4 Expert Pointers to Consider Before You Install Skylights

There’s no denying that natural light can instantly transform any space in your home. If you have a dull room made more dreary by limited lighting, a strategically placed skylight can instantly make the space more inviting.

In addition, the skylights Melbourne residents are opting for are excellent for providing much-needed light in areas where installing windows isn’t practical. Whether you’re planning to use skylights to illuminate a dull hallway or improve lighting throughout your home, there are a few key pointers to consider.

Proper Consideration Ensures Maximum Comfort and Lighting

If you’re investing in a few skylights for the first time, our expert installers recommend considering a few essential factors that will go a long way toward preventing installation issues. A few of the more significant factors are discussed below.

1.     Assess the Best Location for Your Skylights

The number-one tip to keep in mind is the placement of your skylight system. Whether you’re installing a bunch across your whole home or only a few to illuminate a hallway or laundry, you’ll want to keep in mind that the direction your skylights face will determine how much light and heat your home will absorb during the day.

With this in mind, installers want you to be aware of the following:

• North-facing skylights: Installing your lights in a north-facing direction means your home will be exposed to consistent and optimal solar heat gain during the cooler winter months. Keep in mind that the summer months will expose your lights to intense direct sunlight during the scorching Australian summer. To safeguard your skylights, your installer will also recommend opting for high-performance glazing.
• South-facing skylights: With this direction, your home will receive cool, comfortable, and consistent sunlight throughout the year, with limited direct heat penetration. Opting for south-facing lights is ideal for kitchens, workspaces, or studios because they offer light without any accompanying glare.
• East-facing skylights: If you’re looking to take advantage of the morning sunshine for your kitchen or breakfast nook, then it’s a good idea to consider east-facing solutions. A plus here is that this direction allows for substantial cooling down by the afternoon.
• West-facing skylights: Homeowners keen on the benefits that go along with the heavy afternoon sun often opt for west-facing skylight systems. Here it’s essential to keep in mind that this can lead to severe heat build-up in the late afternoon when you more than likely need your home to be cooling down.

2.     Review Your Roof Structure

While it’s true that professional installers can customise any skylight system to suit your specific roof type, keep in mind that this can be costly. This is especially the case if you’re opting for a solution that isn’t typically used on your specific roof type.

With this in mind, it’s always recommended that you ask your professional installer for recommendations about products best suited to your roof design, climate, and existing rafter design. This will be crucial in keeping installation costs to a minimum. Keep in mind that opting for a design that requires altering or cutting into the trusses or rafters will compromise your roof structure. Avoid this by always investing in professional skylight installation.

3.     Understand the Importance of Waterproofing

Another crucial aspect that you need to consider is the addition of quality waterproofing. Whether you live in a drier region or your home is frequently battered by high winds and torrential rain, your skylights will need the best waterproofing to prevent any leaks.

Speak to your professional skylight installer about opting for heavy-duty, weather-tested flashing that has been tailored to suit your specific roof and skylight type. While kits are readily available for local DIY enthusiasts, experts recommend always opting for professional installation.

This will ensure that the waterproofing, carpentry, and plastering needed during installation is done correctly and safely. They will also advise you of local government rebates to be aware of.

4.     Consider the Various Types on Offer

If you’re only just starting the research process of potential options, you’ll quickly discover that there are several options to consider. The type you eventually opt for should be based on the specific reason you want to install a skylight in the first place.

The three major categories to consider include the following:

• Fixed skylights: Sealed, non-opening versions designed only for adding light.
• Ventilating skylights: Skylights can be opened with a remote to enable ventilation in moisture-prone rooms such as kitchens.
• Tubular skylights: A dome is installed on the roof to capture sunlight. This is then filtered down into a reflective tube into the home.

Final Thoughts

Planning to invest in skylights is one of the most effective ways to add natural light to your home. Not only does a strategically placed skylight enhance openness, but it also enhances the space’s architectural appeal.

Avoid turning your investment into a huge regret by always opting for professional installation. This will ensure that your skylight is compliant, safely installed, and provides the required heat and light without issues such as leaks. Professionals will ensure that you and your family can enjoy the décor and health benefits of natural light for years to come!