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Skylights are windows mounted horizontally rather than vertically, usually through the ceiling or roof, illuminating dark rooms and corners with natural light. They can allow a wall of window to extend to the roof, providing views of the sky in addition to the landscape. Today's skylights are much more than bubble-shaped domes; they include all the best window technology, such as double-glazed, insulated, or high-performance glass. They also have special coatings to reduce heat loss or diffuse light. Skylights can be fixed or open partially, depending on the design. Other features offered are remote controls that open and close the windows electronically, sensors that shut the units automatically when it starts raining, and motorized shades and blinds to protect from summer heat.
Skylights bring sunshine deep into rooms during the day and add drama to a home's exterior at night. For all their appeal, though, it's good to remember that skylights are essential a hole in your roof. When poorly chosen or installed, they can adversely effect room temperatures and let in water. It's important to choose skylights wisely, to place them thoughtfully, and install them carefully according to manufactures instructions to ensure that you will enjoy their full benefits.
The following is a list of the considerations connected with choosing skylights as sources of light:
Tubular Skylights
Tubular Skylights captures light through a dome on the roof and channels it down through a reflective system. The tubing can fit between rafters and often times can be installed with out structural modification. At the ceiling level, a diffuser that resembles a recessed light fixture spreads the light evenly throughout the room.
Tubular skylights can be installed in places where a traditional skylight wouldn't be an option, such as rooms without direct roof access or small areas like bathrooms, closets and hallways. The units are compact in design (as little as 10 inches in diameter) and feature adjustable tubing with angle adapters that allow for installation around attic obstructions.
Following is a brief synopsis of the key considerations connected with choosing tubular skylights as sources of natural light:
Benefits of Natural Light
Everyone from scientists and teachers to optometrists and dermatologists have touted the benefits of natural light. Here are some of the positive effects attributed to allowing natural sunlight into your daily routine.
