Adding a skylight to your home is always an appealing idea; it lets more natural light in and cuts down the cost of electricity while boosting the look of your home. During those hot Australian days, you can even open your skylight if it is a ventilating one to let fresh air in, making your home less stuffy. This guide has everything you need to know about skylights, and we always advise people to hit up a professional instead of DIYing these type of jobs.

Types of skylights

Skylights come in three basic types: fixed, tubular, and ventilating, but they may vary in sizes and shapes (flat, pyramid, arched, domed and even arched), though the most common shape for your home is the flat skylight.

1. Fixed

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As the name implies, this type of skylight doesn’t move and is fixed in place. It is mostly there for decorative purposes and to let natural light in your home. While they don’t open, they are perfect for people who enjoy watching nature in the comfort of their home, and it is also perfect for places where it rains a lot and where the temperature is usually on the cooler side.

2. Tubular

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This one is the newest technology in terms of skylines and is also known as solar tunnels or solar tubes. They are significantly smaller than their counterparts and are beneficial for enclosed and tight spaces. It diffuses light naturally in your space and can include an integrated fan or a light. This one is perfect for closets and pantries as they allow in enough natural light for you to see without needing to turn on the light.

3. Ventilating

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This one is similar to the fixed skylight, except for the fact that it closes and opens. It is also known as a roof window because of its place and is quite literally a window for your roof. This type of skylight can either be operated manually or via a remote or electric operation. This means that they are aesthetically pleasing, provide natural light and allow airflow. This is excellent for humid rooms (like the kitchen, laundry room and the bathroom) and can be a real lifesaver when the summer heat feels like the literal pits of hell.

Size and Placement

The fixed and ventilating skyline comes in different sizes, while the tubular one is around 25 to 36 centimetres in diameter. The size and type of the skylight depends on the size of your home and where you want to place it. According to Energy.gov, the skylight should be no more than 15% of the floor area for rooms with few windows and 5% or less for rooms with many windows. This approximate can guide you to decide the appropriate skylight for your home, or you can always contact a professional to give you advice on where to put it and what type will be ideal for your home.

Glazing and Type of Material for the Skylight

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You should treat your skylight like any plain old window, and you should glaze them to offer protection from outside elements, specifically cold, heat and light (granted, this one is a bit ironic). If you go for the plastic route, though it’s less expensive, it is more like to discolour over time and will turn brittle. Plastic doesn’t offer adequate protection against UV lights, and the carpet or furniture under it risks fading over time because of its overexposure to direct sunlight. Glass, though more costly, is more durable and provides better protection.

Installation and Maintenance

If installed correctly by a professional team, it can last for years without any maintenance, especially if slopped, as it allows any detritus to slide right off. More modern skylights come with curbs which carries water away from its seams when it rains. However, if they are installed incorrectly, then it will require constant maintenance as it will leak whenever it rains and will create condensation.

Benefits of having a skylights

    • Well, first and foremost, it increases the property value of your home, which is one of the greatest benefits if you ask me.
    • As mentioned earlier, it also allows air circulation depending on the model and allows natural light in, and this can save you some cash on your electricity bill.
    • Compared to windows, it also gives you more privacy; a skylight maintains your privacy from passersby and neighbours but gives you the benefits of a traditional window.
    • It will also make your home more aesthetically pleasing. By choosing a style and design that fits your home, you are opening up the place and brightening it with style.

Are you interested in placing a skylight in your home, and do you live in Melbourne? Then you should definitely contact Daylight Skylights; they provide you with a free quote for your future construction. With over 35 years in skylight installation, you should trust them with all skylight needs.