One of the more effective ways to reduce your home’s carbon footprint is to increase the amount of natural light that comes into the space. In doing this, you will reduce the LED and traditional florescent light bulbs that you send to the local landfill.
In addition to this, skylight installation also reduces your home’s overall energy consumption, which ultimately makes your home more sustainable. While this may seem like a small contribution in a giant crises, it’s essential to keep in mind that every small step toward sustainability and renewable energy is a huge positive.
Table of Contents
Know How to Choose the Best Skylights
One of the top reasons that skylights are so appealing is that there’s a wide selection of styles and types to choose from. This makes it super easy to find the best option no matter how big or small the space is or how flat the roof is.
While the increased variety may seem appealing to some, it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what you should start looking for. We’ve compiled a list of the top tips to help you choose the ideal skylight solutions for your home or office.
Tip 1: Know What You Need
Start your search for the perfect skylight by knowing what you need. Do you want to add skylights to increase natural lighting or to reduce energy consumption? For instance, needing more light in your kitchen, hallway, or laundry room may see you opting for a solution that’s primary goal is to maximise light absorption so that you can keep the space lit in the evenings. Opting for Solatube solutions rather than glazed windows is a better option here.
You will also need to establish how many skylights you need. Some rooms, such as living and bedrooms, may need more than one skylight to achieve the required amount of light. Your installer will choose the location of each skylight to absorb maximum light during the day.
Tip 2: Research Various Options
Knowing what you want to achieve with the skylights will make it easier to narrow down any potential options. Before settling on the most cost-effective option, we recommend reviewing a few other options. For instance, you may think you need a solution that provides additional lighting in your bathroom space. But since this space is prone to excessive moisture, it may be more beneficial to opt for a solution that also offers ventilation.
When reviewing potential skylight options and features, be sure to consider the following:
- Vented skylights: These solutions are usually smaller than fixed skylights, and they’re easy to open for ventilation. (This can be done with a remote.) This feature makes them ideal for spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. Adding ventilation to your home will reduce the risk of mould.
- Fixed skylights: If you’re after a beautiful view of the sky, then this solution may be worth considering. These are ideal for larger spaces such as the living room or bedroom.
- Tubular skylights: This is a very popular skylight solution because it’s excellent for smaller spaces and works well to add extra natural light into the area. They can easily be installed anywhere in your home. Tip 3: Review Shape and Size
The size of your skylight will affect the amount of natural light that comes into the space. This means you should assess the general layout of the room and see where you need the most light. For instance, a home office may require a light above the desk, while a hallway may require several smaller ones. A living room, on the other hand, may benefit from one large light in the centre.
Keep in mind that your Installer will always recommend placing your skylights in a south-facing position for Australian homes and offices. Doing this will ensure that your home gets maximum light and heat, even in the winter months.
Tip 4: Review Glazing and Framing Options
Skylights can be tailored and customised to suit your lightning and ventilation needs, roof styles, and budget. The most common features that can be customised are the glazing and framing choices:
- Glazing refers to the section of the skylight where the light will come in. Glass is the preferred glazing choice for Australian homes and is available in different sizes, thicknesses, and coating types. This allows you to choose the level of insulation and UV protection you need.
- Framing refers to the frame that holds the glass. Aluminum and vinyl are the preferred choices because they are durable and can easily be painted to complement your home’s décor.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to add skylights to your home is an effective way to increase the amount of natural light in your space. You can also look forward to benefits such as increased energy efficiency and improved aesthetics. However, to achieve maximum benefits, it’s essential to know which skylights will suit your space. With so many customisable features to consider, your options are endless, making it easier than ever to find the most effective options for your home.