Skylights

A Homeowner’s Guide to Skylights for Construction and Rebuild Projects

Skylights are a fantastic addition to any home, bringing in natural light, improving Ventilation, and adding aesthetic appeal. Whether you're building a new home or considering a major remodel, installing skylights can brighten interior spaces, enhance Energy Efficiency, and offer unique design opportunities.

This guide will walk you through the various types of skylights, common materials, terms, and options available to help you make an informed decision for your project.

Types of Skylights

1. Fixed Skylights

Fixed skylights are designed for illumination only and do not open or provide ventilation. They are ideal for areas where natural light is desired but ventilation isn’t needed.

Uses:

  • Living rooms, hallways, and stairwells

  • Rooms with limited wall space for traditional windows

Benefits:

  • Affordable and simple to install

  • Maximizes natural light

Considerations:
Since fixed skylights do not open, they do not offer ventilation. They can also create heat gain or loss without proper insulation or Glazing.

2. Ventilating (Operable) Skylights

Ventilating skylights can be opened to allow fresh air into the room. These are often installed in kitchens, bathrooms, or attics to improve airflow.

Uses:

  • Bathrooms and kitchens for improved ventilation

  • Attics and upper floors to reduce heat buildup

Benefits:

  • Provides both natural light and ventilation

  • Helps reduce humidity and moisture in bathrooms and kitchens

Considerations:
Ventilating skylights are more expensive than fixed skylights and require regular maintenance to ensure proper function. Electric or manual operation may add complexity to the installation.

3. Tubular Skylights

Tubular skylights, also known as solar tubes and sun tunnels, are small, round skylights that capture sunlight through a dome on the roof and direct it down through a reflective tube into the room below.

Uses:

  • Small rooms like bathrooms, closets, and hallways

  • Areas with limited roof or Ceiling space for traditional skylights

Benefits:

  • Affordable and energy-efficient

  • Easy to install, even in tight spaces

  • Provides natural light without requiring a large opening

Considerations:
Tubular skylights offer limited illumination compared to larger skylights and do not provide ventilation.

4. Pyramid or Dome Skylights

Pyramid and dome skylights are geometric shapes that sit above the roofline and allow light to enter from multiple angles. These skylights are typically used for large spaces and commercial buildings but can be installed in residential homes for architectural impact.

Uses:

  • Large rooms with high ceilings

  • Atriums and sunrooms

Benefits:

  • Unique architectural design

  • Maximizes natural light from multiple angles

Considerations:
These skylights are more complex and costly to install. Due to their shape, they may require additional structural support and waterproofing.

Skylight Materials

1. Glass

Glass is the most common material for skylight glazing, offering excellent durability, visibility, and insulation. Glass skylights are available in single, double, or triple glazing, with options for Low-E coatings to improve energy efficiency.

Benefits:

  • Long-lasting and scratch-resistant

  • Available with UV protection and Low-E coatings

  • Provides clear, unobstructed views

Considerations:
Glass skylights can be more expensive than other materials, especially when opting for double or triple glazing. Proper installation and sealing are crucial to prevent leaks.

2. Acrylic or Polycarbonate

Acrylic and polycarbonate skylights are lightweight, shatter-resistant alternatives to glass. These materials are often used for dome or pyramid skylights due to their flexibility.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight and impact-resistant

  • More affordable than glass

  • Ideal for custom shapes like domes or pyramids

Considerations:
Acrylic and polycarbonate skylights can yellow over time and may scratch more easily than glass. They also offer less insulation, which may lead to heat gain or loss.

Key Skylight Terms

  • Glazing: The glass or plastic panes in a skylight. Glazing can be single, double, or triple to improve insulation and energy efficiency.

  • Low-E Coating: A special coating applied to glass that reflects heat, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter while reducing UV damage to interiors.

  • Flashing: The material used to create a waterproof seal around the skylight. Proper flashing is critical to preventing leaks.

  • Curb-Mounted Skylight: A skylight installed on a raised curb or frame that sits above the roofline. This design offers better protection against leaks and is ideal for flat or low-slope roofs.

  • Deck-Mounted Skylight: A skylight installed flush with the roofline, typically on sloped roofs. It offers a more streamlined appearance and is easier to install in some cases.

Skylight Options and Features

1. Manual or Electric Operation

Ventilating skylights can be opened either manually or with electric controls. Electric skylights are particularly convenient for hard-to-reach areas and can be paired with remote controls or integrated into smart home systems.

Manual Operation:

  • Simple and affordable

  • Requires manual effort to open and close the skylight

Electric Operation:

  • Ideal for skylights installed in hard-to-reach areas

  • Can be controlled remotely or programmed to open and close automatically

2. Integrated Blinds or Shades

Some skylights come with integrated blinds or shades to control the amount of light entering the room. These can be manual or motorized and provide privacy and light control for bedrooms or media rooms.

3. Solar-Powered Skylights

Solar-powered skylights are a green, energy-efficient option that uses solar energy to power the opening and closing mechanism. These are especially useful for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Benefits:

  • No need for electrical wiring

  • Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly

  • May qualify for tax credits or rebates

Skylight Placement Considerations

1. Roof Slope and Orientation

The placement of your skylight in relation to the roof’s slope and the sun’s orientation can significantly affect how much light and heat enters the room. South-facing skylights receive the most sunlight, while north-facing skylights provide softer, indirect light.

2. Size and Room Function

The size of the skylight should be proportional to the room. Larger skylights are ideal for living rooms and dining areas, while smaller skylights or tubular options are better suited for bathrooms or hallways.

3. Ventilation Needs

In rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture and odors can build up, a ventilating skylight can improve airflow and reduce humidity. Fixed skylights are more suited for spaces where ventilation is not a priority.

Further Reading

Wrap-Up

Skylights are a valuable addition to any home, enhancing natural light, improving energy efficiency, and adding architectural interest. Whether you're looking to install fixed, ventilating, or tubular skylights, understanding the different types, materials, and placement considerations is essential to ensure your skylights function as desired. Proper installation, high-quality glazing, and thoughtful placement can greatly impact the long-term benefits of your skylights, providing both aesthetic and practical rewards for your home.

By choosing the right skylights and working with a professional installer, you can brighten your home and create inviting spaces with enhanced comfort and style.