
There are several types of skylight roof windows to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. These include fixed skylights, which provide natural light without allowing for ventilation, and ventilating skylights, which offer a way to exchange stale air for fresh air.
Fixed skylights are often used in areas where ventilation is not a priority, such as in bathrooms or laundry rooms. They can be made from materials like glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic, and come in a range of sizes to fit different roof types.
Ventilating skylights, on the other hand, are perfect for areas that require air exchange, such as kitchens or living rooms. They can be operated manually or automatically, and some even come with rain sensors to prevent water from entering the home.
A fresh viewpoint: Venting an Attic without Soffits
Benefits
Adding a skylight to your home can make a huge difference in how you feel about your space. Natural light can brighten up any interior and increase the perception of the area, making the room feel bigger and brighter than it is.
Skylights provide more than just natural illumination, they can also have beneficial effects on mood. Studies show that people who work in rooms with windows get more sleep at night and have better sleep quality.
A skylight can make an enormous difference to the quality of your life as sun rays streaming through a skylight can make even the dullest rooms feel alive, welcoming, and warm. Natural light has a different balance of colors compared to most artificial light sources, which can affect sleep and circadian rhythms.
Skylights have been compared to a "natural air conditioner" because they let light, warmth, and fresh air in during the day, and trap that heat at night. This can be especially beneficial for people with allergies to airborne particles, or those who live in locations where mold or mildew growth is a problem.
Here are some key benefits of skylights:
- Natural light can increase the perception of the area, making the room feel bigger and brighter.
- Skylights can have beneficial effects on mood and sleep quality.
- Sky lights can reduce heating and cooling costs by allowing more light into your living space during the day.
- Skylights can provide good ventilation, reducing mold and mildew growth and getting rid of unpleasant smells.
Velux Options
VELUX offers a range of options to suit any home, with over 60 years of experience in manufacturing skylights and roof windows.
Additional reading: Type B Roof Deck
VELUX skylights are designed to be easy to install, open, and maintain, ensuring you get the most enjoyment out of your investment. They feature noise-reducing glazing that reduces outside noise by up to 25 percent more than standard double pane glass.
One of the smartest skylights in the VELUX range is the solar-powered Fresh Air Skylight, which captures daylight to charge its battery-powered system. This skylight also features VELUX's Neat glass coating, which resists dirt and smudges.
VELUX skylights can be paired with a variety of blinds, including room darkening, light filtering, and Venetian blinds, which can easily change day into night and filter the light that enters the room.
For more insights, see: Velux Skylight Roof Window
Velux with Blinds
With Velux skylights, you can control the environment and enjoy the benefits of natural light. 50% of consumers would like to have control of the light with their skylight, but only one of every ten has it.
Velux skylights with blinds can change the mood of a room, adding balance and privacy with energy efficiency. Room darkening skylight blinds can easily change day into night, making it perfect for naps or movie nights.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Cost to Replace Flat Roof with Pitched Roof
The light filtering skylight blinds filter and soften the light that enters the room, perfect for rooms where diffused light is desired like the kitchen and living rooms. You can choose from a variety of colors, including white, beige, green, gray, and charcoal for the blackout blinds.
Velux has eleven factory-installed blinds available in multi colors, giving you plenty of options to choose from. The Venetian skylight blind is also a great option to help control the amount and direction of light in a room.
Legend Roofs recommends choosing a three-star specialist to install your Velux skylight with blinds, ensuring a professional and weather-tight fit. With a ten-year warranty, you can be sure that the quality of your Velux skylight with blinds will stand the test of time.
For your interest: Roofing Shingle Colors
Unobstructed View
Having an unobstructed view is one of the best things about Velux options - you can gaze at the stars, moon, or sun as they move overhead.
Skylights are a great addition to condo units, small rooms, and bedrooms.
They give you an unobstructed view of the sky, which can be especially lovely in the morning or evening when the light is soft and warm.
You can even use them to admire the changing seasons and the unique beauty of each one.
Fixed Offer Flexibility
Fixed skylights offer surprising flexibility, especially when it comes to installation. They can be installed in a variety of positions and can even replace existing skylights with greater flexibility.
The streamlined profile of VELUX Fixed Skylights doesn't obstruct the roofline, making them a discreet choice. This is a major advantage over other skylights that can be bulky and unsightly.
One of the key benefits of fixed skylights is their ability to provide clean, quiet, and safe glass. The Neat glass used in VELUX Fixed Skylights disperses water evenly for quick evaporation and reduced water spotting.
Explore further: Rain Gutter Water Catcher
Here are some key features of fixed skylights:
- Flexible Installations: The elimination of the drywall groove allows for greater installation flexibility and more positioning options.
- Clean, Quiet & Safe Glass: Enjoy 25% less unwanted outside noise than standard double pane glass and up to 50% less than a plastic skylight.
- Streamlined Profile: The streamlined exterior profile of VELUX Fixed Skylights does not obstruct the roofline.
- The No Leak Promise: The No Leak Promise carries a 10-year installation warranty, plus 20 years on glass, 10 years on product and five years on shades and controls.
- Integrated Shades: Solar-powered skylight shades provide integrated light and temperature control, with the option to diffuse or block the light when needed.
Solar-powered skylight shades offer a convenient and energy-efficient way to control the amount of light in your room. They can be controlled remotely or via smartphone and add a layer of insulation, boosting your skylight's energy performance by 45% with room-darkening shades and by 39% with light-filtering shades.
Check this out: Skylight Window Shades Diy
Installation and Considerations
Installing a skylight roof window can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. A flat ceiling doesn't necessarily mean you can't have a skylight, as you can build a lightwell in your attic to capture the available light.
To determine the right size of your skylight, estimate 1 square foot of skylight for every 20 feet of floor space. This will help ensure you get the right amount of natural light in your room.
A curb mount skylight is a great option for flat roofs, and can be installed to add light to your room. VELUX skylight light shafts can also channel light from a skylight or roof window to any room in your home, making it brighter and more comfortable.
Proper installation is key to reducing the likelihood of condensation. Follow the installation instructions closely, and consider consulting a professional if you're unsure. Skylights with interior channels collect condensation, but this can be prevented by proper installation.
To prevent condensation buildup, make sure to have tightly sealed joints in the skylight access, and consider installing ceiling or exhaust fans to improve air circulation. This will help reduce the presence of moisture and keep your room dry.
Here's a quick rundown of the different types of skylights to consider:
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy snowfall, make sure to ask your local Home Depot associate about skylight units with specially-constructed glass for added protection.
Sources
- https://legendroofsok.com/best-skylights-and-roof-windows/
- https://solartown.com/skylights/flat-roof-skylights/
- https://whyskylights.com/choosing-skylights/products/fixed-skylights
- https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-skylights-for-your-home/9ba683603be9fa5395fab907431dca2
- https://normanusa.com/blog/roof-window-vs-skylight/
Featured Images: pexels.com