Natural light can completely transform the feel of your home, and skylights are an excellent way to achieve just that while boosting energy efficiency. Whether you’re adding a brand-new skylight or replacing an old one, the process involves some key decisions. From choosing between fixed, ventilated, or tubular styles to weighing the benefits of modern energy-efficient models, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Installing skylights on an existing roof or during a roof replacement can affect timing and costs, but both options are feasible with the right approach. This guide will help you make the best choice for your home and enjoy all the benefits skylights bring.
The Importance of Selecting the Right Type of Skylight
When upgrading or installing new skylights, choosing the right type can make all the difference. Every home is unique, and skylights aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right option depends on what you’re looking to achieve—whether it’s brighter spaces, enhanced ventilation, or functional lighting in hard-to-reach areas.
Fixed Skylights: Simple Elegance
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Fixed skylights are straightforward, non-opening skylights that offer clean, uninterrupted natural light. They’re perfect for spaces where ventilation isn’t needed, like living rooms, hallways, or even bedrooms. With no movable parts, these skylights are designed for durability and are less prone to leaks.
Why Choose Fixed Skylights?
- Energy Efficiency: They are often better insulated than vented models, reducing energy costs.
- Affordability: Fixed skylights typically come with a lower price tag compared to other types.
- Maintenance-Free: Since they don’t open, you avoid the hassle of maintaining extra mechanisms or seals.
Fixed skylights work best in areas where the main goal is natural light and a clear view of the sky. With their simple and timeless design, they offer elegance without unnecessary frills.
Vented Skylights: Combining Ventilation with Lighting
Vented skylights are an excellent dual-purpose option, providing both daylight and fresh air circulation. They can open—either manually, via a remote, or even through automatic sensors—to help regulate indoor air quality and reduce moisture buildup.
Key Benefits of Vented Skylights:
- Improved Ventilation: Great for areas like kitchens and bathrooms where steam and moisture are common issues.
- Temperature Control: Let in fresh, cool air during warmer months, reducing dependence on air conditioning.
- Moisture Management: Keeps humidity under control to prevent potential mildew or mold.
They’re especially beneficial in rooms prone to dampness or odors, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Some models even come with rain sensors that automatically close when bad weather strikes, making life a little easier.
Tubular Skylights: Small but Mighty
Tubular skylights, also called sun tunnels, are compact options designed for tight spaces or areas where traditional skylights aren’t an option. These consist of a reflective tube connecting the roof to a diffusing lens in the ceiling, channeling natural light into smaller or enclosed areas.
What Makes Tubular Skylights Unique?
- Perfect for Small Spaces: Ideal for closets, hallways, or windowless bathrooms where traditional skylights may not fit.
- Simple Installation: They require much less structural modification compared to other skylights.
- Energy-Efficient Design: Provides consistent light without contributing to heat buildup.
Though small in size, tubular skylights pack a big punch, delivering light to spaces that would otherwise remain dim. They’re a practical and affordable solution for illuminating tricky areas in your home.
Choosing the right type of skylight can enhance your living space in ways you may not have considered. Depending on your needs and the type of room, there’s a skylight solution that fits your goals perfectly.
Factors to Consider When Replacing Existing Skylights
Replacing skylights isn’t as simple as swapping out one for another. There are key factors you need to keep in mind to ensure the replacement is seamless, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. Whether you’re facing structural adjustments, aiming for better energy savings, or comparing costs, proper planning can save time and money in the long run. Let’s break down what you should consider.
Matching the Size and Compatibility
Getting the right size for your replacement skylight is critical. A poorly fitting skylight won’t just look off—it can also lead to leaks, drafts, and wasted energy.
Measure your existing skylight and match these dimensions with replacement models. Consider these points:
- Internal Opening Dimensions: Measure the width and height of the skylight opening inside the room.
- External Flashing Space: Ensure that the frame lines up with the roofing materials.
- Framework Compatibility: Confirm whether your replacement skylight is curb-mounted or deck-mounted, as this affects installation methods.
If you have an older skylight that doesn’t align with modern standard sizes, you might need to modify the roof opening. Always verify the roof’s structural support before making changes. Custom skylights are also an option if your opening size is irregular, though they can increase the cost.
