Skylights Improve Light, Ventilation, and Safety!

Today, more so than ever, skylights of all shapes, types and sizes are being included in planning for both residential remodeling and new home construction.

Skylights are now a serious consideration for virtually any room in the home and are even being used to enhance and brighten many other adjacent structures – such as garages, workshops and barns.

And while skylights are a desirable amenity in all areas of the home, they are particularly popular in bathrooms and kitchens. In a recent industry survey, American homeowners said if they had a choice of accessories for the ultimate dream bathroom, the number one option would be “a skylight to bathe the room with more natural light.”

The origin of skylights can be traced back to ancient architects who devised openings and shafts hundreds of feet long to channel natural light deep into the inner chambers of the great pyramids of Egypt.

Centuries later, skylights took hold in major cities all throughout Europe when they were introduced and perfected as a make-sense means to successfully light and ventilate tightly grouped homes and apartments from overhead in densely populated urban areas.

Ironically, skylights are only a relatively new phenomenon for homeowners in the United States – and for the last 25 or 30 years, their popularity has literally soared year after year. Today, in many homes, skylights are no longer only an option – they are ’standard equipment’ – even in many production-built homes!

The reasons behind the ever-increasing demand for skylights – and their surge in popularity and usage – are two fold:

(1) Leading manufacturers have put to rest – once and for all – the number one fear and question expressed by homeowners: “Will it leak?”

Today’s skylights are engineered and manufactured to the absolute highest standards and are paired with water-tight flashing systems, which are custom-tailored and designed specifically for various roofing materials (shingles, tile or metal) from leading manufacturers.

With proper installation, quality products are impervious to leaks. Extensive and rigorous air, water and pressure testing performed prior to being brought to market, ensures that the products are 100% water-tight when properly installed.

(2) Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal of skylights, study after study also indicates there are many distinct and undeniable hidden health benefits to be gained by bringing in more natural light.

These range from psychological benefits, such as reducing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – which is scientifically and directly linked to insufficient daylight – to improving eyesight for the elderly by providing brighter illumination; to name but a few. Simply put, more natural light keeps us feeling bright and offers better sight for all as we age.

Bringing in more natural daylight also reduces energy bills and improved lighting increases safety too. And an operable skylight or ‘roof window’ can improve ventilation, which can discharge otherwise stagnant air associated with ‘tight home syndrome.’ A roof window can also prevent mold and mildew associated with excess moisture and condensation, which results from bathing, cooking, cloths washing and other household activities.

For up to 30% more natural light – that will both brighten your home and your life – think skylights.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov and for additional independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org. or www.efficientwindows.org .

For more home improvement tips and information search our website at www.onthehouse.com  or call our listener hot line 24/7 at 1-800-737-2474! All you need to do is leave your name, telephone number and your question.

 

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