Rays of sunshine streaming through your windows are already a sight to behold. But if you have a skylight installed, it just magnifies the experience. More natural light in your room accentuates whatever home decor you have, and a flood of natural sunlight is undoubtedly a big mood uplifter.
However, installing a skylight is not a DIY weekend project – it requires professional roofers to complete the task. Even before you contact them, though, you need to consider what type of skylight you need to install in your home. Doing so can help you get the most bang for your buck and give you the perfect skylight for your home.
What is a Skylight?
The simplest description of a skylight is a window on the roof designed to fill one’s home with natural light without actually exposing the things and people inside to the elements.
In the 1970s, old-school dome skylights used to be very popular. With an emphasis on bringing more light into a room, having a curved design causes the light that passes through it to bend – magnifying it.
Over time, different types of skylights have been developed. Today, you can find several variations, with the most popular ones offering tremendous energy-saving options by helping regulate indoor temperatures.
Just imagine what your kitchen would look like with sunbeams filling it. How about the natural illumination in what used to be a dark bathroom? It just proves how a skylight can totally transform any room.
Best Types of Skylights For Your Home
Apart from enhancing your space, modern skylight installations can help you save money. Significantly reducing the need for artificial lighting can reduce your monthly energy bills.
But to make the most of your installation, you must choose the right materials and features for your skylight. And, of course, you also need to find the perfect spot to install it so you can maximize its effectiveness.
1. Fixed Skylight
As the name suggests, these skylights are stationary and don’t open for air ventilation. They’re completely sealed to the roof, which is a great option for those who worry about possible leaks. When you look at a fixed skylight, you’ll notice that around 90 percent of it is made of glass, while the frame can be made of steel, aluminum, or timber, depending on your preference. This type of skylight is perfect for homes with high ceilings.
Pros of Fixed Skylights
- Significantly brightens a room
- Reduces reliance on artificial lightingProvides views of the sky and natural scenery
- Adds a visually appealing element to a space
Cons of Fixed Skylights
- Does not offer roof ventilation
- Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
- Lessened effectiveness when dirt and debris accumulate
- Improper insulation can lead to either heat gain and heat loss
Common Room Placements for Fixed Skylights
- Attic: Installing a fixed skylight in the attic can transform the room into a bright and inviting space, making it suitable for various purposes – from a hobby room to a home office or cozy reading nook.
- Stairs: The skylight also can illuminate the stairs, enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of accidents.
- Hallway: Small spaces often lack windows and are a good candidate for this type of skylight. Installing roof windows above hallways can brighten the entire length, making it seem more open and spacious.
- Bathroom: A fixed skylight can provide natural light without compromising privacy. It creates a refreshing and airy atmosphere, making the bathroom more pleasant and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Best Roof Types for Fixed Skylights
- Pitched roof: Its angled design allows efficient water drainage – reducing the risk of water leakage through the skylight. Additionally, the sloped surface helps maximize the amount of light entering the space.
- Flat roof: Fixed skylights also work well with flat roofs, bringing ample natural light to rooms below while adding an architectural element to the roof’s design.
- Sloped roof: The varying degrees of incline provide versatility for fixed skylights. This roof type also can facilitate rainwater runoff, minimizing the risk of water pooling around the skylight.
2. Pyramid Skylight
This type of skylight comes in various slope or pitch options, giving it a distinctive pyramid shape over a square opening. A pyramid skylight generally has four sides, with the specific pitch usually determined by the architect’s creative vision, structural engineering requirements, or both.
These versatile skylights can be constructed over six- or eight-sided openings and uneven multi-sided openings, offering flexibility in design and architectural possibilities.
Pros of Pyramid Skylights
- Its distinctive shape adds uniqueness to a space
- Allows natural light to enter a space from multiple angles
- Some pyramid skylights open for ventilation and fresh air circulation
- Provides long-lasting performance and protection against the elements
Cons of Pyramid Skylights
- May not be suitable for all architectural styles or room designs
- Complex installation due to its unique shape and multiple sides
- Can be more expensive than standard skylights due to its unique design
- Large surface areas can potentially lead to increased heat gain and glare
Common Room Placements for Pyramid Skylights
- Living room: Installing a pyramid skylight can create a visually stunning focal point and enhance the overall ambiance of the space. It can brighten the room and create an open and inviting atmosphere for relaxation and socializing.
- Kitchen and dining room: Almost any place in the house where most people socialize, including the kitchen and dining area, is a great candidate for skylight installation.
- Home office or studio: Ample natural light can enhance productivity and creativity, creating an inspiring work environment. Skylights also help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being during work hours.
