Balancing purpose, form and function to select the perfect skylight for your needs
Installing a skylight on the roof of a commercial or residential building can add architectural appeal and practical benefits, and it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly.
Doing your due diligence before buying will ensure your skylight installation delivers the results you’re looking for, whether that’s creating the right indoor vibe with natural light, improving curb appeal, or reducing energy costs.
Here are the majors factors you should take into account when shopping around for skylights, whether you’re adding them to an existing building or a new structure.
Skylight categories
Skylights fall into three main umbrella categories:
- Fixed skylights: As suggested by the name, fixed skylights are mostly a one-and-done option. They do not open, and aside from regular maintenance and cleaning, can be left alone once installed.
- Ventilating/operable skylights: Again, the name speaks for itself here. Ventilating skylights can be opened and closed, allowing fresh air in for greater control over the building’s interior climate.
- Tunnel skylights: Tubular or tunnel skylights are lighting systems that transport sunlight from a roof into an interior environment. They capture natural light through a rooftop dome assembly, which then travels through a reflective tubular casing into your room of choice.
Determine your skylight’s purpose
The first step to buying skylights is identifying what they need to achieve. Do you want a skylight for the benefits that come from introducing natural light to interiors, to improve ventilation, or to create an architectural focal point?
Fixed and tunnel skylights are best for providing consistent daylight to open spaces or specific rooms. Different materials and glazing will alter how much light comes through, impacting the look of a room and its thermal performance.
Venting models can bring in just as much light, with the added advantage of allowing for natural airflow.
If you’re completing a renovation or adding skylights to a drawing late in the design stage, tunnel models are typically the least intrusive, requiring the least structural changes necessary for installation.
Ensure compatibility with roof shape and materials
For the purposes of performance and a cohesive look, skylights should be compatible with your building’s roof shape and materials.
Flat or low-slope roofs will require curb-mounted skylights for proper drainage and flashing, while pitched roofs are better suited for deck-mounted styles. Flashing kits and self-flashing skylights can be made to match your roofing material for a watertight seal that looks as great as it functions.
Enhancing architectural aesthetics
Structural architectural skylights can add striking focal points to a residential or commercial building, inside and out.
Rounded shapes, pointed pyramids and custom sculptural designs enhance a building’s exterior character. They also create dramatic interior effects as light shifts throughout the day, elevating indoor spaces with a dynamic, open ambience.
For a more subtle touch, especially on a pitched roof, you can opt for a skylight that sits more flesh with the surface.
Location, location, location
Your building’s location is a critical element to consider when selecting a skylight, particularly in parts of Canada with fickle weather patterns that swing between extreme cold in the winter and excessive heat in the summer.
To keep up with the climate, you’ll want skylights with excellent thermal insulation, like Energy-Star rated or triple-glazed models. This will help prevent heat loss and increase solar heat gain control to reduce cooling loads.
Work with the pros to get the right skylight for your building
Picking the perfect skylight for your building can be overwhelming. When in doubt, you can always choose to work with a reputable, experienced skylight installer to guide you through available options and ensure proper installation.
Artistic Skylights has experts available to lend a hand. They have also created a Product Builder Tool, allowing users to digitally create customized skylight solutions tailored to specific project needs.
The right skylight for your building will balance aesthetics, form and function. Consider these factors carefully before you buy, and you’ll have a skylight that adds value, comfort, and stunning natural daylight for years to come.
