There’s a reason we try our hardest to get outside on sunny days. There’s something about sunshine–natural light in general–that brings warmth not just to the body but to the mind and spirit. Still, we can’t be outside all the time, so we do our best to bring the outdoors into our homes. Big windows. Sliding-glass doors. Anything to bring in the light, including skylights.
A skylight is a fantastic addition to any home. By allowing natural light to flood in, a skylight can create a bright and welcoming environment while reducing the need for artificial lighting, improving energy efficiency. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of a well-placed skylight can transform the look of a room, making it feel more open and connected to the outdoors.
There are many types of skylights available, probably more than you think. But whether you’re looking for a simple solution to increase natural light or an option that provides ventilation and energy savings as well, there’s a skylight that can meet your needs. Here’s a breakdown.
Fixed Skylights
A fixed skylight is a non-opening skylight designed to provide a constant source of natural light. It’s a classic option that brings the outdoors in a very simple, straightforward manner.
Ideal Use
A fixed skylight is perfect for a room where ventilation isn’t a priority, such as a living room, hallway, or other area where your goal is simply to maximize natural light.
Benefits
A fixed skylight is low maintenance. It has no moving parts; this also makes it highly energy-efficient, as there’s less opportunity for air leakage. A cost-effective option, a fixed skylight is perfect for homeowners on a budget who still crave the beauty of natural light.
Ventilated Skylights
As the name suggests, a ventilated skylight—also known as a “venting skylight”—can be opened to allow fresh air into your home. As opposed to the fixed skylight, the ventilated skylight combines the uplifting effect of natural light with the cooling effect of extra ventilation.
Ideal Use
A ventilated skylight is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or any room where you need increased airflow. This could be to reduce moisture, improve air quality, or simply allow for a nice breeze.
Benefits
By increasing circulation, this type of skylight reduces moisture buildup as well as mold and mildew. It also contributes to a more comfortable home by improving air quality and reducing indoor pollutants. And never underestimate the psychological benefit of cooling airflow on a warm day.
Tubular Skylights
A tubular skylight is a compact, cylindrical skylight that uses reflective tubing to direct sunlight from the roof into small or hard-to-reach spaces in your home–essentially piping in daylight.
Ideal Use
It used to be that installing a skylight–and enjoying the benefits of natural light–meant cutting a hole in your roof. But you can’t always do that. A tubular skylight gets natural light into places you never thought possible. As such, it’s perfect for a small room, a hallway, or a closet—any area with limited roof space where a traditional skylight is simply not feasible.
Benefits
A tubular skylight is highly cost-effective and easy to install, making it a great option for tight spaces—and tight budgets—of all kinds. It also provides a surprising amount of light relative to its size, making it an effective way to bring natural light into any dimly lit area of your home.
Solar-Powered Skylights
A solar-powered skylight is equipped with solar panels that power its opening and closing mechanism, making it an eco-friendly option as well as an energy-efficient one.
Ideal Use
A solar-powered skylight is ideal for the eco-conscious homeowner as well as the energy-conscious one—anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint and/or energy costs.
Benefits
A solar-powered skylight offers the convenience of remote control and automated operation, all while reducing energy costs. Additionally, such a skylight may qualify for tax incentives or rebates, making it an attractive option for those interested in sustainable home improvements.
Custom Skylights
As the name suggests, a custom skylight is designed and built with your needs in mind, to fit a unique space or a specific design preference. This allows for a high degree of personalization.
Ideal Use
A custom skylight offers maximum flexibility, and is ideal for homes with a specific architectural style or a non-standard roof design–anything that calls for a tailored approach.
Benefits
The flexibility in design offered here allows homeowners to create a unique focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic of their home. Whether you’re looking for a specific shape, size, or material, a custom skylight can be crafted to meet your precise specifications.
Go Toward the Light
Finding ways to bring the outside in will always be high on any homeowner’s renovation wish list. With so many options, and the potential to bring uplifting light or better ventilation to your home, a skylight offers an affordable and effective way to do just that. Consider your specific requirements and consult with a professional to choose the best types of skylights for your home. Are you ready to explore your skylight installation options? Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you bring more light into your life with the perfect skylight installation.
