How to Choose a Skylight

12/19/2016

With the various options available, many wonder how to choose a skylight, and which skylight is best. Learn more about the skylight options available, including differences in materials, as well as proper installation.

Skylights are a beautiful addition to many homes and businesses. They brighten up rooms and can allow for maximum natural light, even from a small skylight.

As a homeowner, it’s important to keep in mind that properly maintained skylights are an important component to the integrity of your roof. Every homeowner dreads a leaky skylight, but there’s a lot you can do in the process of choosing, installing, and maintaining your skylight that will help give you peace of mind in the long run.

Choosing a Skylight

Not all skylights are created equal. One of the biggest differences across skylight options are the construction materials: skylights can be made of plastic or glass. Plastic skylights are popular due to their lower initial cost. Homeowners who opt for plastic should be aware that plastic skylights tend to be less efficient than their glass counterparts.

Skylights are also available with various glazes that can make them more energy efficient. This can be especially useful for skylights that are exposed to a lot of light during the hottest months of the year.

Installation

Installation is one of the biggest factors in the long term viability of a skylight. An incorrectly installed skylight can cause huge problems. Not only may you need to reinstall the skylight, a leaking skylight can cause water damage to other parts of your home.

Skylight installation should only be performed by professional roofing contractors with experience in skylight installation. Call a local skylight installation professional today.