Energy Efficiency and Glass Options
Skylights can impact your home’s energy efficiency, either positively or negatively, depending on your choice of glass and coatings. Think about how seasonal temperatures or natural light affect your space and select accordingly.
Here are the most popular types of glass and their benefits:
- Low-E Coated Glass: Reflects heat and reduces UV rays, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Tempered Glass: Known for its safety. Should it break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces.
- Laminated Glass: Offers durability and noise reduction. A great choice for urban areas or loud environments.
- Tinted Glass: Reduces glare while still allowing natural light into your space. Perfect for bright or south-facing areas.
Some skylights include options like double or triple glazing, which trap air between layers of glass. This improves insulation and minimizes heat loss during cold months. Additionally, consider ENERGY STAR® certified skylights, as these meet or exceed energy-efficient guidelines.
Warranty and Installation Costs
Balancing cost and warranty is crucial for a successful skylight replacement. While budget-friendly options can seem enticing, they may not come with the same reliability as models backed by strong warranties.
Here’s what to compare:
- Warranty Length: Look for skylights with warranties covering at least 10 years for the frame, glass, and seals. This will protect you from issues like leaks or condensation.
- Professional Installation: Hiring experienced contractors ensures a snug fit and proper flashing, which can prevent leaks and extend the skylight’s lifespan. Professionals usually offer labor warranties, giving you extra peace of mind.
- Cost of Materials: Skylight replacements typically range from $900 to $2,300. While this varies based on size and features, expect installation to cost around 30-50% of the total price. Larger custom skylights or upgrades like motorized venting options may increase expenses.
Keep in mind that replacing your skylights during a roof replacement may save money in the long term. Not only does this avoid redundant roofing work, but it also ensures all components finish with synchronized warranties.
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Choosing a high-quality skylight with strong energy efficiency and a robust warranty is an investment in your home’s comfort and value—one that’s well worth doing right.
Installing Skylights in a New Build or Remodel
Incorporating skylights into a new construction or renovation can add natural light, improve energy efficiency, and even elevate your home’s ambiance. However, proper planning is essential to get the most out of your investment. From deciding where to place the skylights to ensuring structural compatibility, it’s all about balancing functionality with style. Here’s what you need to know about placing skylights in your new build or remodel.
Placement and Orientation for Maximum Benefits
Where you place your skylights will have a significant impact on how well they perform. Proper placement affects lighting, heating, and cooling and ensures you avoid common pitfalls like glare or excessive heat gain.
- Light and Heat Optimization: Skylights placed on south-facing roofs receive the most sunlight during the day, which can help warm your home in the winter. On the other hand, east- or west-facing skylights are better for morning or afternoon light but may cause overheating during summer months.
- Energy Efficiency: The angle and orientation of the skylight should factor in your home’s climate. In cooler regions, a steeper slope allows more winter sunlight to enter. In warmer climates, shallow-sloped or flat skylights with protective glazing reduce solar heat gain.
- Avoiding Glare: Consider areas where direct sunlight can create harsh glares, especially in spaces with computer screens, televisions, or glass furniture. Adding shades or selecting tinted glazing can minimize this issue.
Taking time to assess your roof orientation and the way sunlight travels through your home will help you capture just the right balance of brightness and comfort.
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Roof Compatibility and Construction Implications
Your roof’s structure has a direct influence on skylight installation. Whether you’re building from scratch or undertaking major remodeling, it’s important to ensure that your roof can support the design and placement of your chosen skylights.
- Structural Integrity: Roof types, such as truss-framed or stick-built, may affect the feasibility of skylight placement. Stick-framed roofs are more adaptable since they don’t have pre-determined load-bearing zones. Truss roofs, however, often require professional modifications to maintain strength.
- Materials and Waterproofing: Proper flashing and sealing are essential to prevent leaks. Ensure your installer uses correct materials that integrate with your roof type, whether it’s asphalt shingles, metal panels, or tile roofing.
- Space Limitations: Rafters are typically spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. For larger skylights, additional structural adjustments may be needed. It’s also important to check for mechanical obstructions like ductwork or wiring before finalizing placement.
New builds offer the advantage of customizing the roof for skylights from the start, while remodels may require more adaptation. Either way, consulting with a contractor early on is key to avoiding costly repairs or design limitations.
