When you add a skylight to your flat roof, you’re adding natural light, improved ventilation, and a modern touch to your home. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right skylight? Let’s look at the different types of skylights, their benefits, and the right one for your flat roof.
Skylight Options for Flat Roofs
Fixed Skylights
- Fixed skylights are the most common type of skylight for flat roofs. As the name suggests, they are fixed in place and cannot be opened.
- They are usually made of glass or acrylic. Both are great options for bringing natural light into a room, thereby creating a sense of openness and space.
- Reducing the need for artificial lighting, by allowing natural light to enter the room, means fixed skylights are also energy-efficient.
- Fixed skylights are also cost-effective, requiring no extra hardware or mechanisms for opening and closing.
Vented Skylights
- Vented skylights can be opened and closed for ventilation. You might also hear them called operable skylights.
- They are another great option for flat roofs, helping to improve air circulation and reduce the buildup of moisture.
- Vented skylights are available in both manual and electric options. Electric is more convenient for skylights installed in hard-to-reach areas.
Tubular Skylights
- Tubular skylights, another popular choice for flat roofs, are smaller and more discreet than other skylights.
- They consist of a small dome on the roof, with a reflective tube directing natural light into the room.
- Tubular skylights are a great option for smaller spaces, such as bathrooms or hallways, where a larger skylight may not be feasible.
Benefits of Installing a Skylight on Your Flat Roof
Natural Light
One of the main benefits of a skylight on your flat roof is the natural light it brings into your home. Natural light has been proven to improve mood, increase productivity, and even boost the immune system. By adding a skylight to your flat roof, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light without sacrificing privacy.
Improved Ventilation
In cities with a cooler, damper climate, such as Melbourne, vented skylights have a particular advantage. By improving ventilation in your home, they are especially beneficial in rooms with poor air circulation, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Opening the skylight lets in fresh air and reduces the buildup of moisture, preventing the growth of mould and mildew.
Energy Efficiency
Skylights of all kinds can help reduce your energy costs. When you allow more natural light into your home, you are relying less on artificial lighting. This surely leads to significant savings on your energy bill. On top of that, by providing natural ventilation and cooling, vented skylights help reduce the need for air conditioning.
Modern Aesthetic
A skylight can add a modern touch to your home, making it stand out from other houses in the neighborhood. This can increase the value of your home, making your skylight a worthwhile investment for both your current and future living situation.
How to Choose the Right Skylight
Size and Placement
When choosing a skylight for your flat roof, it’s important to consider the size and placement. The size of skylight will depend on the size of the room, which determines the amount of natural light you want to let in. Additionally, the placement of the skylight will not only affect the amount of light it provides, but also the ventilation. For example, a skylight placed on the north side of your roof will receive more sunlight than one on the south side.
Material
Skylights are typically made of either glass or acrylic. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Glass skylights are more durable and scratch-resistant, but they are also heavier and more expensive. Acrylic skylights are lighter and more affordable, but they may scratch more easily and require more frequent cleaning.
Climate
The type of skylight you choose is always affected by the climate of the place where you live.
In colder climates, you should choose a skylight with good insulation, to prevent heat loss.
In warmer climates, choose a skylight with UV protection, to help reduce heat gain and keep your home cool.
Maintenance
Like everywhere else in your home, ongoing maintenance is necessary to keep your skylight in good condition. Carefully consider the maintenance requirements of the different skylight options before you make a decision. For example, glass skylights may require more frequent cleaning, while acrylic skylights may need to be replaced more often.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Hire a Professional
While it may appear easier and cheaper to install a skylight yourself, installing a skylight on a flat roof can be a complex and dangerous task. It’s important to hire a professional who has experience with flat roof skylight installation. They will ensure that the skylight is installed correctly and safely, reducing the risk of leaks or other issues.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
- Like anything else around the home, you must regularly inspect and clean your skylight to keep it in good condition.
- Check for cracks or damage
- Clean the surface (whether glass or acrylic) to prevent buildup of dirt and debris
- Remove all debris from the roof around the skylight to prevent clogs and leaks
A Quick Overview
- With the right skylight, you can enjoy the benefits of natural light, improved ventilation, and a modern touch to your home
- Consider and compare the different types of skylights, their benefits, and your specific needs, so you can choose the perfect skylight for your roof
- Always hire a professional for installation
- Regularly maintain your skylight to keep it in good condition
Get in touch with us
Our goal at Central Skylights Melbourne is to help our customers get the full benefits of natural light and fresh air. We know what affordable prices and reliable installation mean when you’re shopping for a skylight.
Whatever your needs and budget, our wide range of quality products and Velux skylights has the right one for you. For a prompt and helpful reply to satisfy your skylight needs, call 9999 9999 or visit our skylights showroom in Dandenong or contact us today.
