Skylights or sky tunnels provide an inexpensive alternative to electric home lighting. They are usually placed on the roof as a source of natural light and ventilation. This can be helpful if you’re trying to cut down on energy costs or take advantage of natural sunlight in your home. They come in different designs, catering to the location of your home and the direction of sunlight in your environment.
While they are more popular for their aesthetic appeal, several benefits accrue from using roof tunnels in your home. This article features some benefits of skylight installation and how to choose the perfect type for your home.
Energy Efficiency
It is widely believed that installing skylights in the home contributes to heat leaks. However, this is untrue. When properly installed, they provide natural heat retention and cooling effects that reduce your usage of HVAC systems. Proper skylight installations are tailored to meet the demands of each home, with flashes and curbs placed at deliberate locations for optimum effects. For instance, venting sky tunnels help let in fresh air while reducing indoor moisture and excess heat, reducing the need for air conditioners.
Natural Light/ Solar Heat
Homes with sky tunnels tend to use less artificial lighting to brighten up the place. By installing a skylight, you get the most of natural light and ventilation at night and daytime. The sunlight exposure occasioned by their presence helps to reduce moisture and dampness, which are fertile grounds for mold and mildew growth.
Your sky tunnels must be properly installed and align with cardinal directions to prevent heat drafts and leaks. Windows may face any of the four cardinal directions depending on what you are trying to achieve. South-facing sky roofs are ideal for solar heat retention in wintertime, while north-facing ones are great for lighting and glare reduction.
Environmentally Friendly And Appealing
If you subscribe to going green and preventing climate change, then you should consider having skylights in your home. Their energy efficiency reduces carbon emissions in your home. This makes them more environmentally friendly than artificial lighting. Besides being sustainable, they also reduce HVAC system bills and contribute to optimal mental functions in humans.
Skylights help to beautify and enhance the appearance of your home. There are designs and shapes, allowing you to combine efficiency with looks. Imagine the wonderful glow of moonlight beams into your home or the warm glow accompanying the early streams of morning sunlight. They also improve the air quality within your home, giving you a healthier and cleaner space.
Choosing The Right Skylight
There are several types of skylights, including tubular, rectangular, and plastic glazed variants. All of which help to illuminate your home and control the temperature. However, this may be strenuous to an untrained eye. Here are some factors to consider when getting a skylight installed in your home.
- The first thing to do once you decide to install a skylight is to check for the Energy Star mark. This mark certifies that the product meets the minimum energy performance ratings.
- The bigger the skylight, the more ventilation you get. However, rooms with many windows should feature smaller sizes to prevent excessive heat.
- Skylights are prone to leaks and heat drafts, particularly when they are improperly installed. If it rains a lot in your environment, you should install curbs to deflect water from the skylight.
- The position and glazing of the skylight are essential. Plastic glazed sky tunnels are less susceptible to breakage, while south-facing ones are ideal for winter.
- When in doubt, consult a professional installer.