Have you ever considered adding skylights to your home? Skylights are a beautiful and functional addition that can enhance the look and feel of any room in your home. Over the years, installing skylights has become a common home improvement project.
Whether you’re renovating an existing space or building a new home, skylights offer a range of design options that can suit any style or budget.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some inspiring skylight design ideas, walk you through the installation process, and provide tips for maintaining and caring for your skylights. Let’s shed some light on how skylights can transform your home!
What Are Skylights?
Skylights are windows that are installed on a roof or ceiling to allow natural light and ventilation into a room. They are typically made of glass or acrylic and can come in various sizes, shapes, and designs. Skylights can be fixed or operable, meaning they can either open to allow fresh air into the room or stay permanently closed. They can also be equipped with shades or blinds for light control and privacy. Skylights are a popular home improvement feature because they provide numerous benefits such as reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving indoor air quality.
Types of Skylight Designs
Like the roofing and siding materials in the industry, skylights have also seen improvements in recent years. More styles and functionalities have been developed to ensure that homeowners can get the best for their homes.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to stay up to date with all the trends. However, don’t worry, we are here to help. Check out the section below to learn more about the different types of skylights and how you can use them to improve the curb appeal of your home.
Fixed Skylights: Keeping It Simple
Yes, there have been advancements in skylight technology, but traditional skylight options are still valid.
Fixed skylights are a popular choice for homeowners who want to allow more natural light into their homes without requiring ventilation. These skylights are permanently sealed and cannot be opened. They are often used in areas where air circulation is not a concern, such as hallways or stairwells.
Vented Skylights
Vented skylights are a type of skylight that can be opened to provide ventilation and fresh air. These skylights are typically operated by a hand crank, but modern versions that use an electronic mechanism are now available. This allows homeowners to easily adjust the amount of airflow in a room. Vented skylights are an excellent choice for rooms that tend to get stuffy or humid, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
However, these skylights can be more expensive than fixed skylights due to the additional mechanisms required for operation.
Tubular Skylights:
Tubular skylights, also called sun tunnels or light tubes, are small skylights that use reflective tubes to channel sunlight into a room. They are a great option for rooms where a larger skylight may not be feasible due to space constraints or budget limitations. Tubular skylights are typically installed in hallways, closets, or other small spaces.
Innovative Skylight Design for Your Home
In the previous section, we gave a brief overview of the most basic types of skylights available on the market. In this section, we will address some innovative design options and inspirational ideas that you can use to enhance the appearance and durability of your property.
Circular Skylights
If you want to install a skylight but want something different from the traditional rectangular skylight, you can consider a circular skylight.
Circular skylights are usually available in smaller sizes than other skylight shapes, making them an excellent choice for smaller spaces such as bathrooms or closets. They are commonly used in modern or contemporary home designs but can also complement traditional or rustic styles, depending on the design and framing material.
Skylight With Shades
Another great skylight design for your home is to install a skylight with shades. It is a popular option for homeowners who want to control the amount of light that enters a room or have privacy concerns.
Skylights with shades or blinds come in various styles and colors to match any decor. The most common types of shades or blinds for skylights are manual and motorized. Manual shades or blinds can be operated with a hand crank, while motorized shades or blinds are operated with a remote control.
When selecting a skylight with a shade or blind, it’s essential to consider factors such as the skylight’s location, the amount of natural light and ventilation required, and the room’s style.
Stained Glass Skylights
Stained skylights are a unique and artistic option for homeowners who want to add a touch of color and visual interest to their skylights. They are typically made of stained glass, which is a type of colored glass that has been painted or treated to create intricate patterns and designs. Stained glass skylights can be customized to match any home decor and can be designed to include specific colors or motifs that reflect your and your family’s personal style or preferences.
A colored skylight is available in several shapes, including the classic rectangular skylight and the more modern circular and pyramid-shaped skylights. It transforms a plain ceiling into a work of art, adding visual interest both inside and outside your home. Colored skylights bring vibrant colors and patterns into a room, creating a beautiful and unique atmosphere.
Solar Skylights
Solar skylights are a new and innovative option for homeowners who want to take advantage of natural light while reducing their energy consumption. In a regular operable or motorized skylight, the skylight opens and closes with the help of a remote control that runs on electricity.
On the other hand, solar skylights run on energy from the sun. They are designed with built-in solar panels. The panels on the skylight window capture energy from the sun and use it to power your skylight’s lighting and ventilation systems. Therefore, they are a more sustainable option, which is especially valuable to homeowners who have environmental concerns.
When you install a solar-powered skylight, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light and ventilation without relying on electricity or adding to your energy bills.
Tips To Know Before Installing Skylights on Your Home’s Roof
Choosing the right skylight design for your home can be a daunting task, but considering your needs, budget, and style preferences will help you make an informed decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the right skylight design for your home:
Determine Your Needs:
Regardless of the type of home improvement project you take on, the first step is to establish what you are looking to achieve. Consider why you want a skylight in the first place. Do you want to increase natural light, improve ventilation, or add a unique design element to your home? Understanding your specific needs will help you choose the right type of skylight.
Consider Your Budget:
Another important factor to consider is the skylight installation cost. Skylights have a broad price range, varying from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type, size, and features. It is important to set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.
Think About the Style:
Skylights come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, so choose one that matches the style of your home. For example, a circular skylight adds a unique design element to a modern home, while a stained glass skylight can add a traditional or vintage touch to a home.
Consider the Location:
The location of the skylight is important in determining the type of skylight that is suitable for a space. For example, if the skylight is going to be installed in a bathroom or kitchen, operable skylights are recommended to improve ventilation and reduce humidity.
Additionally, the orientation of the skylight in relation to the sun can affect the amount of natural light that enters the room and the amount of heat gain or loss. A skylight that faces north, for instance, will provide consistent natural light without excessive heat gain.
Best Skylight Installation Services in Broken Arrow, OK
We hope that you now have a better idea of various skylight options available on the market and which one will suit your home.
If you’ve decided on which skylight you want in your home already and are now looking for someone with experience and expertise in skylight projects, then you can trust the team of A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing.
We are a premier roofing company serving Broken Arrow, Tulsa, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma. Not only do we provide professional skylight installation services, but we also offer other home exterior services, such as gutters and window installation. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to find out more!
