If you wish that one or more rooms in your house had more natural light, installing skylights might be the solution. Skylights can make your house brighter and raise its value, but they also have drawbacks.
Reasons to Install Skylights
With one or more skylights in the ceiling, you’ll get to enjoy the mental health benefits of sunlight and views of the sky. A room that’s currently dark, cramped and uninviting can suddenly feel more spacious and appealing.
Using several lamps to illuminate a room can be expensive. If you install skylights, you’ll be able to rely more on natural light and enjoy lower utility bills.
If you would like to use your attic as a living area, but it’s not currently outfitted with electricity, hiring an electrician to install wiring and outlets can be expensive. Skylights might be able to provide the illumination you need at a comparable or lower upfront cost. Once skylights are installed, you’ll get to take advantage of free light from the sun.
A room that isn’t located along an exterior wall doesn’t have any windows, and adding windows isn’t an option. Installing skylights can provide the natural light you crave. If you choose venting skylights, you’ll also be able to take advantage of fresh air in a room that would otherwise have poor ventilation.
The things that make skylights appealing to you can also make them attractive selling points. If you decide to put your home on the market in the future, the promise of natural light and utility savings can draw in potential buyers. In a competitive market, buyers might be willing to pay more for your home than they would for comparable properties.
Potential Problems
If skylights aren’t properly installed and sealed, they can leak when it rains or snows. Even a small amount of water can cause major damage to your roof, insulation, drywall, flooring, furniture and electronics. Moisture can also lead to the proliferation of mold, which can have serious health consequences for your family. In addition, the increased risk of roof leaks might cause your homeowners insurance premiums to rise.
Letting in more natural light has its drawbacks. The sun’s UV rays can gradually damage your flooring, furniture and artwork.
Installing skylights can be an expensive project. If you have enough wall space available, you might find that having contractors install traditional windows would provide the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Are Skylights Right for Your Home?
Skylights can make your house more comfortable for your family and save you money on your utility bills. They can also make your home stand out if you decide to sell it in the future.
Before you hire a company to install skylights, get estimates from several local contractors. Price is an important factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one you consider. Research companies and hire a reputable contractor with experience installing skylights so you can avoid water damage and other problems in the future.
