It’s hard not to love the sun that comes along with the emergence of spring and summer. The warmth and brightness of the sun has been proven to have a very positive effect on mood and even performance. And we adore the way it makes a room feel flooding through the windows. So why not take the next step? Those skylights you’ve been dreaming about will not only enhance the way your home feels, but also increase it’s wow factor should you choose to sell. Another added benefit of a skylight addition is the option to install a model that can be opened for ventilation in the summer.
At Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal, we know skylights well. Here’s a quick checklist of things to consider as you plan for your own custom skylight installation. Enjoy!
Plan Well
Adding a skylight is different than the addition of a window. A licensed expert will help you plan carefully to achieve the most attractive and efficient results.
Follow the Sun
It’s important to be aware where the sun begins each day and where it ends. Skylights in sloping roofs facing south are especially liable to overheat rooms. North-facing skylights will admit a soft, diffused light all day long. Gray or bronze-tinted glass that blocks the sun's ultraviolet rays is available to protect kitchen or bath cabinets from the potentially bleaching effects of direct sunlight. Built-in blinds or horizontal curtains can also help regulate the amount of light coming in. Often, a blind system may be integrated into the unit. Comfort glazing, a standard feature on many skylight brands, provides insulation against heat buildup in summer and heat loss in winter.
Choose the Right Size for the Space
This is one space where size truly matters. Occasionally, homeowners may “skimp” on the size of the skylight(s) they choose to install out of a desire to economize. It’s important to recognize that the price savings is far diminished by the end effect. Iit is always best to choose the size that best suits the space. That’s where the expertise of an experienced professional like Mike Ragan Roofing comes in especially handy.
Go Tubular
A very small second bath may be best served by a tubular skylight. The tube consists of a clear acrylic dome on the roof that captures sunlight, a highly polished reflective steel or aluminum pipe that carries light through the attic, and a flush or domed fixture in the ceiling that diffuses light throughout the room. Tubes are easy to install and bring natural light to rooms too small for a full-sized skylight. They can be installed very affordably compared to regular double-glazed glass skylights.
Make It Look Good
While cost is generally a key factor shaping a project, it’s equally important to pay attention to aesthetics as well. For instance, avoid installing your skylight(s) on a roof surface that faces the street. Front-facing skylights look jarringly out of place on traditional home styles, since they were seldom used in the original designs. Indoors, try to align the skylight opening with a door, window or some other existing feature, so it doesn't look haphazard. Always consider the overall visual appeal, as the addition of a skylight lends an architectural element to the space.
Have more questions about choosing and installing a beautiful custom skylight for your home? Mike Ragan Roofing & Sheet Metal has the at experience and know-how to get the job done right the first time. For all of your Greater Nashville skylight, roofing and gutter needs, call Mike Ragan and crew at (615) 274-9445. Estimates are always free, and financing is available.
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