Skylights are an aesthetically pleasing way to let more natural light into your home. However, there are pros and cons to installing skylights, and it’s important that you review these factors before making your final decision. Here are some essential aspects to having skylights that could help sway your choice.
Con: Skylights don’t save on your electric bill
While skylights do let sunlight into your home, your electric bill is likely to be higher because of this. You’re actually adding another window to the roof of your home. This means heat will be released through the skylight during the warm months of the year, which can raise your air conditioning bill. In the fall and winter, you may feel a cold draft in the room with the skylight, which means you’ll have to use the heating system in your home more often.
Pro: Skylights make the room look bigger
If you’ve got a small family room or bedroom and want to give the illusion of more space, a skylight is a wise design idea. The skylight will automatically make the ceiling look wider and make it easy for the moonlight to enter the room. This has a beautiful effect on the space and can make you feel more relaxed and peaceful when you’re in the room.
Con: Skylights have the potential to leak
If the skylight is not sealed correctly, it could leak when it rains or snows. A collection of moisture can accumulate under the skylight bond, and this could lead to mold or mildew. If the water seeps onto the walls or the ceiling, this can cause damage to the home as well. It’s best to make sure that the contractor you hire has experience installing skylights. Check out some of the professional’s past work so you can feel completely comfortable with the installation before the work begins.
Pro: Skylights can increase your home’s value
If the skylight is installed expertly and features an eye-catching shape, it could make the home more appealing to potential buyers. A skylight is especially attractive to “green” buyers who want a home where natural light is featured. So, this home addition may be a great idea if you plan to sell your home in the next few months or years.
No matter the pros and cons, make sure you’re adding a skylight for the right reasons. And the most important reason is that you, the homeowner, will love it.
Post Author: andyc.