The lighting in your home profoundly shapes the mood and atmosphere inside. In Buffalo, skylights are gaining popularity as they provide innovative ways to increase sunlight indoors.
So, what exactly is a skylight, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? To help you out, this blog post will guide you through understanding skylights, helping you determine if they’re the right choice for your home.
What Is A Skylight?
A skylight is a window set in a roof or ceiling to let in natural light and sometimes fresh air. Unlike other regular windows, skylights capture light from above, making rooms brighter during the day. They are usually made of glass or plastic, come in different shapes and sizes, and help with lighting, ventilation, and give a nice view of the sky.
To improve energy efficiency, features like special coatings and insulated glass can help keep the room comfortable. When choosing where to put skylights, think about the climate, the size of the room, and the direction the skylight faces. Well-placed skylights can brighten up a space and create a pleasant atmosphere throughout the day.
Also Read: Best Skylight Brands of 2024 (& Our Top Picks)
Different Types Of Skylights
1. Fixed Skylights:
Stationary windows in the roof that allow natural light without ventilation, known for their leak-proof design.
2. Ventilated Skylights:
Similar to fixed skylights but can be opened for airflow, suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Tubular Skylights:
Use reflective tubes to bring sunlight into spaces like hallways and closets.
4. Custom Skylights:
Designed to fit specific aesthetic and functional needs, available in various shapes and materials.
5. Pyramid Skylights:
Four-sided peaked design mounted on curbs, offering ample natural light and architectural appeal.
6. Dome Skylights:
Dome-shaped to distribute light effectively and add visual interest to a space.
7. Hip Ridge Skylights:
Rectangular-based skylights peaking up to a central ridge, offering a unique shape.
8. Lean-to Skylights:
Installed on a sloped angle against a wall, commonly used in commercial buildings for practicality.
What Are The Benefits and Drawbacks Of Skylights?
Benefits of Skylights
1. Increased Daylight:
Skylights allow more natural light into rooms, enhancing brightness and reducing the need for artificial lighting. This saves on electricity bills and creates a cheerful atmosphere, especially during Buffalo’s long winters.
2. Improved Ventilation
Operable skylights can enhance air circulation in humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens, reducing moisture buildup that can lead to mold—a common concern in Buffalo’s climate.
3. Flexible Design Options
With various sizes and styles available, skylights can complement Buffalo’s diverse architectural styles in historic neighborhoods or modern developments. Some skylights are equipped with adjustable shades or coatings that can control the amount of light and heat entering a space, ensuring optimal comfort throughout the year.
4. Potential Increase in Home Value
Homes and buildings in Buffalo with well-designed skylights often command higher resale values. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, skylights are viewed as desirable features that enhance functionality and energy efficiency, making properties more attractive to potential buyers.
5. Energy Efficiency
By reducing reliance on artificial lighting, skylights lower energy costs in Buffalo. They also aid heating by capturing sunlight, beneficial in Buffalo’s variable climate, saving money and reducing environmental impact.
6. Psychological and Health Benefits
Exposure to natural daylight boosts mood, productivity, and sleep quality by regulating circadian rhythms. Skylights, especially useful in winter with shorter daylight hours, provide extra light. Those who work from home or spend a lot of time indoors benefit from natural light’s mood-boosting effects, potentially easing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Drawbacks of Skylights
1. Glare and Overheating
Excessive sunlight from skylights can lead to overheating and uncomfortable glare, particularly with south-facing installations, increasing cooling costs. Solutions like tinting, blinds, or low-E coatings effectively manage these issues.
2. Winter Heat Loss
Glass skylights, being poor insulators, contribute to heat loss during Buffalo’s winters, resulting in higher heating bills. Energy-efficient models with low-E coatings, double or triple glazing, and adequate insulation minimize heat transfer. Proper installation with effective sealing prevents air leaks.
3. Leak Risks
Improper installation of skylights increases the risk of leaks, potentially causing water damage, stains, and mold growth. Hiring experienced installers and scheduling regular maintenance is crucial for early leak detection and prevention.
4. Maintenance Challenges
Cleaning skylights positioned on high, sloped roofs can be difficult and often requires professional services. Choosing skylights with easy-to-clean coatings or self-cleaning glass simplifies maintenance. Installing them in accessible locations like flat roofs facilitates easier homeowner cleaning.
