Skylights Illuminate Life and Home

Skylights can add value to a house as well as dramatically improve the home's overall look and feel. Natural light is also easier on the eyes for reading and household tasks. Sunshine makes most people feel better. And for the energy conscious, Skylights can reduce heating and lighting costs!

Here are some questions you should consider when shopping for skylights:
1.Where's the best place to install a skylight? To maximize sunlight in the home, consider the direction the skylight will face.
a. North-facing skylights provide fairly constant, but cool illumination.
b. East-facing skylights provide maximum light & solar heat gain in the morning.
c. West-facing skylights provide afternoon sunlight & heat gain.
d. South-facing skylights provide the greatest potential for desirable winter solar heat gain.

2. Skylights receive energy performance ratings and come with different types of glazing, which determines how the glass is treated for energy efficiency and safety.

3. What size skylight do I need? The size of the skylight affects the illumination level and temperature of the room below. Typically, the size of the skylight should not be more than 5% of the floor area in rooms with many windows and no more than 15% of the room's total floor area for spaces with fewer windows.

4.How much do skylights cost? Skylights cost between $200 and $400 for low-budget models with plastic glazing, and high-end models run $1,000 and up. Custom shapes with insulated glass, remote control opening and shutting, and rain sensors for automatic closing are some of the features offered.

Professional installation is recommended. Be sure to consider your roof warranty prior to purchasing a skylight.