Skylights Can Be A Wonderful Home Addition Your Whole Family Will Enjoy

A skylight is a wonderful home addition that can inject new life into a dreary room. You don't have to install a large piece to get the benefit of a skylight, either. Small openings let in plenty of light. Choosing a skylight will take some time if you're not sure what you're looking for, as there are endless styles to choose from and many manufacturers specialize in different kinds of products. While it is smart to comparison-shop, don't simply go for the least expensive model. Some of the low-cost, plastic glazed models are flimsy and can develop leaks, which will cost you a lot more in the long run. For a more durable option, look for a curbed skylight that has an efficiency-boosting glaze, and buy the flashing that is made for that model.
This will allow for a good waterproof seal for little added cost. If you want a skylight you can open and close at will, look for a venting unit. Otherwise look for a fixed unit. Do note, that venting units are not especially easy to open and close, given their location in your home. There are long handled cranks available that will make this task simpler, but if this seems like a bother to you, just go with a fixed unit. If you are installing the skylight in your bathroom, make sure there is good air circulation if you get a fixed unit, or you'll have problems with moisture accumulating. This could lead to mold, mildew, and rot, so be sure you have a good fan in there.
Skylight technology has actually come a long way over the years, and you can now find units made of tempered glass, and glazed with a low-emissivity coating or a tint to cut back on radiant heat when you don't want it. Like energy efficient windows, skylights can be found with varying degrees of UV protection and thermal efficiency. Of course, tinted glass has one major drawback: it doesn't let as much light in. However, if you are concerned about the amount of heat coming in, or the possibility of your carpet and upholstery fading, get a screen or shade for your skylight so you can still enjoy the full measure of sunlight when you want it. Generally skylights are made to fit 16 to 24 inch frames, which should not be a problem if your roofing is framed in the usual style. However, larger skylights will require that you cut through the rafters. Still this is a relatively simple job.
You or your contractor will have to install headers on each end of the skylight. Find out before starting the job if you have a trussed roof, as this could seriously complicate the process. If you tinker with the trusses, you could compromise the load-bearing capacity of your roof. Look instead for a skylight that will sit between the roof members, or group a number of skylights together to add visual interest while letting in light.