is a skylight? Why even consider it? Keep reading and you’ll soon find out

What is a skylight?

The name is a good indication of what a skylight is – it’s a type of window that’s meant to supply you with light directly from the sky. Similar in nature to roof windows, they consist of all the parts any window has – a frame, glazing, etc. It’s one of the most reliable ways to increase the amount of sunlight coming into your home. The opening is usually translucent, but there are of course ways of covering it up, such as through remote-controlled blinds. They can be opened or fixed, and it doesn’t matter whether you have a flat or slanted roof – skylights are an amazing solution regardless.

Benefits of installing skylights in your house

It doesn’t matter whether you live in a historic home or a contemporary bungalow – a skylight can make your home living much more pleasant. Whether you go with Fakro skylights, Velux skylights, or any other make of skylight window, there are plenty of benefits to this decision.

  • They can help you save energy – with more natural light coming into your home, daylight will be a sufficient source of light for a much longer time than it would normally be. Additionally, this means that your home will be warmer, letting you save on heating costs.
  • They can improve your health – the increased amount of sunlight is also incredibly beneficial to your physical well-being. It’s thanks to sunlight that your body can produce vitamin D and B1, which are crucial to staying in good health. They’re also the key to a better mood, as those are ingredients that boost the production of serotonin.
  • Protect your home’s structure – the added sunlight and warmth provided by skylights will also make it less likely for mold to take in your home, saving you money on future renovations. As mold thrives in a dark, moist environment, the only certain way to prevent it is to fill your home with sunlight and warmth – which is exactly what skylights do.
  • Improved ventilation – whether you’re using a crank or a remote control, a skylight that can be opened is a sound means of improving the ventilation in your home. This is particularly useful in the warmer months and will serve to greatly boost air quality in your home.
  • Added value – should you ever decide to sell your house, a skylight will definitely raise its value, as the increased amount of natural light coming in is definitely something that is incredibly important to potential buyers. Nobody wants a home that’s dark, dank and gloomy – and skylights are the perfect remedy for that.

 

Where can you order skylight windows?

If you’ve decided that you want skylights in your home, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting them from a good source. You can never go wrong with reputable brands like Sunlux or Velux, but if you want to get a comprehensive selection of skylight windows for your home, come visit Sunlux – you’ll get all the best skylights to choose from.

Are skylights energy-efficient?

Yes, they are. Skylights can actually contribute to your cutting on energy bills, as your house will draw in more daylight and more warmth, which means you’ll rely less on electricity to supply those.

Are skylights safe?

Yes, provided that you conduct regular maintenance. As with any window, skylights are subjected to the elements, so they can be subjected to wear and tear if you don’t care for them well. The risks are greater due to their position, which only incentivizes further maintenance.

Can skylight cladding be replaced?

Yes, but it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t true for all types of skylights. For Velux, for example, only deck mount skylights can be replaced.

Should skylights be open on hot days?

That depends on what you want to achieve. If you want your home to stay cool, it’s a better idea to keep them closed – they are usually structured in a way that makes them block out the hot airwaves. However, if you’re all about those high temperatures and prefer the fresh air coming in, you can open them. It’s not recommended for extremely hot days, though.

When are skylights required?

This depends on the regulations imposed on a local level. Many neighborhoods will require closed in spaces or large buildings to have skylights. When in doubt, consult your local authorities.

Do you need planning permission for skylights?

In general, planning permission is not required, though there are regulations that must be followed, such as regarding the position in reference to the roof line. In cases when your project exceeds these regulations, you will need to apply for planning permission.