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Skylights: Pros and Cons

Skylights can be a wonderful addition to your home, bringing added natural light into a room.. Skylights have been around for a long time, but current skylight technology has made them even more of an aesthetically pleasing but also practical choice..

What Is a Skylight? 

A skylight is a window or structure that is placed in your roof that lets natural light into a room. Skylights can also be beneficial for their energy efficiency, as some skylight types provide ventilation. Even though a skylight can be considered a type of window, skylight installation is different from that of a usual window positioned vertically in a wall. 

Skylight Types

There are three main types of skylights:

• Fixed skylights
• Vented skylights 
• Tubular skylights

In addition to these three types, there are also many options for the type of material your skylight is made out of and the different types of skylight shafts. 

Fixed Skylights

Fixed skylights are perfect for high ceilings that allow lots of light to flood into a room. Fixed skylights do not provide ventilation, so they are ideal for rooms where the homeowner wants extra light but does not need to open the skylight. 

Vented Skylights

Vented skylights open up to allow both added light and airflow into your room. They can either be manual or electric. For manual skylights, it’s best to have your vented skylight within reach. Electric vented skylights are great for high ceilings. Vented skylights are a good option for rooms that need some extra ventilation, like a bathroom or kitchen. They can even be used in conjunction with, or in place of, a fan.

Tubular Skylights

Tubular skylights are just that: a tube that is installed in your roof. The tube has reflective properties or is open to allow light to enter through the tube. A key benefit of a tubular skylight is that if you live in a location with extreme temperatures, you get the effects of natural light without the consequences of added heat or cold. 

If you have the air conditioning on, the tubular skylight won’t let in the heat of the day. If your home gets cold at night, the tubular skylight will prevent any heat loss that may otherwise happen with a panel skylight. 

The downside to a tubular skylight is that, although you get the natural light, you miss out on the view that other types of skylights may provide. Although this may not be a big deal if you install the tube in a place that does not call for a beautiful view, like a closet or pantry.

Skylight Material

It’s typical for a skylight to be made from either plastic or glass. Skylight material may also be single- or multi-pane. Glass is the more expensive option, but it’s also more durable than plastic. 

You can also choose a skylight material that can help control solar heat,  which is more energy efficient than plastic or glass.

Skylight Shafts

It’s important to consider the skylight shaft, which is the area between where your skylight is installed on the roof and where your ceiling is. 

There are many ways to install a skylight. Considering how you’d like the skylight positioned in reference to your ceiling can maximize the light coming into your home. Just because you have a flat ceiling does not mean a skylight is out of the running. Wilson Brothers Roofing can construct trusses to make sure light comes in and your roof is stable. 

Skylight Costs

Skylight costs will vary depending on what type of skylight you get, how many, and the installation costs. Contact Wilson Brothers Roofing for more information about skylight financing and how you can afford a new skylight in your home. 

Keep in mind that your insurance premiums may increase due to skylight installation, as skylights can sometimes cause roof damage. Insurance companies may take this into consideration. 

Benefits of Skylights

Let’s go over some of the skylight pros and cons. 

Skylight Pros:

• Lets in natural light 
• Creates the look and feel of a bigger space
• Provides airflow (ventilated skylights)
• Offers a view
• Gives your room a more natural look
• Helps save on electricity and heating costs 

Skylight Cons:

• Can potentially damage your roof and interior if installed incorrectly
• Can be expensive 
• Should be properly maintained 

Many of these cons can be avoided by investing in professional materials and installation with Wilson Brothers Roofing. Talk to our roofers today to learn more about the benefits of skylights. 

Where to Put Skylights

There are tons of options for skylight installation. It’s important to talk to Wilson Brothers Roofing about your skylight placement options. 

Installing a skylight creates a great feature for your home, and as a part of your roof we want to make sure it fits. Your roof must support your skylight, or else you risk facing some major issues. We will ensure your skylight is installed in a position on your roof that is still safe.

Other factors to consider when thinking about where to put a skylight in your roof/house include:

• The north side of your house gets consistent sunlight throughout the day.
• Eastern facing roofs will bring in sun in the morning while western facing roofs will bring in light in the afternoon and evening.
• Trees or obstructions over your roof could block the view.
• Consider your goal(s) for your skylight. Is it more light? Ventilation? The view? Energy efficiency? Thinking of the purpose helps with the placement.

Your skylight will add extra design flair to your home. We can help ensure your skylight is safe, beautiful, and properly positioned. 

Skylight FAQs

Are Skylights Worth It?

Though installation can sometimes be expensive, having your skylight installed by a professional like Wilson Brothers Roofing is absolutely worth it. There are big risks that you take if you attempt to install a skylight on your own or using a cheaper but less experienced roofer. Make sure that you get the most out of your skylight by investing in professional materials and labor. 

Are Skylights a Good Idea?

If you are looking for a safe way to brighten up your home and be energy efficient, skylights are always a good idea! You may find that a skylight is just what you need to open up your space and let some light in!

Does Adding a Skylight Add Value?

We often hear the question: “Do skylights add value to homes?” The answer is: it depends. 

Your resale value may increase because skylights are typically seen as an aesthetically pleasing design addition that can make a room so much better. But they may also be seen as just one more thing to take care of. Mostly, though, you should find that most buyers appreciate skylights. But if you are looking for an increased resale value, that can be unpredictable. 

Are Skylights Safe?

Skylights are safe. However, there are lots of things to consider. First, skylight installation should be done by a professional. If you do it yourself, the skylight has the potential to cause major damage to your roof and home. 

Contact Wilson Brothers Roofing Today

The professional roofers at Wilson Brothers Roofing offer skylight products and installation services. Customer service is our number one priority—we want to make sure that you love the look of your roof and home. 

A professionally installed skylight is a great way to open your space and reimagine a room. For more information about skylight products and installation, give us a call at (661) 589-4297 or fill out an online contact form today!