Skylight windows added to a room can be a huge boost in light. They can give you a view to the stars on a clear night and lighten a dark room with the amber light of the sun. But with all the great things that go with having a skylight in your home there are also some disadvantages of having them. In this article I’ll go over some of the pros and cons of skylight windows and what you can expect if you’re considering adding a skylight to your home in Michigan.
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Skylight Windows in Michigan
If you currently have a skylight window installed in your home then you know exactly what kind of addition a skylight window can be. In this article I’ll look at some of the pros and cons of skylight windows to help you better determine the placement in your home and whether you should invest in a skylight for your home or not.
Types of Skylight Windows
There are few different types of skylight windows for your home. Each one has a different function and performs differently. I’ll go over a few types of skylight windows below and give you a brief description of them.
Flat, Clear Skylight Window : These are some of the most popular skylights on the market today. They can be made from glass or plastic and have a low roof profile. These standard skylights don’t open and allow clear views to the outside.
Domed Skylight Window: Most domed skylights are made of plastic which can discolor over time depending on the environment they are in. They are usually an inexpensive alternative to higher quality skylights. They view is obfuscated so you won’t be able to peer at the stars with this sort of skylight.
Curved Skylight Window: A curved skylight will also have obfuscated view and is usually made of plastic as well. Curved skylights usually have a lower roof profile than domed skylights but not as low as flat glass.
Vented Skylight Window: If you’re looking for a skylight that you can open your room to the outdoors then consider a vented skylight. Vented skylights open to the outside just like a casement window. They are operated by a crank or lever to open. For skylights that are located in higher ceilings you can get a electrical motor to open and close the skylight. Some higher end skylight have a remote device to open and close it.
Tubular Skylight Windows: A tubular skylight is popular in homes that don’t have immediate ceilings to roof. They allow sunshine to be ‘piped’ in using a series of tubes with reflective insides. One popular brand of tubular lights is SolaTube.
Adding a skylight can significantly light up a room. Consider the energy savings you’ll have when you don’t need to turn on a light to brighten a room.
Costs Involved with Installing a Skylight Window
Getting a skylight installed in your home will cost more than a regular window. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of installing a skylight. Since the skylight will be placed on the roof there are areas that need to be prepared and addressed. You may need to remove shingles, metal roofing, and more which can cost more. Although the installation cost will vary from home to home it’s usually more expensive than a single installation. Talk with a professional home improvement or roofing company that can install skylights to give you an estimate on cost.
Developing a leak in your home’s skylight window is the number one problem with these skylights.
Having an Energy Efficient Skylight Installed
Adding a skylight can significantly light up a room. Consider the energy savings you’ll have when you don’t need to turn on a light to brighten a room. This is one of the pros of having a skylight. It can also help to warm a room up with a greenhouse effect. However even warming a room up can be a disadvantage of skylights during summer months.
Maintaining a Skylight Window
Maintaining a skylight window is easy but there can be problems with lower quality windows. First you’ll need to make sure no debris collects on the skylight. If you have nearby trees make sure the leaves don’t build up on the skylight. Damp leaves can cause the skylight to fail prematurely causing a water leak. Developing a leak in your home’s skylight window is the number one problem with these skylights. If you have a leak in your home’s skylight be sure to contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible to reduce any water damage that may occur at your home.
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