Professional vs. DIY Skylight Installation
Should you hire a professional or attempt to install skylights yourself? While the DIY approach saves on immediate costs, the risks of improper installation often outweigh potential savings.
- Hiring a Professional:
- Pros: Professionals have the experience to tackle roofing challenges, ensuring proper flashing, sealing, and structural adjustments. They also bring peace of mind with added warranties on labor and materials.
- Cons: The upfront cost is higher, with installation ranging from $500-$2,000 depending on complexity.
- DIY Approach:
- Pros: Perfect if you enjoy hands-on projects and have the skills to follow detailed guides. It also cuts down on labor costs.
- Cons: A small mistake, like poorly installed flashing, can lead to water damage. You’ll also be responsible for safety measures, as working at heights can be hazardous.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your confidence in handling tools and your willingness to take the risk. If you’re even slightly unsure, it’s better to hire a certified installer to ensure a secure and long-lasting result.
Energy Efficiency and Smart Features
Incorporating energy-efficient and smart features in your skylight choice can significantly enhance your home’s comfort, reduce energy bills, and even extend the lifespan of your investment. Modern advancements in skylight technology, such as the introduction of specially coated glass and integrated automation systems, have revolutionized the way skylights perform. Here’s how these features create more energy-efficient and functional living spaces.
LoE3-366® Glass and Other Innovations
Photo by Mark Stebnicki
The choice of glass plays a significant role in how energy-efficient your skylight is, and advancements like LoE3-366® glass have set a new benchmark. This innovative glass incorporates a virtually invisible coating that combines three layers of silver to reflect heat back into the atmosphere while letting natural light in. It’s like wearing a pair of high-quality sunglasses for your home—UV rays and excessive solar heat are blocked, without compromising your view or the brightness of your space.
Benefits of LoE3-366® Glass:
- Energy Savings: Decreases solar heat gain by reflecting infrared light, meaning less reliance on cooling systems in hot climates.
- UV Protection: Blocks up to 95% of harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of fading for furniture, carpets, and artwork.
- All-Weather Performance: Keeps homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, thanks to highly efficient insulation.
In addition to LoE3-366® glass, other glass technologies, such as double or triple glazing and argon gas fill, work to further enhance insulating properties. With these innovations, skylights are no longer just windows on your roof; they’ve become robust energy-saving tools for any home.
Smart Skylights with Automated Features
Technology has entered every corner of our homes, and skylights are no exception. Smart skylights integrate seamlessly into modern smart-home systems, allowing you to control them with the tap of a button or even a voice command. These skylights combine luxury and practicality by including features like automated rain sensors, scheduling capabilities, and compatibility with smartphone apps.
What Makes Smart Skylights Special?
- Rain Sensors: Worried about an unexpected downpour? Smart skylights close automatically at the first sign of rain, keeping your home safe and dry.
- App Control: Adjust skylight settings—whether it’s opening for ventilation or dimming integrated blinds—from the convenience of your phone.
- Indoor Climate Optimization: Many models connect to indoor climate sensors, automatically venting stale air or reducing heat gain based on real-time conditions.
For example, the VELUX Active system pairs skylights with smart sensors and weather forecasting to make real-time adjustments. When the indoor temperature rises, it can open the skylight to release warm air, acting as a natural air conditioner. This not only improves energy efficiency but also boosts indoor air quality—essential for creating a healthy living environment.
With these intelligent features, skylights are no longer a passive part of your home—they actively enhance your daily living. Whether you’re enjoying a cooler breeze on a summer evening or ensuring freshness in your kitchen after cooking, smart skylights make it effortless.
Conclusion
Skylights have the power to transform your home by adding natural light, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing ventilation. Picking the right type for your needs—whether fixed, vented, or tubular—not only boosts functionality but also complements your space. Features like energy-efficient glass and smart automation unlock even greater comfort and savings.
Partnering with a professional installer ensures seamless installation and long-term durability, saving you the hassle of potential issues down the line. With thoughtful planning and the right choices, skylights can be an investment that enhances both your home’s aesthetics and your daily life.
Ready to elevate your space? Consult with an expert today and take the next step toward creating brighter, healthier living environments.