Skylights: What You Should Know

Proper Installation

Let’s put the obvious out on the floor. This is a project being done on your home, so you want it done right. Even more so, errors in roofing projects will end up costing even more in the long run due to leaking of air and water, reducing energy efficiency and increasing potential for mold. Let's talk about how to avoid these issues.

Don’t Skimp on Quality.

Energy efficiency, water tightness, sound reduction, strength, shading, UV coatings and ventilation are all factors to look at when choosing a skylight. Some manufacturers offer sustainable materials in their high quality products. Features to think about are solar powered models, models with rain sensors to automatically close, and a No Leak Promise. Many of these come with a federal tax credit due to energy savings, but make sure to seek out a brand that specializes in specific features you are looking for to avoid malfunctions. Skylights will allow an abundance of light but block the heat if manufactured with care. They also allow for good venting which reduces the need for air conditioning, and improves indoor air quality by removing any moisture, odors, and pollutants. Attached blinds offer another functionality that several skylight brands don’t have available. Blinds allow you to control the amount of light they let in making it a very beneficial feature for some.

Placement

You’ll want to avoid your home’s rafters. You will need a blueprint of your home, and to have an installation crew that takes this into consideration to avoid major issues. This follows the measure twice, cut once rule. You don’t want to end up cutting out a section of your roof and realizing you can’t put your skylight there. Another thing to think about during placement is the slope of your roof. The slope will determine where to put your skylight for the most sun you want to come in, and at what angle. You may have multiple roof slopes on your home that will effect your lighting. Gathering slope information is necessary before you can invest in flashing kits.

When to Replace Old Skylights

Now that you know why it’s important to have the right product and installation, you should also know when to replace your old skylight. Check for damage to the area around the skylight, such as peeling paint, grime, mold, and water damage. Watch this video for more details.

Experts

You will want a company and product that has a warranty, just in case. A ten year warranty is a good place to start. This also means- if you aren’t sure how to do it, don’t install it yourself. Self-installations often wipe the warranty. A good installation means having a skylight expert. Your experts should know the answers to the questions you have. For example, that you should start form the inside, and work your way out. Also, shingles should be removed, rather than cut through. Waterproofing your flashing is also important part of installation. Adding any extra drywall and installation is good for reducing condensation. Luckily, you don't need to know all these details, as long as your installer is an honest expert. Z Double B Inc. can provide you with expert installation, tips, and the proper product for your home. Here are some photos from out latest Skylight installation project.

Call us today at 303-997-8168 to get all the information you need if you are thinking about installing or replacing a skylight in your home. Z Double B can help you with what types to avoid, energy efficiency, where to install, and more. You can also check us out at zdoubleb.com or email for a free quote at info@zdoubleb.com.