Skylights are specially designed windows that fit into a home’s roof and provide for natural lighting and fresh air. The lights may be used for aesthetic reasons or in conjunction with passive heating. Many different types of skylights are readily available, and the different models rely on a variety of designs, materials and extra accessories. Finding the right skylight depends on a homeowner’s ultimate goals, and a model that is perfect for a bathroom may not function in a master bedroom.
The size of a skylight is one of the largest differences between models, and homeowners can find products that are designed to fit in between roof rafters and trusses at either 16 inches or 24 inches wide. These products are easily installed, and they provide homeowners with a cost-effective way to enjoy improved ambiance with natural lighting. On the other hand, customized skylights are also available and can be as large as a homeowner wishes.
Other than the size of a particular skylight, three main types of product are commonly used. Ventilating, fixed and flat lights are all options that consumers can choose from. Ventilating models are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because they allow a cool rush of air to replace heat and humidity. The different products are also designed with various opening methods, and ventilating skylights can be opened with a remote, an automatic sensor or by hand.
Fixed skylights are the opposite of ventilating skylights because they do not open. The products may be constructed from acrylic or glass, and the glass can emerge from roofs in a bubble or flat style. Because fixed skylights are engineered to only allow light inside a home, they are a perfect choice for a den, library or living room.
Flat skylights are another type of product that is commonly used in the residential and commercial market, and the models are distinguished by their flat construction. The different offerings that are available may either be fixed or ventilating, and they can work in multiple settings. Dome skylights are like flat models, except they have a round pane of glass that extends past the roof’s surface.
The two major materials that are commonly used in skylight construction are acrylic and glass. Each has its own weaknesses and strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on a homeowner’s preference. Both also have different insulating values, and consumers who are interested in improving their energy efficiency may want to consider a model that is designed with full insulation. Installing a new skylight is an outstanding way to brighten up a room while ensuring energy efficiency, and by knowing the differences between various models, consumers can make sure that they find the right product for their home improvement project.
Post Author: andyc.
