The Pros and Cons of Adding Skylights

Skylights have existed for a long time. Even the ancient Romans used them to lighten up dark sections of their structures. However, you need to consider if they’re right for your property before adding them.

Before you start a major roof makeover, consider the advantages and disadvantages of adding skylights.

The Pros

1. Increases the Amount of Natural Light
   The most significant advantage of skylights is that they allow natural light into your room. Solar heat is produced as a result of light. During the colder months, heating your home with sunshine can help you save money on heating expenditures.
2. Improves Ventilation

The skylight windows may be opened to allow in more natural light and fresh air. Using this method, you may improve cross ventilation in stuffy rooms, improve the quality of the air and cool down your living areas without turning on the air conditioner.

3. Reduces Energy Consumption

Sunshine can heat up your interiors, whereas cross ventilation can cool them down, so plan accordingly with your trusted roofer. The combination of the two can help you save money on your energy bills. Just make sure you install a skylight that is leak-proof and has laminated glass.

4. Adds Resale Home Value

Skylights, for example, can add equity to your property by increasing its resale value while also providing some rooms with an inviting ambiance filled with natural lighting.

5. Creates Natural Views

Skylights can make your room look more spacious in the same way that adding mirrors to walls may make a room “feel bigger”. Moreover, you can enjoy a view of the night sky or the surrounding nature throughout the day.

The Cons

1. Overheating and Lighting

This abundance of rays can be a lifesaver in some areas, but it can also cause issues with too much light and heat. Remember this when deciding on a placement, size, orientation, climate control and how you’ll use the room.

2. Heat Loss

Skylights also lose heat in the winter. Glass transmits heat better than insulation or concrete, allowing heat from inside a home to escape to the outside. To combat this, homeowners should pick thermally broken skylights with insulated glass.

3. Problems With Installation

Even if a skylight is insulated, properly sealing the shaft and installing it are frequent issues. Too often, a skylight is installed incorrectly, causing moisture issues and leaks that not only seep into spaces below, but also spread leaks to previously dry parts of the roof. A tiny leak could turn into a much larger, more complex situation leading to roof repair or replacement.

4. Cleaning Issues

Cleaning skylights is also challenging. If you enjoy spring cleaning and washing your windows, cleaning your skylights may be difficult, if not dangerous. To lessen the frequency of cleaning, make sure they’re positioned in regions where leaves or branches won’t fall on them, requiring frequent cleaning or cleaning.

Despite its limitations, a skylight can be a compelling design element and a vital tool for bringing the daylight into a space – so long as they’re well-placed, properly glazed, and properly installed.

For superior roofing and skylight installation services, turn to Ben’s Construction Inc. We also install gutters, windows and doors. Give us a call at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form to request a quote.