Skylights

A skylight is basically a window that has been fitted in the roof. The skylight could be one that can be opened to let in fresh air or it could be one that is fixed and cannot be opened. All depends on where the skylight is installed. Skylights are popular in the colder climate regions, of the world. In these regions people want to get the maximum sunlight into the homes. The skylight serves two purposes one it provides lighting and the other is that the sun shining through provides natural heating.

Whereas skylights are usually a frame with a glass window there are now plastic skylights also available. Plastic skylight may either be flat or domed shaped. The dome shaped skylights are popular for installing security cameras and for tubular skylights. A normal skylight just lets the sunlight stream in and the light is not diffused to light up a larger area. Plastic skylights are popular because they are cheaper, light weight and long lasting. Tubular skylights capture the sun light and then send the rays down a reflective tube which is then dispersed through diffusers. The parabolic shape of the scoop allows it to capture the maximum sunlight regardless of the angle of the sun. This gives more lighting in the room. This type of lighting has now become popular in shops and offices.

Velux are one of the leading manufacturers of skylights and have outlets all over USA and around the world. Velux manufacture a wide range of skylights and accessories. Currently there are different types of skylights, they can be fixed; that is just a frame with a glass or plastic sheet to let in sunlight or they can be window type which can also be opened like a window. The window type skylights can be opened either manually or by an electric motor. A variety of blinds and shades are also available for the skylights.

Commercial skylights are installed in factories, offices, hangers and warehouses. These skylights help reduce lighting costs to any business. Tubular skylights are also now used in commercial as well as residences. There are a large number of skylight manufacturers worldwide and skylights with glass or plastic with either wooden, iron or aluminum frames are commonly available. The skylights may also be fitted with shades or blinds.

Skylight windows are popular in residences which have sloping roofs. These window type skylights give light and also fresh air to the rooms where they are installed. They can also have slide shades for privacy.

Skylights provide natural lighting to any enclosure and whereas their usage was limited to upper floors now with the tubular skylight they can also be used in the lower floors and can light up basements as well.

The glass of the skylight should be unbreakable to provide safety and should have the strength to bear snow loads also. The frame bracket should be firmly fixed to the roof frame as no one wants to see a hole in their roofs. Skylights are available in a number of sizes and qualities and choosing the appropriate skylight should not be an issue. If there are no skylights and new ones are to be installed in an existing building it would be a good idea to consult an engineer or constructor.

Skylights are a good way of using the natural sunlight to light up an enclosure and in building that have a lofted or sloping roof. Not only can they provide light but double as windows also. So by installing skylights space that was not used becomes usable like an attic can be converted into a playroom or bedroom.