Skylight Options and The Impacts on Your Roofing Project

Are skylights a luxury or more? In regions of the country that aren’t continually bathed with sunshine, or in a with house with limited wall area available for windows, skylights can be a game-changer. They can make the difference between a bright, light space and a dark, dismal cave! In addition, in neighborhoods where the houses are close together and any wall window light access is minimal, a skylight can add some natural light. Or in large open rooms, a skylight can bring light to the middle of a space that otherwise would have no natural light.

Consider the options for skylights, roof windows and light shafts and impacts on roofing.

Types of roof light sources to explore

Skylight: A skylight is a fixed window set into the roofline. It may incorporate venting options, but the window itself does not open.

Roof window: A roof window opens usually with a pivoting awning-style mechanism. Some roof windows include window screening, in much the same way as an awning-style window on a vertical home wall.

Light shaft: A light shaft is a structural walled shaft passing between roof trusses or joists to link a room ceiling to a skylight or roof window. This is often the light option used in one-story homes, where a horizontal opening in the ceiling is connected to the roof-mounted window.

Tube window: The tube window is a simple and inexpensive form of a light shaft. A small bubble-dome window is set into the roofline and linked to a ceiling below by means of a flexible reflective tube. Tube skylights are normally used for small spaces to provide outdoor light to a bathroom, closet, laundry room or other area that would typically not get natural light.

There are many options for roof windows and you will have the numerous options for glazing and glass. Some types of roof windows are operated by motors—this remote control option is important if you want a vented window that is high above you in the ceiling.

Glass for roof windows and skylights is made from highly shatter-resistant glass, to protect from impacts such as hail or falling tree branches. You’ll have options for single to triple-pane glass for heat efficiency, reflective coatings, gas-filled chambers between glass panels, and most alternatives common to normal wall windows.

WHAT ARE THE DOWNSIDES OF SKYLIGHTS?

Skylight leaks happen for a few reasons: improper installation, problems with the roof flashing, and waiting too long for a skylight replacement. Be sure to hire an experienced roofing contractor to ensure the proper installation and flashing protection.