Did you think of installing a skylight in your house? A skylight provides an average of 30% natural sunlight, which is more than standard windows and increases exposure to improve our mood. With the right skylight, you can save energy or heating costs.
Despite these benefits, you may still be concerned about installing a new skylight. This is a legitimate concern to consider when planning to cut the holes in a ceiling. If you have the right implementation and knowledge, you will decide that you will be satisfied for a long time. Here are ten things you should know before installing a skylight.
1. Consider the quality
Energy efficiency, sound reduction, water tightness, and other factors, like wind and load resistance, are crucial considerations. Explore other options like shading, ventilation, and UV coating.
In addition, many manufacturers provide high-quality products made of durable materials to protect the surroundings. Installing a skylight becomes a serious business, and you must ensure you are satisfied with the decision.
2. Roof integrity
Another thing to consider before installing a skylight is the impact on the roof's overall integrity. You are required to know whether the roof can resist leakage when you want to install a skylight. Be aware because some of the skylights are vulnerable to leaking.
However, this only happens if the skylight is installed by someone who does not perform all waterproofing steps during installation. So, if you want to install a skylight in your home, you are required to make sure the professional does the job.
Whether you are looking for skylight installation in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia, this becomes the only way to make sure the skylight doesn't leak and leaves your roof vulnerable.
3. Be careful when choosing the placement
You need to consider the placement of a skylight and see if it goes well with the building plan of the house and the benefits to most of the skylights. The slope or angle of a skylight affects the amount of solar heat the house absorbs.
For example, a low slope provides more solar heat in summer and less in winter than what homeowners need. Some suggest setting the slope about 10 degrees and above for the geographical home's latitude.
The beams in the house also have more to do with the placement. Whenever possible, try to create the house's blueprint to make sure you choose the best location for your skylight.
4. Consider the weather when planning
Bad weather and rain can seriously deter the project or make it difficult to continue if the humidity reaches half of the installation. By taking into account local weather forecasts, you can avoid installations and cut in the middle of a storm. Typically, this needs to be done correctly by considering that climatic conditions can affect a skylight quality.
5. Glass type and risk involved
Skylights are usually made of laminated or tempered glass that can break. If there are many tall trees around the house, the branches can fall on a skylight, and you risk damaging the glass. Understand these risks involved for you to decide if it is worth taking the risk before you commit.
Nevertheless, the glass type is vital to consider if the glass can break. The tempered glass can break and shatter into small but smooth pieces that fall to the floor. The laminated glass, in turn, is covered with the film, which holds the pieces of glass in place when they break.
6. Consider the slope before purchasing the flashing
There are a large number of flashing kits, which are available in a given pitch. This will ensure you have the correct information so you can make an informed decision. The slope and angle of a skylight affect the amount of solar heat absorbed by your home.
This can add more heat in summer and less heat on a lower slope in winter, which is the opposite of what you need in your home. The slope of the skylight needs to be set at 10 degrees and above the geographical latitude due to reasonable energy costs and indoor air conditions.
7. Consider the safety
Installing a skylight can take a long time to complete a specific roofing job. The right ladder, shoes, and seat belts can mean the difference between death and life. Some experts recommend the use of roof jacks that create a safe work platform. Before installing a skylight, make sure you know the risks and how to deal with heights.
8. Start from the inside
You need to start installing a skylight from the inside through the attic. If otherwise, this can make the process safer and more comfortable. It can be easier to spot the exact area of the hole and see where to work on the roofing transition. Drive four screws or nails into the corners of a box outline you have marked on a skylight. This makes it easier to find the opening in the roof skylight.
9. Consider deck-mounted or curb mounted
Do you require the deck-mounted or the curb-mounted skylight? Here is the difference. The curb-mounted skylight requires a box frame to install the unit.
Replacing a skylight allows you to use it without having to flash the skylight at once, as long as it is in good condition. The deck-mounted skylight has a newer design and a lower profile, as there is no box structure beneath. These huge roofs are therefore considered the more energy-efficient option.
10. Size of a skylight
One of the most important things to know before you install a skylight is the size of the skylight. You are required to see if you need a small or large window on the roof of the house. Size greatly affects the total cost of a skylight.
Typically, this means that you need to scrutinize it. The living room is the standard room in your home where you can see the skylight. However, you can choose any area to install in your home. You are just required to carefully consider all the size options before choosing the right one for your home.
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