Many homes, particularly older homes, have dark rooms. No, I don't mean the photographic kind. I mean rooms that simply don't have enough natural light. Usually poor lighting is the result of poor design. A room near
the center of the home without much (or any) outside wall will not have sufficient light coming in through windows. Typically bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and even family and living rooms may be considered dark rooms.
the center of the home without much (or any) outside wall will not have sufficient light coming in through windows. Typically bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and even family and living rooms may be considered dark rooms.
One answer is to add a skylight . It will bring in natural light from outside. In addition, since skylights are "in" these days, it will lend a certain class to the home. Contrary to common belief, modern skylights do not leak. They are made of high-tech materials and, if properly installed, should never allow water in. Older skylights, often hand-made on the spot and not properly sealed, are the cause of the rumor that "skylights always leak."
What Are My Choices?
Today you have a wide variety of options when purchasing a prebuilt skylight.
Energy-Efficient glass. Many "box" skylights come with double-pane glass that increases their energy efficiency rating. In addition special coatings on the glass allow natural light to pass through while blocking ultraviolet light. "Low-E" (low-emissivity) coatings can block or increase the amount of radiant energy that passes through the glass, thus helping warm the inside or keep it cool. Also check with the manufacturer for the R rating, which will tell you the insulation value of the glass.
Safety glass.
Tempered glass shatters into pellets rather than shards, thus protecting homeowners if the skylight should break. Though more expensive, it should be standard in home skylights. Laminated glass also works.
Many types of plastic skylights are available. These are not the old-style "yellowing" plastic variety. Today's high-tech materials will remain transparent (or translucent) for virtually the life of the house.
Open or Closed Venting .
In addition to providing light, a skylight may provide ventilation. Many skylights have a mechanism for opening them from the floor. If your skylight opens, be sure that it has a shades for keeping out bugs and that you can easily access that screen to clean it.
Shades .
Sometimes a skylight can let in too much light. This is particularly the case if the skylight faces south. On sunny, summer days the skylight can blast the room with light. You can obtain skylights with shades that close all or a portion of them. Some new high-tech skylights even use electronics to change the glass from transparent to opaque! These, however, are very expensive and are overkill for most homes.
Tubular Structures.
Among the newest types of skylights are the small tubular structures, perhaps 10 to 20 inches in diameter, that let in an enormous amount of light. Typically there is a plastic bubble on the roof, then a reflective tube that directs light down into the house, and finally a glass opening on the ceiling that allows light into the room.
Frames.
Wood, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), and fiber glass — you have your choice of frames for the skylight. What you choose will largely depend on the look you want and the price.
Be wary of any skylight that requires painting. Wood, painted aluminum, and vinyl are subject to weathering and peeling. Remember, a portion of the skylight is exposed directly to the elements. Unless you're prepared to spend the time, energy, and money on maintenance, look for a material (such as anodized aluminum or PVC) that does not require painting.
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