Installation of a Skylight
Question
In one of your recent columns you concluded an answer on lightening a room by stating, “You also may wish to consider a skylight or two. With the proper roof configuration, and right exposure, a skylight can be a real winner.” What is a proper roof configuration and exposure? Thanks for any information you can supply.
Jackie
Answer
If you live in a home where the roof framing system consists of manufactured trusses the size and shape of your skylight is typically dictated by the configuration of the trusses. This is due to the fact that most building officials will not allow existing roof trusses to be cut or altered without very specific engineering. This could tend to make what started out to be a simple skylight installation a very costly undertaking.
Finally, be conscious of exposure when considering the placement of a skylight. That is to say that a skylight may sound like a terrific solution to that dark kitchen until you discover that it faces South. You may be trading dark space for very hot space. All things considered if the only place for the proposed skylight is on the “hot” side of the house then we suggest that you take a good look at the energy efficient units that are available that are insulated, gas filled, tinted, and even ventilating. These features will significantly diminish the amount of heat allowed into your home.
Oh yes, and most important of all, that houseplant that has been suffering in your dark bathroom will love you forever.
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