Skylight Tips
Skylights, often called roof windows, are unique features that greatly influence the feel of spaces. By letting natural light stream in, a skylight gives a room a feeling of spaciousness and light. By reducing the need for electric lighting, it can help trim energy bills.
A skylight is basically a window in a roof. Its frame is designed to withstand the rigors of weather, and its flashing works with the roofing material to seal out rain and heat.
Some older skylights leak because of poorly sealed flashings. Others drip because of unchecked condensation that collects when warm room air comes in contact with a skylight's cold inner surface. Leaks can usually be fixed by resealing the flashings. Condensation is tougher to correct; it calls for improving a house's ventilation.
Newer skylights are virtually leak-free, thanks to rugged construction and easy-to-install, integral flashings. They're also equipped with channels that carry away condensation. Although some frames are solid wood or aluminum, most new skylights are made of a combination of metal, vinyl, and wood. The exterior frames tend to be aluminum cladding with a durable finish; the part visible from inside is often made of solid wood, plywood, or white vinyl.
TYPES OF SKYLIGHT
Skylights are glazed with acrylic, polycarbonate or glass. Polycarbonate is transparent and fiberglass is translucent. Plastic versions are lightweight and economical and are often used where a glass skylight could be easily broken. Because they're molded, they come only in standard sizes and shapes: flat rectangles, bubbles and domes, pyramids, and dormer models, for example. Some skylights open a few inches to allow air circulation. They're usually operated with a pole, but motorized versions are also available.
Glass on the other hand is available in various textures, sizes, and colours.
Advantages of POLYCARBONATE are :
- It is transparent.
- It protects the interior from ultra violet rays.
- Available in various shapes and sizes.
- They can be made available in tinted shades and completely clear form.
Advantages of FIBERGLASS are:
- It does not need any support, it is self standing.
- It is translucent.
- It protects the interior from ultra violet rays.
- Available in various shapes,sizes and colors.
Advantages of GLASS are:
- It doesn't scratch as easily as plastic.
- They are also available as UV blocking glass.
LOCATION
The location of the skylight can be based on sun angle and prevailing wind direction (if the skylight has the option to open). Further, think about the light distribution pattern, the effect on decor and also about preventing water leakage. Further, provide effective controls to balance the artificial lights with day lighting.
SHAPES
In terms of shapes, skylights can be rectangular, square, triangular, circular or any profiles that your mind conjures up.
FRAMES
The materials used in frames and glazing add to the character of the skylight. The materials used in the frames are solid wood, aluminum, metals, vinyl or their combinations. The exterior frames are mostly aluminum cladding with a resilient finish; the element you see in the interior is often made of solid wood, plywood or white vinyl. Skylights are glazed with acrylic, polycarbonate or glass.
SKYLIGHT BRANDS