Blog
skylights installed on slope roof

What to Consider Before Installing Skylights

Ever dreamt of sleeping under the stars? With skylights, you now can view the night sky from the comfort of your own bed.

Whether you’re looking to add a wow factor to your home or shine some light into a dark space, a skylight is a perfect addition to any home.

A room flooded with natural light can make the space look more luxurious, spacious, and airy. Not only does a skylight infuse more light into your home, but can add value to the property and reduce energy costs.

Before making the decision to install a skylight in your home there are a few things you should take into consideration to get the most out of your new addition.

Placement is Everything

Deciding the perfect spot for your skylight isn’t as easy as it may seem. You cannot simply choose a spot and begin cutting out a piece of your roof.

bedroom with white walls and skylight in ceiling

Start by looking for areas that are dark and in need of more light. If there are walls or corners, they might impede on how well light flows in.

If you’re looking to add solar heat, then choosing a spot on the north-facing side of the roof will ensure you get a good amount of sunlight all year round.

Although skylights can be installed on both flat and sloped roofs, you’ll benefit most when installed on a sloped surface.

Be sure to consult your roofing contractor to help you determine the best placement.

What Features Do You Want On Your Skylight?

Skylights do not necessarily come in a uniform design but can be altered to have additional features.

Would you like to have a fixed skylight or one that can be opened to improve airflow? A domed surface or a flat one? These are only some of the features you can add to your skylight to fully make use of this addition.

Another element to consider is the type of material the skylight is made out of. Skylights are either made out of glass or plastic, each material having its own set of pros and cons. The most popular choice is glass, as it’s more durable and doesn’t get scratched as easily, though it is more costly.

The Size of the Skylight

Although it may seem obvious, the bigger the skylight the better. Not only will bigger skylights save you more on power costs as an offset, but it will make a small space look larger.

roofing contractor installing a skylightThe size of the skylight will mainly depend on how much natural light you’d like to incorporate into the space and what room it’s going to be in.

Bathrooms and bedrooms generally have smaller skylights than other areas of the home, since the space is smaller and needs less additional lighting.

The most suitable size for a skylight ranges between 5%-15% of the room’s area and depends on how many windows there are in the room. No matter how big the skylight is, you can add blinds to control the amount of sunlight coming in.

Skylight Installation in Ottawa

Feeling as though your Ottawa home is missing a certain element?

Skylights are great features to add to your home, as they allow more natural light to come in while adding style that is sure to impress your guests.

No matter the size, type, or style of skylights, our experts are here to bring your vision to life. We’re happy to address any questions or concerns you may have and advise you on the perfect place to add this lovely feature.

Get in touch with us to learn more about skylight installation and get a free, no-obligation quote today.

Leave a comment