An Introduction to skylights - purposes, types, pre-installation considerations

1. Purposes of skylights

As mentioned above, the primary function of a skylight is to provide additional natural light to a building’s interior, thus significantly reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. This ultimately creates a brighter atmosphere fueled by natural light and a dent in lighting energy consumption. The uses of skylights are not limited to this, however. In addition to this, skylights can serve the following purposes:

1.1 Aesthetics

Skylights are useful tools to improve the aesthetics of a room. They achieve this by permitting natural light in and creating a visual bridge between the indoor environment and the outdoor environment. At night, they are also beautiful windows to the sky, stars and the surrounding landscape, adding a strong sense of beauty to the room.

1.2 Ventilation

Skylights that are designed to open and close can allow for natural flow of air in a space. This assists in the regulation of indoor temperature and a reduced need for artificial ventilation systems, while improving air quality.

1.3 Privacy

Skylights can also serve as a resource to maintain privacy while still providing natural light, especially to spaces where privacy is paramount, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.

1.4 Health and well-being

Research in recent times is a testament to the fact that exposure to natural light, as opposed to artificial counterparts, bears a strong connection to the health of people. It provides a number of benefits such as enhanced mood, productivity and circadian rhythms.

1.5 Energy efficiency

Skylights, when designed properly, can reduce the dependency on artificial lighting and heating at daytime, resulting in lower energy bills and energy savings.

As seen above, skylights serve a number of purposes. Next, we shall explore the various types that exist.

2. Types of skylights

There are three main types of skylights, and they are;

• Tubular skylights
• Roof windows
• Automated Skylights

2.1 Tabular skylights

These skylights are commonly known as tubular daylighting devices (TDDs). Due to their cross-sectional area, they reduce the amount of heat gain and heat loss when contrasted with conventional skylights. They function by receiving and trapping direct sunlight, transmitting it down a reflective light well and diffusing it at ceiling level around the room. Their advantages are most strongly felt in climates with high tendencies for sunny days. This is because a significantly smaller amount of light is admitted on cloudy and rainy days than conventional skylights.

2.2 Roof windows

Roof windows are essentially windows which are installed into the roof of a home. Roof windows are typically used in homes with flat ceilings and are openable. Thus, they are strongly recommended for warmer climates and homes with two storeys where the heat would accumulate in the upper level.

2.3 Automated skylights

These are skylights which possess automation. It refers to automated units with pneumatic devices or electric motors. They can be seen as an advancement of conventional skylights. A number of models include moisture sensors which help to automatically close the skylight when it rains.

Now that we know all about what skylights are meant for, and the varying types which exist, let’s take a look at some things to consider before installing skylights.

3. Pros and cons of skylights

3.1 Pros

You can admit more natural light into your home. As explained earlier, skylights let in more sunlight, resulting in health benefits, improved aesthetics and energy efficiency amongst others.

Skylights can visually make a room appear larger. Even at night time, with reduced light coming in, skylights help to create an illusion which makes a room appear wider, thus reducing claustrophobic tendencies.

There is an increase in the value of your home. With proper installation and impeccable design, skylights can serve as positive driving factors in increasing the value of your property.

3.2 Cons

When installed improperly, skylights could leak. If they aren’t sealed properly, they tend to leak, particularly during rainy or moist weather. This results in water seeping through the walls of a space, ultimately causing damages to the room and the property as a whole.

Traditional windows are cheaper than skylights. Before making the decision to get a skylight installed, it’s important to consider whether a conventional window could serve the purpose you need.

Regardless, here at Daibau.ng, we assure you that we have your best interests at heart as regards all things skylights. If you’ve made the decision to get one, or if you’re still in need of some information, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll introduce you to the options we have available for skylights.

We look forward to hearing from you.