One guaranteed way to make interior spaces seem larger and airier is with the installation of skylights. These simple yet ingenious additions also help save energy and in turn, money.
Skylights work on a very basic principle. They let in natural light and heat, if needed, which can be reflected into dark corners. This minimizes the need to turn on artificial light and heaters during the day. They can also act as ventilators by circulating outside air inside.
There are numerous skylight designs and you can choose any one but the wrong pick can have the opposite effect. The same applies to size with a skylight that's too large not being able to work to its intended capacity. Here's a look at the design options available to you as well as the characteristics of each.
Fixed skylight
A fixed skylight is a picture window, it doesn't move. However, it serves its purpose quite well. In fact, in areas where a venting skylight can't be installed because of lack of space it's the only way to invite in natural light and some heat.
Fixed skylights are also handy additions for boosting aesthetics. Let's say you want more light in a room but don't need the additional ventilation because the existing windows already do a good job. A solution is to construct a fixed skylight. It'll also serve as an interesting interior and exterior element and can add to a home's value.
Ventilating skylight
A ventilating skylight or venting skylight works like a window. The glass panel can be opened or shut to let in air and more heat.
As is obvious, ventilating skylights have more benefits than fixed ones so if it's light, heat and air you need in abundance, they're the types to install. Consider constructing one each in the bathroom and kitchen to help keep the rooms dry as they contain a lot of moisture. If they're not within arm's reach you'll have to install a remote control system to make operation easy.
Tubular skylight
Where fixed and ventilating skylights give you a direct view to the sky, tubular skylights work much differently. Like the name implies, they're tubular and capped off at one end by a ceiling light diffuser which distributes the light being streamed in. The inclusion of internal reflective walls makes them perfect for any house and virtually any room or corner as light is distributed efficiently.
While it may seem like a lot of work to install the all-important tubes, tubular skylights are surprisingly easy to set up. Professional help is recommended as indoor heat loss must be prevented and potential leaks sealed off. You can, however, choose to do the job on your own.
These three skylight styles are the main types but there are other styles you may want to consider for a fancy touch. You can go for the pyramid skylight which has four angles and protrudes through the roof, a polygon skylight that has more than three sides and also juts out or a domed skylight which has a domed shape. Of course, these cost a lot and aren't easy to install but if there's money to burn and you want your home to stand out, go for it.
