Options for Choosing a Skylight
Consider Glass or Polycarbonate and Window Tinting or Low-E Coatings
Aug 3, 2009
Skylights are functional in the sense that they allow the sunlight to illuminate the interior of the home during the daytime. Architects, interior designers, and decorators use them as a tool to visually open up a room. The question is basically what type of skylight to purchase and install.
The home's architecture and layout play a part in this decision, as does personal preference and the functionality of the skylight. Here are some things to consider:
Skylight Glazing Options
Glazing refers to the type of material the lens is made of. This affects price and longevity of the product.
- Glass. Glass glazing is the preferred choice for areas where attractiveness is a consideration, like a living room or a kitchen. All glass glazing is required to be either tempered or laminated. Like automotive windshields, this keeps the material from breaking into dangerous sharp chunks. Glass is more expensive than plastics.
- Plastic glazing. Both polycarbonate and acrylic materials are used in this category. Both are less expensive and more flexible than glass, but they scratch easily and become brittle as they age. Some of them will acquire an amber tint over time. This is a great choice in work shops or places where aesthetic considerations take a back seat to economy. In fact, many stores like Walmart and Kroger grocery stores are using them with the electrical lighting only coming on when the sensor tells them to.
- Heat-reduction solar treatments. These treatments are added to minimize heat transference into the home. After all, the energy the air conditioner needs to counteract the heat may eliminate the energy gains in “free” lighting. Common treatments are low-e coatings, window tinting film, and the insulating double or triple glazed glass found in modern windows.
Types of Skylights
Different types of skylights are made for different applications. This is important in a retrofit or a remodeling project, since the architectural model is already locked in.
- Sun tunnel or tubular skylights. As the name implies, with this style, the light is delivered to the living space from the roof via a tunnel that extends through the attic space. The prefabricated models are generally made out of reflective metal and may be either rigid or flexible. Flexibility is important when dealing with roof trusses.
- Surface mount type models. These are used in cases where the attic is a living space or vaulted ceilings do not incorporate attic space. In both situations, no tube is required and they can be fixed or hinged to open. The opening type are used for airing the space out in nice weather or egress (in attic spaces) during a home fire or other natural disaster like a flood.
- Roof windows. This is another term for the hinged models. What sets them apart is the accessories available. Insect screens are available for keeping out mosquitoes, flies, wasps, and other pests. Remote controls are provided with models with motor-activated hinges. Security locks may be installed to keep burglars at bay.
Adding any of these skylights to a home may well affect the resale value and market equity. Since homeowners insurance is designed to cover the replacement cost of the home, it's a good idea to update the policy to reflect this type of home improvement.
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