Depending on where you live, getting enough natural light in your home might not be the easiest task. Many people live in crowded urban environments with homes packed closely together, which means that natural light has a harder time getting in. Many people have no choice but to compensate with more and better indoor lighting – but we all know there’s no replacing the healthy effects of natural light. It looks wonderful, keeps interiors feeling bright and fresh, and it actually makes people healthier, according to countless studies.
Wherever you live, and whatever type of home you own, there may be areas and rooms that you wish had more natural lighting. For whatever reason – the angle and size of the windows, surrounding landscape, etc. – some areas of the house may be darker than you want them to be.
One obvious solution is to install skylights. Essentially, this is an overhead window that lets natural light come in directly from above. When done right, skylights are stylish and unique, and they can totally transform the inside of a room. However, for all the great advantages of skylights, homeowners should be aware of all the facts before they make the decision to invest in this particular amenity.
The first thing to be aware of is the potential for energy leaks. In New Jersey, and other states with distinct seasons, the loss of heated or cooled air (during the winter or summer, respectively) is expensive and undesirable. The wrong type of skylight – or an incorrect installation – can lead to sustained energy losses (and increased expenses) over the long-term.
Another concern with skylights is the effects of sun glare and fading. When sunlight is beamed directly into a room, it’s possible to have a high degree of glare at certain times during the day. Some materials and styles can protect against glare, but there’s another issue – carpet and furniture can fade over time as a result of being exposed directly to sunlight. Some people choose to install custom skylight blinds in order to control the light that gets through at any given time of day.
Because skylight installation basically involves cutting a hole in the roof, the potential for moisture leaks is something to be aware of. Lower quality materials and labor can result in this type of problem – but if you choose wisely among materials and contractors, you’ll be able to avoid this type of problem.
Reliable information on skylights and skylight installation
The average cost to have a skylight professionally installed range from less than a thousand dollars to several thousand, depending on where you live and the type of skylight involved. If you decide to go ahead with a skylight of any type, it’s important to make that investment count. That means finding a company that has experience and a proven history of successful skylight information. It also means finding a company that gives you straightforward information, keeps their rates fair and honest, and doesn’t try to pressure you into making a decision before you’re ready.