Skylights

Skylights add a dramatic flair to a room and offer a sky view that vertical windows can't. They also provide 30% more light than standard windows. Choose from fixed skylights, ventilating skylights, and roof windows. Many now have the option to open and close via a wall switch or remote control. Some even contain sensors that close the skylight automatically when it rains. When your ceiling isn't adaptable to a skylight, you can still add natural light into a dark space by adding a tube light. The tube light is actually an impact resistant dome on the roof connected by reflective tubing to a diffuser in the ceiling of your room. It can illuminate an interior space up to 10' by 10' with natural daylight, or add a light kit and it can illuminate the area at night as well.

Skylight placement is often limited by ceiling rafters that space out every 16 or 24 inches. If you must remove a rafter to install your skylight, you will need to adjust the structural support. Check with your city's building department to discuss header support requirements. No matter what style you choose, a skylight is only as good as its manufacturer and installer. If the seal and flashing are not tight, it can leak. Using an installer with experience and "no-leak performance" in skylights will help.

Keep in mind where the skylight is placed for both sunlight and moonlight. During the day, will the sun shine directly into peoples' eyes when sitting at a table or completing a kitchen task? In the evening, will that area require a task light? If so you may want to move or adjust the skylight. You might also consider a sun screen, roller shade, pleated shade, or light block (total room darkening--used more for bedrooms). Some shades are controlled automatically. There are several manufacturers of low cost film sheets that can be applied and left on all the time.