Best Roof Types for Pyramid Skylights
- Flat roof: The pyramid skylight’s clean lines and geometric shape can complement the simplicity of a flat roof design. Plus, the roof’s even surface provides a stable base for the skylight installation.
- Pitched roof: Whether you position the skylight at the apex or along the roof’s slope, the skylight’s pyramid shape adds an interesting architectural element to the roof design.
3. Vented Skylight
A versatile option among the various types available, vented skylights provide both ventilation and natural light. These skylights serve as a valuable source of fresh air and illumination in specific home areas, making them particularly suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
When considering a vented skylight, you must evaluate the specific needs of your kitchen, bathroom, or any other area where you want improved ventilation and natural light. Proper installation and integration of suitable ventilation mechanisms and control systems are crucial to maximizing the benefits of a ventilated skylight.
Pros of Vented Skylights
- Properly designed and installed ventilated skylights can improve energy efficiency
- Most designs have built-in features that allow control over the amount of ventilation
- Unlike traditional windows, skylights ensure airflow without sacrificing privacy or security
- Helps remove stale air, odors, and excess moisture – maintaining a steady flow of fresh air
Cons of Vented Skylights
- Limited placement options
- Vented skylights require more maintenance
- Lets outside noise in, such as rain, wind, or traffic sounds
- Can be more expensive due to additional functionality and mechanisms
Common Room Placements for Vented Skylights
- Kitchen: Ventilated skylights are highly beneficial in rooms where cooking activities generate heat, steam, and odors. Installing a vented skylight above the cooking area can effectively remove excess heat and odors while bringing in fresh air.
- Bathroom: It’s the same thing with bathrooms. Vented skylights help remove moisture, odors, and stale air.
- Laundry room: This area of the home also needs good lighting and ventilation, which ventilated skylights can provide.
- Home gym and exercise room: You can have a comfortable workout environment with this type of skylight installed in these rooms.
- Living or family room: If you want the benefits of fresh air and natural light in the heart of your home, you can have vented skylights installed in your living or family room.
Best Roof Types for Vented Skylights
- Sloped roof: Ventilated skylights can be easily integrated into sloped roofs, whether it’s a gable roof, shed roof, or any other sloped roof design. The angle of the roof allows for efficient air circulation and ventilation.
- Pitched roof: Even pitched roofs, characterized by their steep slopes, can accommodate ventilated skylights effectively.
- Flat roof: With proper design and installation, ventilated skylights can provide effective ventilation without compromising the integrity of flat roofs.
4. Tubular Skylight
Tubular skylights are particularly beneficial when traditional fixed or ventilated skylights are not feasible due to limited roof space. It consists of three components that work together seamlessly to harness and distribute sunlight:
- First, the roof-mounted light collector is positioned on the roof and features a parabolic lens. This lens is designed to capture and gather daylight throughout the day.
- The second main component is a highly-reflective tube connecting the roof-mounted collector to the space’s interior. This tube acts as a conduit for the collected sunlight, effectively reflecting and guiding it toward the interior fixture.
- Lastly, an interior fixture inside the room receives the sunlight that has traveled through the tube. This component helps to distribute the natural light evenly and eliminates harsh shadows.
Pros of Tubular Skylights
- Relatively easy to install
- Better and more even natural light distribution
- Smaller surface areas help reduce heat gain
- Require less structural modifications compared to traditional skylights
Cons of Tubular Skylights
- Do not offer ventilation capabilities
- Only suitable for illuminating smaller areas or specific zones within a room
- Tubular skylights do not offer expansive views of the surrounding environment
Common Room Placements for Tubular Skylights
- Hallway: Installing tubular skylights in hallways can transform these often dark and narrow spaces into well-lit and inviting areas.
- Bathroom: It’s also an ideal choice for bringing natural light into bathrooms, particularly those without windows or limited access to exterior walls.
- Utility room or laundry area: Bright lighting is essential for completing tasks in these areas.
- Basement or interior office: Interior rooms without direct access to windows, such as basements or interior offices, can greatly benefit from tubular skylights. Natural light makes them feel less isolated and more connected to the outside environment.
Best Roof Types for Tubular Skylights
- Flat roof: Since tubular skylights don’t require extensive roof modifications, they can be easily incorporated into flat roofs.
- Metal roof: Tubular skylights can be successfully installed on metal roofs, known for their durability and longevity. This type of roof provides a sturdy surface for mounting the skylight components.
- Asphalt shingle roof: It’s not surprising how tubular skylights are a common installation in homes. They can seamlessly integrate well with asphalt shingles – which is probably the most commonly used type of roofing.
