Types of Skylights

Uses

• The main purpose of a skylight is to shed more natural light into a home or business. More available natural light offers the benefit of not having to use as much electricity to supply light to certain parts of a home or business during certain hours of the day. During overcast days, the benefits are diminished.
  
  

Types

• There are several types of skylights made of different materials according to different designs, each suited to certain situations. The main types of skylights on the market are ventilating skylights, fixed skylights and tubular skylights. All types of skylights can be modified to include tinting, shades, screens and thermal, insulated glass.
  
  

Ventilating

• Ventilating skylights provide the desired extra light for a room and also offer the benefit of ventilation. They create an updraft when opened which is an efficient way to freshen or change the air in a room. This type of skylight is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Ventilating skylights can be operated manually, by remote control or wall switch, or they can be automatically activated via a temperature sensor.
  
  

Fixed

• Fixed skylights are used solely for the purpose of providing natural light to a room. There are several different styles, shapes and sizes of fixed skylights. This type of skylight is ideal for attics, extra rooms, workshops or anywhere extra illumination is desired.
  
  

Tubular

• Tubular skylights are the newest addition to the types of skylights being offered to consumers. They are usually small in size, 10 to 14 inches or so across. Some have baffles to direct light through the tube. They are ideal for situations where a normal, full-sized skylight cannot be installed, as in hallways or closets. Despite their size, tubular skylights can provide large amounts of light.
  
  

Disadvantages

• While a skylight may be aesthetically appealing, they do come with certain disadvantages. Skylights allow heat to escape in cold weather, as they are not the best insulators. They also allow heat to come into a home or business during periods of warm weather.