Its summer, so your home might not be as dark as it is in winter, but if it is are you considering your options? Read on, we have some tips and information for you. Skylights have been a popular choice for homeowners looking to increase the sunshine in their life for decades. There are plenty of reasons for installing skylights, both good and not so, we have put them all together in one handy spot for ease of reference. We are weighing up the pros and cons of skylight installation for your home and what you can or should expect.
Positives
Natural Light: This one is pretty obvious, skylights allow for more natural light in your home with benefits for you, your family and any plants you may have. Not only could a skylight brighten a dark area in your home, but it can also help improve moods and give your inside plants the sun they need without moving them. Careful placement of skylights is essential for optimising just how much natural light you let in.
Cost: This one is a no brainer, if you’re not relying on lights to brighten your house, you’re saving money and improving your carbon footprint. A skylight also harnesses the heat from the sun in winter, which allows the interior of your home to be naturally warmed, rather than relying on a heater or fire; again, saving you more money all year round.
Star Gazing: This one is a bit fun. A well-placed skylight can allow you to lie in bed and watch the stars; protected from the elements, but not impeding the view. It’s the best of both worlds.
Fresh Air: Most skylights are also openable, so you’ll be adding fresh air to your home if you choose an openable skylight and allowing dust to escape with the warm air.
Not so Positives
Cleaning: Whilst some of us might be able to ignore a smudge on a window, there are others who would be bothered by the smudge or other dirt on a skylight, as they are pretty tricky to clean. Often in hard to reach places, or simply too high for a ladder to reach, some skylights can be almost impossible to clean and unless you’re willing to get up on the roof and give the skylight a good scrub, you’ll have to get a little creative with the cleaning options for skylights. Good news though, is if you get your roof cleaned regularly, or in any summer storm, the skylight should clean itself; of sorts.
Glare: This old chestnut. This is where placement of your skylight is crucial and can cause glare in some cases where too many or mispositioned skylights have been installed. Work with your roofing contractor on the best placement and number of skylights for your home.
Installation: As with any roofing or other installation, it only takes one bad installation to cause havoc with your roof. So, make sure your contractor is well informed and qualified to install the skylights and is willing to explain why the skylights should go in certain locations. As always ensure there is also a warranty on the workmanship. You want peace of mind that the installation is covered, should something go wrong.
Sometimes a roof cannot be restored, and your money would be better used replacing the COLORBOND® roof on your home. GT Roofing Adelaide specialises in roofing restoration, replacements, repairs and extensions and works with COLORBOND® Steel and BlueScope Steel throughout the Adelaide area and across South Australia. For an obligation free chat, please call George on 0434 640 550 or complete our contact form and we will get in touch shortly.