Bringing daylight into darker rooms
Homes in Stockton have corners that always feel a little dark. It could be a landing, a box room, or a loft conversion. A roof skylight is a great way to open up a dark space like that. Compared to vertical windows, skylights catch more light because the entire sky is above the window rather than the edge of the room. So a skylight can bring in more light than a window of the same size.
That added brightness alters the feeling of a space. Rooms that once required lights on at midday now feel open and inviting, and homeowners often find they use those rooms much more once skylights are installed.
Loft conversions and top-floor living
Skylights are an ideal choice when you want to light up a new bedroom, study or play area created by converting a loft. They usually don’t need planning permissions. They can be built directly into the slope of the roof, making them flush with the roof. They also make a sloping ceiling look less cramped. Skylights with opening mechanisms let warm air out in the summer, which helps keep the room comfortable.
Good positioning is important. For example, the south-facing slope gets the most sun, and the north-facing slope gives a more even and soft light that is good for home offices or studios. Positioning is also important depending on your roof pitch. A local roofer can probably give some good advice for positioning depending on your roof layout.
Energy savings and comfort
Traditional skylights leak and let in cold drafts. But skylights have improved. Many have double or triple pane glass like windows and low emissivity coatings like window glazing. This means skylights retain heat, and like quality windows, keep heating costs down. Also, since skylights let in natural light, they reduce the need for electric lighting during the day. This also lowers energy costs.
Solar-control glass is worth considering for strong afternoon sun rooms. It reduces glare and limits overheating, so it keeps a room from feeling dim while avoiding overheating. Essentially, it keeps the brightness while avoiding the sweltering heat.
Why professional fitting matters
The quality of a skylight installation is very important. Poor flashing or badly cut tiles are common causes of leaks around roof windows. The right roofing contractor will cut the rafters carefully and use the right type of flashing for the tile or slate, as well as ensure that the surrounding membrane is properly lapped so that water runs away from the frame.
There can be sudden, unexpected changes in weather along the Stockton coast. Strong gusts can suddenly turn into heavy rain. That’s why waterproofing and sealing the roof of your extension should always be carried out by an experienced local professional team, and not by an amateur.
Looking after your skylight
Maintenance is relatively easy. Clean the glass a couple of times a year. Clear leaves and moss from the surrounding tiles. Check the seals and flashing after a severe storm. Blinds designed for roof windows add a level of privacy and also help in blocking out light at bedtime.
Want to add some skylights to your home? Give us a call to get a quote and discuss your options with no obligation on your part. We will explain what skylights will work best on your home, and in the right places to allow natural light to flood the areas of your home where you spend the most time.