What You Need To Do Before Installing a Skylight

Your house is where you can find peace away from the busy outside world. What better way than with a skylight to bring some of that natural light inside? An open and airy ambiance may be created in any room by installing a skylight, which will flood it with natural light. But before you jump right into the installation process, there are a few essential things to consider. This guide will take you through what you need to do before installing a skylight so that you can make an informed decision and ensure the best possible outcome for your home. So, let’s begin!

Select a Skylight Style

Like any other home improvement option, skylights can vary in size, style, and price. Putting up a skylight is not a whim decision; therefore, you have some goals for the project. For example, a domed skylight might be a good choice if you only want to let in extra light. With this design, natural light may enter freely without being blocked by falling leaves or other debris.

Another design consideration is whether or not you want to improve ventilation in your home. If so, a ventilated skylight is preferable to a fixed one. Vented skylights can improve ventilation, although they are more expensive and more likely to leak than non-vented skylights.

Placement Is Critical

It’s essential to give some thought to placement before installing a skylight. Location matters; don’t put it above the stove, where frequent steam and moisture can cause mildew and clouding. Skylights are beautiful additions to any roof, but it’s important to coordinate their placement with the rest of your home’s design.

Size Considerations

There is a wide range of sizes available for skylights. However, the roof’s internal structure determines the skylight size you can install. A two-foot-wide skylight can be installed on almost any standard house roof. You might have to modify your trusses and add structural bracing to increase the size.

Install Your Skylight

It’s important to know what to expect regarding complexity, time, and expense when installing a skylight, whether you’re doing it yourself or using a reputable roofing company.

Installing a skylight can be more complicated if there is wiring or piping between your ceiling and roof. Installations should be scheduled for times when precipitation is unlikely. The optimum installation time is in the summer, but afternoon thunderstorms are always possible.

Seal Properly

Ensure the flashing fits snugly around your skylight during installation to avoid air leaks. Leaks will immediately appear if the flashing is not put correctly. Call a professional roofer if you install a skylight and then notice water damage. Water damage and harmful mold growth from a leaking skylight can lead to a far more expensive repair.

Climate Impacts Skylights

Weather conditions can negatively impact skylights. Having too much natural light can be uncomfortable and costly in warm climates. It is possible to regulate the quantity of sunlight that enters a room through skylights by using shading devices like shutters or awnings.

Properly insulated skylights can reduce heat loss and keep a home toasty warm in cooler climates. Ensure your skylight is correctly sealed to avoid water leaking and is built to endure the weather conditions in your area.

Skylights Ventilate Naturally

Another perk of skylights with vents is that they improve ventilation by letting in outside air. It is instrumental in kitchens and bathrooms, where mold and mildew can grow if moisture and odors are allowed to build up.

Skylight vents can be opened and closed manually or mechanically in response to changes in humidity or temperature. Having adequate ventilation can make a home healthier more comfortable, and reduce the amount of stale air inside.