Having a skylight in your roof can instantly add to the appeal of your home by introducing a new avenue for natural light to enter into your living area. Unlike most windows, skylights introduce light from above instead of the sides, meaning they provide natural light in ways that you simply can’t get any other way. Skylights are a popular choice for many homeowners in this corner of Vancouver Island. However, there are some aspects that you should consider before deciding if installing a skylight is the right choice for your home.

PROS

• A skylight situated in the right place in the home provides indirect solar energy, thereby saving the homeowner on heating costs.
• They also add natural lighting to any room, particularly a windowless bathroom. This definitely ups the ambience factor in any home, while making it easier to see in the mirror during the daytime without the need for using electricity.
• The aesthetics of a room are entirely transformed by a skylight, feasibly making it the most pleasing space of any room in the house.
• A vented skylight provides fresh air into the home, which can also keep things cooler in warmer temperatures. But it also needs to be easy to reach; otherwise, no one is likely to use it.

CONS

• An incorrectly installed skylight has the potential of damaging the roof structure. For example, a roof truss should not be altered to put in a skylight.
• Roof leaks are also a potential issue. The risks greatly increase by choosing low quality skylights, such as plastic, or not placing proper flashing. Ensuring an experienced professional performs the installation should minimize any possibility of leaks. They know how to construct a watertight curb that deflects water and how to place any other waterproofing material required.
• One thing many people fail to consider is the damage that UV rays can cause to the interior of the home. For instance, a large skylight in the living area can be a window for sunlight to beam down and deteriorate carpeting and furniture. To avoid such a situation, it pays to select a skylight with a tinted coating or one with laminated glass.
• Quality skylights, correctly installed and maintained, are costly. Consider your budget, willingness to care for the upkeep of the skylight and roof, and how they may affect your annual heating and cooling bills.
• Finally, insurance companies may charge more if there are skylights in the home due to the potential of leaks.

In the end, it pays to discuss all the pros and pitfalls of installing a skylight in the home with an experienced roofing contractor. The experts at Shoreline Roofing can help you identify the right skylight for your home that fits your needs and budget. Contact us today at (250) 413-7967 or at ed@shorelineroofing.ca to find out more about how our services and how we can help you.