A skylight is an easy way to increase natural light in your home, save on electricity, and make a room feel airier and more open. But keep in mind that when you want your roofer to install one, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from. Here are the features you should look at to make sure your skylight suits your needs.

What to Know About Skylights Before Calling a Roofer

1. Material

Skylights are made of either glass or plastic. Glass doesn't scratch or cloud over time as easily as plastic, so it won't need to be replaced as often; however, it is more expensive in the short term. Additionally, glass skylights are only available with flat panes, while plastic ones can be flat or domed. Domed skylights allow leaves, dirt, and objects to slide off easily and keep the glass clear, making maintenance easier.

2. Energy Efficiency

Like a greenhouse, the wrong skylight can channel the light of the sun and warm your home significantly, especially when placed facing the sun. To keep your home cooling costs down, choose an option with glass tint or other treatment designs to reduce heating. You can also position the skylight to regulate heating and cooling. For example, you may want it pointing east so it allows warm sunlight to filter through in the mornings but less so in the afternoon.

3. Vents

Similarly, roofers recommend vented skylights to take advantage of breezes and cool outdoor temperatures to keep your home comfortable. They’re especially helpful in bathrooms and kitchens, as they’ll release hot air and lower the risk of mold accumulation. However, they are more prone to water leaks because of the moving parts.

4. Ratings

You can glean a lot of information about a skylight from its ratings. U-value and R-value tell you the amount of insulation or heat transfer the fixture provides. Low shading coefficients mean it won't heat your home as much in the sunlight. More UV blockage means the furniture and other items under the skylight won't fade as quickly due to UV damage. Meanwhile, VLT tells you how much visible light gets through.

 

If you need to choose a skylight, ask the insured roofers at Ontario Exteriors. Serving Greater Rochester, NY, for nearly 25 years, these professionals can also help with roof, gutter, and siding installations and repairs. Call (585) 421-0880 to discuss your project or visit them online to view their products and services.