Brian's House Building Blog

Skylight Windows: Three Crucial Installation Guidelines for Optimal Performance

by Peyton Sanders

If you are interested in improving the flow of natural light in your home, you should think about installing skylight windows. These units will ensure that you have sufficient sunlight while filtering out harmful radiation. Other benefits of these structures include ventilation, improved energy efficiency and the addition of home value. However, it is essential to remember that the advantages gained through skylights will depend on the quality of installation. If the unit is poorly placed, you will experience unexpected leakages and poor performance. Here are some guidelines to help you ensure that the skylight windows are correctly installed.

Compare Different Installation Styles

There are different mounting styles that you can choose for your new skylight window. You should evaluate and compare the options before selecting the most appropriate match. Flush-mounted skylights are favoured because the window merges seamlessly with the roofing surface, instead of protruding. However, this mounting design is primarily used in new constructions. Curb-mounted windows are elevated from the roof using a curb. This feature is built on site by a contractor during installation. Alternatively, you can choose a self-curbing skylight window. The installation design is similar to the curb-mounted, but this alternative comes with a pre-constructed curb.

Promote Proper Ventilation

Skylight windows will allow you to improve ventilation in your home on hot days. In fact, these features will provide a passive air conditioning effect, reducing your energy expenses on cooling. However, when the weather is cold, you cannot afford to open the unit. Cold air will flow in, and rainwater might find its way into the house. Unfortunately, closing the skylight presents a new challenge: condensation. When the warm air in your interior space comes into contact with the cold window, it will condense and form water droplets. This problem is also common with fixed or inoperable skylights. You should avoid this problem by improving interior ventilation. You can install fans or a dehumidifier for optimal results. 

Consider the Technical Limitations

You should think about the technical limitations for skylight installation in your home. In some cases, this feature cannot be installed without causing significant problems such as leakage. The common limitations include low roof pitch, roofing valleys and standing seam metal roofs. You should discuss the technical issues which could compromise the functionality or performance of the skylight window with a licensed roofer before proceeding. 

Installing skylight windows can be a complicated and challenging process. Therefore, you should not risk performing DIY placement of the feature. Consult an experienced contractor for design planning and unit installation.

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