- Tile roof: Tubular skylights can be accommodated by tile roofs, including clay and concrete tiles. However, professional installers are required for the task, as careful attention should be given to the flashing details and sealing.
5. Curb-Mounted Skylight
Curb-mounted skylights have gained significant popularity as one of the top choices among skylight styles available today because of their straightforward installation process. Curbs can either be constructed onsite or provided by the skylight manufacturer. Regardless of the approach, ensuring the curb is double-walled and insulated is crucial. This insulation helps retain heat inside the home, promoting energy efficiency.
Unlike deck-mounted skylights, which sit directly on the roof, curb-mounted skylights are installed on a raised framework above the roof. Furthermore, they are known for their simple designs. They provide an excellent solution for bringing refreshing natural light into a space without imposing excessive stress on the building’s structure.
Pros of Curb-Mounted Skylights
- More affordable compared to other skylight types
- Double-walled construction enhances resistance to leaks
- Can be installed in various roof types and configurations
- With flexibility in sizing, homeowners can choose the right dimensions
- Often features double-walled and insulated curbs for improved energy efficiency
Cons of Curb-Mounted Skylights
- Typically do not offer ventilation capabilities
- May have limited design options or features available
- Require careful consideration of the building’s structure
- Proper shading or glazing options are necessary to block excessive heat
Common Room Placements for Curb-Mounted Skylights
- Master bedroom: A curb-mounted skylight in the master bedroom can have a transformative effect. You can enjoy the beautiful sky during the day and stargaze at night, providing a unique experience.
- Home office or study area: Installing this type of skylight in a home office or study area enhances productivity and well-being.
- Dark hallway or foyer: Skylights can make these transitional spaces feel more open and inviting.
- Living room: Curb-mounted skylights can make your living room feel more spacious and uplifting.
Best Roof Types for Curb-Mounted Skylights
- Asphalt shingle roof: Curb-mounted skylights work well with the most common type of roofing. You can easily remove and replace the shingles during the skylight installation process, ensuring a proper fit and weatherproofing.
- Flat roof: This type of roofing can easily accommodate curb-mounted skylights.
- Metal roof: If you have a standing seam or corrugated metal roof, curb-mounted skylights can work with your roofing system.
- Tile roof: Even this type of roofing, including clay and concrete tiles, can be suitable for curb-mounted skylights because they can be custom-built or made to fit within the layout of the tile roof.
6. Ridge Skylight
This type of skylight is designed to align with the roof pitch and follow the ridge line, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look. Whether your roof has a steep pitch or a flat surface, ridge skylights can be mounted in different configurations to suit your needs.
For roofs with a pitch, ridge skylights can be installed without the need for curbs. On the other hand, flat roofs require ridge skylights to be mounted on curbs with various pitch options. This flexibility allows optimal light capture and customization.
Pros of Ridge Skylights
- Glazed vertical ends provide unobstructed views
- Can be installed on roofs with various pitches using curbs
- Compared to similarly-sized windows, ridge skylights bring in more natural light
- Seamlessly integrates with the roofline, enhancing your home’s architectural appeal
Cons of Ridge Skylights
- Regular cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and potential condensation is necessary to maintain optimal performance and clarity.
- Depending on the glazing used, ridge skylights may allow heat gain during hot summer months and heat loss during colder seasons.
- Can be more expensive than standard vertical skylights or windows due to their specialized design and installation requirements.
Common Room Placements for Ridge Skylights
- Art studio or craft room: For those engaged in creative pursuits, a ridge skylight is an excellent addition to an art studio or craft room.
- Living, kitchen, and dining room: A ridge skylight above the living room, kitchen, or dining area enhances the overall ambiance and makes the room feel more spacious.
- Master bedroom: You also can transform your master bedroom into a serene and peaceful retreat by installing a ridge skylight.
Best Roof Types for Ridge Skylights
- Pitched roof: Ridge skylights are particularly well-suited for pitched roofs as they align with the roof’s slope and follow the line of the ridge, integrating seamlessly into the roofline.
- Flat roof: This roofing type can accommodate skylight installation but would require curbs or frames to raise the skylight above the roof surface.
- Shed roof: The sleek and streamlined appearance of ridge skylights complements the clean lines of shed roofs. Often found in contemporary or minimalist architectural designs, the skylight can align with the roof’s single-sloping surface.
Benefits of Installing a Skylight
Installing a skylight in your home offers many advantages, from enhancing natural lighting and ventilation to improving health and aesthetics. Let’s have a quick look at these benefits:
- Natural lighting: Skylights provide natural daylight, balancing uneven lighting patterns and improving mood, productivity, and sleep.
