You should always try to incorporate natural light into the design of your home, and skylights are a fantastic way to do this. Because they're located overhead, they're much better at brightening the space than standard windows. They can also reduce your utility bill and carbon footprint, as you will rely less on using artificial light. However, before you make an appointment with a roofing contractor and begin the process, here are a few points you need to consider.

How to Evaluate Your Home Before Installing Skylights

1. The Room & the Sun

Before starting construction, you need to think about where you want the skylight and how the sun will enter that room throughout the day. The location and layout of your home will affect how effective the skylight would be and which room you want to install it in. For example, if you install one in a room on the southwest side of your home, you can expect a significant amount of hot afternoon sunlight to enter that space. With that in mind, you may want the roofing contractors to put in tinted or insulated glass to prevent the area from overheating. 

2. Fixed or Vented Models

Fixed skylights are a pane of glass affixed to the ceiling while vented skylights can be opened and pushed out like standard windows. Choosing between these two models often depends on how the room they are being installed in is laid out. If you already have a room with windows that can be opened, a fixed skylight is all you need. For rooms that accumulate moisture or have poor air quality, like your bathroom or kitchen, a vented skylight would allow air to circulate throughout the room. 

3. Landscaping 

For safety purposes, you should also take note of the surrounding landscaping, specifically the trees. If there are nearby trees with long branches, they could present a problem when there is inclement weather. Even if they aren't directly overhead, they could break and damage your skylight if the winds are strong enough. When you meet with a roofing contractor, they'll let you know whether you should get a tempered glass, which is treated in a way that makes it less likely to shatter. They might also recommend moving the skylight to a new location or having the nearby tree trimmed or cut down.

If you're ready to have skylights installed, call Dan Williams Roofing. Located in Lorain, OH, these roofing contractors have been trusted by residential and commercial customers throughout the area for nearly 20 years. Their licensed professionals take an individualized approach to each project that allows them to best evaluate your needs and address any issues in the best way possible. You can find a full list of their roofing services on their website, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call them at (440) 282-6006.