energy efficient home skylights
Home skylights can be an excellent means to provide daylighting but also natural ventilation and views.
But do not forget possible drawbacks, and issues like the types of skylights, their size and installation, and also their energy-efficiency. If you just want day-lighting, modern roof tubular skylights (also called sun tunnels) are an excellent option.
See:
Traditional rectangular Skylights
Modern Sun Tunnel Tubular Skylights
Skylights and Roof Windows
Venting vs. Fixed skylights
Plastic Skylights vs. Glass skylights
Bubble and Dome Skylights
Deck mounted, Curb mounted and Self-flashed skylights
Rectangular Skylights flashing
Problems with residential skylights
Pay attention to possible drawbacks when selecting traditional skylights, namely unwanted heat losses, overheating, infiltration and moisture. Only very well sealed and insulated roof skylights (see image...) or the new «sun tunnels» can avoid such problems...
See, for more information:
Skylights, condensation and leak problems
Skylights & Rainy, Cold Climates
Skylights Drawbacks
Plastic vs. Glass Skylights
In general, glass skylights are largely preferable to plastic ones. Plastic skylights are cheap solutions with a short lifespan and prone to condensation, overheating and heating losses.
See, for details:
Plastic Skylights vs. Glass skylights
Bubble and Dome Skylights
Skylight Glasses
Skylights, buying and & Energy Efficiency
Energy Star or BRFC qualified skylights are a guarantee of energy performance. See, for more details: Buying and selecting skylights
Shades, blinds and insect screens for skylights
Devices like skylight blinds (or shades, or awnings…) can be worthwhile, but just in some cases. They are often obstructive and a source of unwanted side-effects.
See:
Shades, blinds and awnings for skylights
Types of skylight blinds and shades
Skylight Insect Screens
Skylights and climates zones
Skylight technology has improved fast in the last decades. There are now a large diversity of skylights responding to particular climate zones and needs.
See:
Skylights, Windows and Climates Zones
Skylights and rainy cold climates
Roof Skylights: Sizing and Installing
A proper installation and sizing is crucial to avoid water leaks, condensation and other potential drawbacks.
See, for details:
Installing Flat Rectangular Home Skylights
Sun Tunnel Home Skylight Installation
Roofs, ceilings and home skylights
Home Skylight Location
Glass skylights vs. Plastic Skylights
Glass skylights are typically preferable to plastic ones. But there are many types of glass, responding to different climates, not to talk of glass for extreme overheating situations or extreme weather conditions like hurricanes.
See:
Skylight Glasses
Plastic vs. Glass Skylights
Skylight Location
To get maximum natural light, the skylight should be located properly. Similarly, to avoid snow accumulation, skylights should be positioned away from walls, chimneys, and other roof protrusions... The location of the skylight is an important issue.
See also: Skylight Location
Skylight manufacturers
Prefer a good skylight manufacturer for efficient designs and a longer warranty and support. See, on this issue: Skylight Manufacturers