Skylights Buying Guide - All You Need To Know Before Buying Skylight

What’s a Skylight?

A skylight can be a fantastic addition to your home. It can change the atmosphere of any room, making it bright and homey by soaking it in natural light. Skylights can also provide rooms with extra ventilation, which is nice to have in kitchens and bathrooms. Plenty of people are nervous about getting a skylight, though, because it requires cutting a hole in the roof to make room for the window. However, if you use the correct materials and find the right contractor to get the job done, you’ll see that there’s nothing to worry about. Whether you’re thinking about installing a skylight on a flat roof, gable roof, or any other type of roof, look no further than Legacy Service. Our team will work with you to make sure you get the perfect skylight to brighten up your home.

Where Should Your Skylight Be?

Before you choose which type of skylight you want, you have to decide where you want it in your home. If you want more than one, you’ll have to determine if you want them in the same room or in separate rooms. For example: Would you prefer it in your living room, bathroom, or kitchen? Or would you like to allow extra light into your basement with an interior skylight? These are questions you should consider.

Many people want skylights to allow more light into their home. The problem is that sometimes skylights can produce a greenhouse effect, causing your room(s) to overheat during the summer months. Fortunately, there’s a special type of glass that you can have installed to help prevent this.

All in all, here are the questions you should ask yourself and the other members in your home:

• Which room(s) do you want a skylight in?
• How much natural light would you like to allow in?
• Are you looking to install a floorlight or internal skylight?

Types of Skylights

Which style of rooflight is best for you? Maybe our list of types can help you figure out what you want:

Fixed Flat Rooflights

Non-opening and low maintenance, this style is one of the best-selling types of rooflights due to the fact that they provide exceptional heat insulation and noise reduction. The design can also help lower your energy bills and reduce CO2 emission.

Pitched Roof Windows

This type is designed for pitched, or sloping, roofs. The frameless views not only provide you with more light but also give the windows a modern feel, which is perfect for a contemporary home.

Round Rooflights

This unique design is made to provide excellent noise reduction and heat insulation. The perfectly round finish gives you a frameless look and lets in a maximum amount of sunlight.

Pyramid Skylights

Their unique shape is designed to attract sunlight from a variety of angles throughout the day. They provide a perfect fit for square or smaller rooms as well as the space above stairways.

Traditional Roof Lanterns

This classic rooflight style can create a traditional architectural feel while providing a sense of extra space in any room. Slimline rooflights are also available for a more contemporary style but uses slimmer glass to maximize daylight.

Which Style of Rooflight is Best For You?

After researching the various types in the list above, you can determine which style works best for your home. You can also schedule a roof and skylight installation consultation to get more information about each type and see what our experts recommend based on your preferences. We’ll help you choose which type of glass to install for your roof skylight, with features that include but are not limited to energy-saving, temperature control, noise pollution, and security.

Fixed vs. Vented

What are the differences between a vented and fixed skylight? Take a look at the list below:

• Open and Close Ability – You won’t be able to open a fixed skylight, but you will be able to open a vented skylight either manually or with an electric motor.
• Possibility for Leaks – If a fixed skylight is installed properly with the correct flashing techniques, they will be virtually leakproof because they’re sealed during manufacturing. If you get a fixed skylight, make sure to ask for riveted and soldering flashing kits that are custom made for every curb size. These are used to wrap the corners for a full seal. On the other hand, vented skylights are not sealed shut so they may present opportunities for leakage. However, manufacturers have made strides in improving their products to help prevent leaks from happening.
• Costs – Not including costs for other materials and installation, you may be able to find a fixed skylight for under $300. If you choose a vented skylight with various features, it can sometimes cost up to $1,500.
• Since vented skylights can open, you can let any built-up moisture or excess heat escape from the bathrooms or kitchens. This option is not possible for fixed skylights.
• Leaving a vented skylight open by accident can allow rain and debris to get into your home. Fortunately, some types can close automatically if they sense raindrops.

Hopefully, this list of fixed and vented skylight pros and cons has given you a better idea of which type of skylight you want in your house.

Roof Ventilation and Access

Roof access and ventilation are also important factors to consider before installing a skylight. Questions to ask yourself include:

• Do you want a skylight that can open to allow fresh air in?
• Are you going to need to get to an area through the skylight?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may want to choose a vented skylight, whether you have a flat roof, a gable roof, or another kind of roof. You not only get plenty of natural light, but you’ll also have the option of ventilation, which is perfect for the kitchen area. Vented skylights can open and close electronically, contain rain detectors, and boast plenty of other features.

Choosing the Right Size Skylight

In many cases, homeowners wish they chose a bigger skylight after installing a new one in their house. To ensure that you don’t wish you’ve chosen a larger or smaller skylight after it’s installed, take the right steps before installation with Legacy Service. We can walk you through the process and discuss custom sizes with you to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. Just remember that you’ll need to be aware of planning permission beforehand, which is rarely an issue with skylights but you can check by taking a thorough look at your building regulations.

How Much Do Skylights Cost?

The cost of your skylight will depend on a variety of factors. Some of them include the skylight’s size, the style you select, whether it’s double or triple glazed, tinting, and other properties of the glass such as solar control and noise control.

How Long Do Skylights Last?

The lifespan of a skylight typically ranges from 8-15 years, which depends on the quality of the manufacturing as well as how well it was installed and maintained. Also, most skylights are made with tempered or laminated glass, which can break if a tree limb falls on it. If you have large trees around your home, storms can cause damage.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’re you’re wondering how to install a skylight window because you want one for your home, look no further than Legacy Service. We’re confident that we have the expertise you’re looking for. Our team is trained in all of the new installation techniques, and we’re always setting our bar for customer satisfaction higher and higher. We’ll guide you through a range of models from leading brands in technology as well as functionality and aesthetics. Contact us at 215-798-9790 today to learn more about getting a skylight with your roof replacement project!