skylight basics
Roof skylights can provide not only daylighting but also natural ventilation and views.
But take into account possible drawbacks, the several types of skylights, their sizing and installation or 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 residential skylights, namely unwanted heat losses, overheating, infiltration and moisture.
See, for more information:
Skylights, condensation and leak problems
Skylights & Rainy, Cold Climates
Skylights Drawbacks
Quality: Plastic vs. Glass Skylights
In general, glass skylights are preferable to plastic ones. Plastic skylights are often cheap solutions for rooms and cases where lifespan, condensation or overheating and heating losses aren’t expected consequences.
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
Are devices like skylight blinds (or shades, or awnings…) worthwhile? Just in some cases...
See:
Shades, blinds and awnings for skylights
Types of skylight blinds and shades
Skylight Insect Screens
Skylights and climates zones
New technologies allow 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 often associated with residential skylights.
See, for details:
Installing Flat Rectangular Skylights
Sun Tunnel Tubular Skylight Installation
Roofs, ceilings and skylights
Skylight Location
Glass skylights vs. Plastic Skylights
Glass skylights are largely preferable to plastic ones, unless in very specific situations. But glasses can be very different. There are laminated and tempered glasses responding to different climate demands and conditions, or particulars like overheating and extreme weather conditions like hurricanes.
See:
Skylight Glasses
Plastic vs. Glass Skylights
Skylight Location
To get maximum daylight, the skylight should be properly located, according to the sun’s path. To avoid snow accumulation, skylights should be positioned away from walls, chimneys, and other roof protrusions.
See also: Skylight Location
Skylight manufacturers
Skylight manufacturers may or may not offer tested products and long warranties.
See, on this issue: Skylight Manufacturers