5. Privacy Considerations
Skylights in bedrooms and bathrooms may compromise privacy, especially in densely populated areas. Options like frosted, tinted, or opaque glass preserve privacy while allowing natural light. Curtains or blinds provide additional privacy but reduce incoming light.
6. UV Exposure
Skylights increase direct sunlight exposure, potentially causing furniture, artwork, and flooring to fade over time due to UV damage. Using UV-resistant glass or applying window film helps mitigate these effects.
7. Maintenance Costs
Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, is essential for skylights to function properly. Repairing leaks or seal damage can be more complex and costly compared to standard windows, necessitating budgeting for ongoing maintenance expenses.
What Is The Average Cost To Install A Skylight?
Average Skylight Cost: $1,000 to $3,000
Costs vary based on size, shape, and type, with larger or operable skylights typically being more expensive.
Average Labor Cost: $300 to $1,000 per skylight
Labor costs depend on factors such as accessibility, roof height/pitch, and roofing materials.
Additional Costs:
- Insect screens: $10 to $50
- Electrical shades: Around $400
- Flashing: $200 to $500
- Low-E coatings: $100 to $250
- Tinting: $100 to $400
Cost by Size
| SIZE | COST RANGE | AVG. COST |
| 25″ x 57″ | $300 – $800 | $550 |
| 33″ x 49″ | $300 – $1,000 | $650 |
| 49″ x 49″ | $500 – $1,900 | $1,200 |
| 33″ x 57″ | $500 – $2,000 | $1,250 |
Hiring a Professional
While it is possible to install a skylight yourself, it is generally recommended to hire a professional to avoid issues such as leaks. Professional installation typically costs $300 to $2,500.
What Is A Common Slope For Skylights?
Generally, the optimal skylight slope is your geographical latitude plus 5-15 degrees. This balances solar heat gain in winter and summer. For example, in Buffalo (latitude 42 degrees), the ideal skylight slope is 47-57 degrees. This helps maximize natural light while controlling unwanted heat gain.
Can Skylights Have Shades?
Yes, skylights can have shades for extra functionality and control. Some common types are:
- Cellular Shades: The honeycomb design traps air for great insulation and softens incoming sunlight.
- Pleated Shades: Offer an elegant look, block UV rays, and come in various light control levels.
- Mini Blinds: Traditional blinds with adjustable slats to control light.
- Blackout Shades: Ideal for bedrooms or media rooms, they block all light.
What Is A Typical Skylight Size?
Typical size ranges from 14-72 inches in width and 16-96 inches in length for rectangular fixed or vented skylights with flat tempered glass. In general, it is recommended that the skylight is 5-10% of the size of the floor area to provide adequate lighting for the room.
What Is The Best Material For A Skylight?
1. Glass Skylights
Glass skylights provide a clear view and allow maximum natural light. They are durable and scratch-resistant, but their weight requires strong support, increasing installation costs. For safety, glass skylights should be tempered or laminated.
2. Acrylic Skylights
Acrylic skylights are lighter than glass and can be shaped into various forms, including domes. They resist UV damage and typically last 25-30 years, costing less than glass. However, acrylic is more prone to scratches compared to glass.
3. Polycarbonate Skylights
Another great material is polycarbonate skylights, which are extremely durable and almost indestructible. They are lightweight and can be molded into curved designs. Polycarbonate blocks 99% of UV rays, stays clear without yellowing, and is the most economical skylight option available.
Do Skylights Add A Lot Of Light?
Yes, skylights significantly increase natural light in a room. They capture about 30% more sunlight than standard windows and can illuminate the entire space.
Conclusion
When choosing a skylight for your home, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons to match your needs and budget. With careful planning, a well-installed skylight can bring in natural light, improve ventilation, and enhance the energy efficiency of your home.
Want to brighten your home with a skylight? Choose OConnor Contracting for expert skylight services in Buffalo, NY. Our team ensures professional installation, proper sealing, and insulation, guaranteeing a beautiful and functional addition to your space. Trust us to bring clarity and brightness to your home with our quality skylight solutions. Call us at (716) 600-7663.
