Skylights have come a long way from the foggy plastic bubbles you might remember. They can add beauty and bring fresh air to the darkest corners of your home while helping you save on energy costs. Replacing aging skylights with attractive and efficient models can help you keep the light you love while protecting your house from leaks and heat loss. As with most roofing projects, it doesn’t pay to cut corners when installing skylights. High-quality materials and skilled installation make all the difference.
Are Skylights Worth It?
We love skylights…when done right. They act like windows in your roof, bringing fresh air and natural light to interior spaces. They’re a valuable architectural feature that can have aesthetic benefits and create energy savings. 21st-century skylights have come a long way from the leaky plastic models some of us grew up with. However, just like windows, all skylights will eventually need to be replaced as sealants lose their grip and glass becomes damaged or displaced.
What Are The Advantages Of Skylights?
If you’ve ever been in a home with well-executed skylights, you know how fabulous they can be.
They add natural light to your home and brighten spaces where you can’t always put windows, including interior staircases and bathrooms. They flood sunrooms and top-floor bedrooms with sunlight, creating an airy feel. Vented skylights bring fresh air to interior spaces, and the wide variety of shapes and sizes help you create just the right feel. The aesthetic benefits can even boost the resale value of your home. When properly installed, skylights can also reduce your energy costs by regulating temperatures and reducing your need for artificial lighting.
What Are Potential Problems With Aging Skylights?
When skylights become damaged or loose, they can lead to overheating in summer and heat loss in winter. They can also cause water leaks and damage inside your home if the seal becomes unstable. Finally, the aesthetic downside of old skylights is that discolored plastic skylights simply aren’t attractive. High-quality installation and timely replacement are essential. As one satisfied DryHome client puts it:
“We had two old skylights replaced by Dry Home, and they did a phenomenal job. From estimate to completion, it was fast, and they gave us a couple of different recommendations. We went with the Velux skylights with solar-powered shades, and our kitchen is already about ten degrees cooler during the day. The shades can be opened and closed to allow in as much or as little light as possible, and they look absolutely beautiful. I wouldn’t hesitate to use DryHome again for any project in my home.”
When Is It Time To Replace My Skylight
Skylight technology has come a long way. High-quality manufacturers like Velux offer energy-efficient glass and high-tech coatings to reduce UV light and eliminate debris and water spots. Top manufacturers provide leakproof flashing with hefty warranties on their products. Here are some signs it may be time to replace your skylight with a newer model:
- Even high-quality skylights eventually need to be replaced. If your skylight is 20 to 30 years old, get it checked out before leaking becomes a problem.
- If your skylight shows cracks or leaks, it’s time to replace it before it damages your interior.
- Discoloration, stains, and yellowing indicate moisture has gotten into your skylight.
- Condensation can indicate a problem with the sealant on your skylight.
What If I Want To Get Rid of An Aging Skylight?
Many clients want to keep the natural light and replace older skylights with no-leak contemporary models. However, some homeowners want to get rid of skylights altogether for aesthetic reasons or a desire to refresh their decor. If you’re in this category, removing an aging skylight is possible. After pulling out the skylight and checking for rot in the surrounding area, we’ll replace it with decking and repair the ceiling below. In many cases, homeowners opt to replace it with new lighting options.
Can My Roofing Contractor Replace Or Install New Skylights?
Today’s high-quality skylights have so much to offer, including features to prevent leaks and block UV light. Skilled installation is another essential component. That’s why top manufacturers like Velux have a list of recommended local contractors, including DryHome Roofing & Siding. Our trained installers can install or replace skylights or do this as part of a roof replacement. Proper installation gives you all the bright and beautiful benefits of natural light without leaks or overheating. Let’s discuss all the fabulous options for bringing more natural light into your home.
