Adding skylights to your home can make a huge difference in your interior ambience. They can also add to the architectural style of your home. Skylights are also an efficient way to let in natural light. However, it is important to take some precautions to ensure that you get the most out of your skylights.
If you live in a cold climate, you may want to choose skylights that have a higher solar heat gain coefficient. They will be more energy efficient and will help keep your home warmer in the winter. In addition, you should look for skylights that are ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR qualified products are certified to meet minimum performance standards set by the National Construction Code.
In addition to the solar heat gain coefficient, you should also look for skylights that have a low U-factor. A low U-factor will increase energy efficiency.
The top glazing of your skylight can be tinted glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, or other materials. You should also choose skylights that are made of laminated or tempered glass. These materials are much stronger than plastic. They also help to keep the glass from cracking.
When you are shopping for skylights, you should consider the size of your room. You should not have a skylight that exceeds 5 percent of your floor area. The size of the skylight will also affect the temperature of the room. You can also choose skylights that are vented. A vented skylight will open with a crank or button. If you opt for electric skylights, you can use a remote control.
A tubular skylight is a long tube with a circle window on the top. This Skylights type of skylight is usually reserved for small spaces. It is also great in sunny climates. The skylight works by catching direct-beam sunlight and transferring it down the light well. It also does not create as much temperature fluctuation as other skylights.
If you are installing skylights in your home, you will need to ensure that you are installing them in a position that is going to give your home the most daylighting. Usually, you will need a skylight that is facing north or eastern. These positions will provide a steady illumination in the morning and evening. However, skylights that are facing south may keep heat in the summer.
In addition to the size and position of your skylight, you should also pay attention to the placement of the skylight. The placement of the skylight is important because it can determine whether the room is going to get too warm or too cold. Also, consider whether the position is going to cause condensation or mold. If condensation occurs, the humidity in the room will increase. This can result in mold or mildew. If you are installing a skylight in your home, you should also consider whether you are going to install screens to prevent the moisture from entering the interior of your home.