Skylights can transform your place in a beautiful and comfortable way! A skylight allows natural light and wind into the room, letting you enjoy more sunshine and fresh air. It’s also an excellent way to reduce the energy consumption rate used on lighting and ventilation.
If you want to install a skylight, it is essential to learn the installation details of a flat roof skylight. At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we have described six things you must consider before getting new skylights for flat roofs.
This information will help you avoid the most common issues caused by choosing an incorrect model or dealing with faulty installation. Here are the top five issues most people face:
- Improper skylight model
- Roof leaks
- Over-ventilation
- Too much light
- Unnecessary expenses
But don’t worry! These mistakes are easily avoidable, and we’ll tell you how. Consider these six details mentioned below before installing skylights on a flat roof.
#1 The Best Time For Skylight Installation
A typical skylight installation requires cutting a section in all the roofing layers, so the best time to get one is during a roof replacement. However, if you’re not replacing the roof right now, ensure the skylight is installed with utmost care and professionalism. This work requires a license, special skills, and precise equipment. You can guarantee a quality skylight installation by hiring a reliable local roofing contractor who has been installing flat roof skylights for years.
#2 Check The Climate & Weather Of Your Area
When choosing a skylight, you must start by assessing your area’s climate and weather conditions. Since skylight installation exposes the inside of your home to the elements, make sure there’s no sign of rain, snow, storms, or hail in the coming days. You can check this by viewing the weather forecast in your region.
You should also answer other vital questions, such as:
- How much sunlight and heat does your home get every season?
- What are some ideal locations to place a skylight for balanced light infusion?
- Which of these areas need extra wind or light?
- Do you have enough headroom in that area?
These factors will help determine what kind of skylight would be best for you. There are a lot of traditional and modern versions on the market with elegant features and exciting technology.
#3 Find What Type Of Skylight Is Ideal For A Particular Room
You must choose a skylight based on the lighting and ventilation requirements of the chosen room. After that, you can decide which skylight is ideal for a particular area. Based on their functions and features, there are five kinds of flat roof skylights.
- Fixed or closed skylights
- Operable skylights
- Tubular or tunnel skylights
- Roof access skylights
- Skylights with tax benefits
These are the most popular types of skylights for flat roofs. Now, let’s understand more about each type.
Closed Or Fixed Skylights
It’s an easy guess– closed skylights do not open. The glazing is fixed on it, offering lighting benefits without letting in extra air. It is perfect for large areas such as hallways, stairwells, and dark spaces that can be transformed with light but do not need extra ventilation. More air is not always suitable in certain areas of your home. Closed skylights are designed to keep the heat in during the winter, and out during the summer. They are also helpful in blocking outside noise, which is a must-have for an office, or study space.
Operable Skylights
Operable skylights are the ones you can open for ventilation purposes. They are often used in bathrooms and kitchens, where humidity levels are higher than usual. In these areas, open skylights allow air to flow through while still maintaining privacy. These skylights can be opened manually or remotely, and are smartphone-friendly. Some open skylights also come with a rain sensor that automatically closes the skylight when showers begin.
Roof-Access Skylight
A roof-access skylight is a type of open skylight that includes an entrance. This type of skylight provides access to the roof, which means it has a special opening and structure that is built to provide a roof entrance. These are found primarily on commercial properties and modern homes, but now that you know such a skylight exists, it could be a handy and cost-effective doorway to your rooftop. Roof-access skylights are a new way to utilize your space.
Tunnel Skylight
A tunnel skylight is a great way to add light and style to your home. They are easier to install as it requires cutting a small hole in the roof layers without disturbing the rafters. Then, a flexible tube or tunnel is fitted through the space.
Tunnel skylights are a great way to add a little light to a small area, such as a green room. You can also add a stylish hue to the area by adding a colored filter to a tunnel skylight. It looks amazing and can calm your mind when you spend time in that room.
Flat Roof Skylights With Tax Benefits
In addition to the energy-saving benefits, Velux flat roof skylights also help with tax deductions as they qualify for the federal Energy Property Tax Credit. It’s an incentive program for property owners who make their homes or buildings more energy efficient. The guidelines require that you have an eligible contractor install such home improvement accessories as skylights in order to receive the credit. Plus, a quality installation also makes it easier to get your insurance claim approved for storm damage.
#4 Set Your Budget For The Project
It would be best to compare flat roof skylight costs and define a budget in advance. You can then check online to compare prices and features until you find the right product for your home. Flat roof skylight prices range from $250 – $2,000, so you can easily choose one that falls within your decided range.
Don’t forget to factor in labor costs as well. Remember, the whole point of this article is to help you avoid issues that happen due to incorrect skylight installation and models, so splurging on labor costs in order to get a professional installation should be factored into your budget. Additionally, most building codes and homeowner associations state require a licensed skylight installer do the job.
After that, you should also consider the costs of the accessories that come with a flat roof skylight before making a final purchasing decision. For example: Which skylight features are you looking for? What type of frame and glazing do you need? It is always beneficial to choose good quality skylights that are rated by Energy Star.
#5 Decide How Many Skylights You Need And In Which Rooms
The number of skylights you need is usually determined by the size of your home, how many rooms it has, and how much light each room needs. However, there are other factors to consider as well. Typically, one skylight per room provides adequate lighting for most spaces. Large rooms like living rooms or hallways might benefit from multiple skylights and side windows. You can also have one or more special skylights in a large bedroom or office with or without additional lights or windows.
#6 Ensure Proper Spacing Of Skylights
Skylights are mainly installed between rafter beams that are 16 to 24 inches apart. You must check how much space you need per piece if you install multiple skylights in one room. Too close together, and you will get water pooling on the roof. Too far apart, and you will lose light. Proper spacing affects the following aspects:
- Your interior’s appearance
- The lighting and comfort levels of the area
- Placement of furniture and other objects in the room
The best way to start is to get a free consultation from a reliable roofing company. An expert can guide you properly and help you with all the factors mentioned in this article. If you live in Dayton, Ohio, we can help you with this project.
Discuss Skylight Installation With The Experts
At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we install the best skylights for flat roofs. Our team is highly skilled and experienced with every type of roof, and skylight model. We provide the most reasonable and reliable flat roof skylight installation services in Dayton, Springfield, and all the regions around greater Dayton. If you want to discuss this project with our experts, call us at (937)-902-2839.
We will be happy to offer you a free consultation and estimate. At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we are here to make sure your new skylights will last as long as possible, allowing you to reap the maximum benefits!