- Natural sky views: They offer the experience of looking up at the sky, providing a sense of peace, comfort, and connection to nature.
- Aesthetics: Roof windows add a beautiful architectural element to homes, enhancing their overall beauty and showcasing unique styles.
- Energy savings: They can regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs when equipped with energy-efficient features like insulated glass.
- Ventilation: Many skylights can be opened for natural ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality and reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Health benefits: Maximizing natural light through skylights improves physical and mental well-being, boosting mood, productivity, sleep quality, and vitamin D levels. Natural light reduces stress, enhances memory and concentration, and helps prevent the growth of mold.
- Perception of space: They brighten cramped areas and make ceilings appear higher, adding value and enhancing the perception of space.
- Privacy: They eliminate the need to compromise privacy by relying solely on windows and can be designed to open for easy roof access.
- Increased home value: Skylights can increase a home’s resale value by creating an inviting ambiance and serving as a desirable feature for potential buyers.
FAQ About the Best Types of Skylights For Your Home
Skylight windows not only bring in an ample amount of light, but they also provide a breath of fresh air if they are vented. But, like regular windows, they can contribute to unwanted heat gain during hot summers and heat loss during chilly winters. If this is the case, you may opt to install sun tunnels or light diffusers instead.
Considering these factors will help you optimize their energy efficiency and help you lower your energy bills.
While there are many different types of skylights, cleaning them will often involve the same process. To clean your skylight, follow these steps:
1. Start by safely accessing the skylight area using a stable ladder or scaffolding.
2. Remove dirt or debris from the surface of the skylight’s exterior using a soft brush or broom.
3. Mix a mild soap or dishwashing liquid with warm water in a bucket.
4. Dampen a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth in the soapy water solution.
5. Gently scrub the skylight’s exterior surface, paying attention to any stained or dirty areas. Avoid applying excessive pressure.
6. Rinse the skylight thoroughly with clean water using a hose or a bucket of water.
7. Dry the skylight using a clean, lint-free cloth or squeegee to prevent water spots or streaks.
8. For the interior side, use a clean, soft cloth or microfiber duster to remove dust and debris.
9. If your glass skylight has stubborn stains or marks, use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water on a soft cloth to gently wipe the interior surface.
10. Ensure that the skylight is completely dry before closing or operating it.
Also, note that safety is crucial when working at heights. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with cleaning the skylight yourself, consider hiring a professional skylight cleaner.
Ventilated skylights are homeowners’ favorite when it comes to skylight options. They bring an ample amount of extra light into any room, exactly where you need it. It’s like having a brand new window on your roof, opening up your living space to even more natural illumination.
Most manufacturers, like Velux, use high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate, tempered glass, acrylic coatings, and plastic glazing, to make skylights more durable and impact-resistant. Some Velux skylights are triple-glazed, filled with clear argon gas, have a low emissivity, and can block UV rays, making them popular among households.
Quality skylights are great for illuminating small spaces, closets, and other dark rooms. However, they can still be susceptible to leaking, especially if not maintained properly. Follow these steps to fix a leaking skylight:
1. Identify the leak’s source by inspecting the skylight and surrounding areas.
2. Check for damaged or worn-out weatherstripping and replace it if necessary.
3. Clean the skylight and its flashing, removing any debris or accumulated dirt.
4. Apply a silicone-based sealant around the skylight edges and flashing to create a watertight seal.
5. Inspect the roof for any missing shingles that may be contributing to the leak and repair as needed.
6. If the leak persists, consider contacting a professional roofer or skylight installer for further assistance.
If these steps seem too complicated, check out this more detailed guide on fixing a leaking skylight.
Installing solar skylights can be a beneficial choice for many homeowners. This skylight can harness sunlight to provide natural light while incorporating solar-powered features like ventilation and blinds. They offer energy efficiency, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and decreasing electricity costs.
Additionally, solar skylights often come with features like rain sensors and remote control operation for added convenience. Consider factors like roof orientation and the amount of sunlight it receives to determine if solar skylights are suitable for your specific location and needs.
Illuminate Your Home with the Perfect Skylight
From enhancing natural lighting to improving ventilation and energy efficiency, roof windows offer a range of benefits for your home. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of pyramid skylights, the versatility of tubular skylights, the functionality of ventilated skylights, the affordability of curb-mounted skylights, or the grandeur of ridge skylights, there’s a perfect type for every space.
Start transforming your home into a bright and inviting sanctuary. Hire a roofing expert today for help in choosing the best skylight that suits your needs.
Main Image Credit: Lex20 / Canva Pro / License
