Increased natural light, improved flow of fresh air and enhanced aesthetic appeal are just some of the benefits that come with installing skylights Melbourne residents appreciate. It therefore comes as no surprise why skylights are becoming increasingly sought after by many Australian homeowners.
But in order to enjoy these benefits and more, there are a few key aspects you need to keep in mind when it comes to skylight installation.
In case you’re looking to add these stunning accents to your home, consider the following factors to get the best out of your new investment.
Quality is Everything!
Installing a skylight into your home is a huge investment. It can literally push the price of your property up because it IS an improvement to your home. You want to make sure that you don’t skimp on quality. Pick a high-quality skylight that will effectively do the job it’s designed to do.
Skylights are known to be energy efficient and serve as sound insulators. But this is only provided that it’s a high-quality unit. Before making your purchase, consider the following:
- Is the skylight designed to keep water or wind out?
- Does it allow for effective ventilation? Remember that a skylight is supposed to allow fresh air into your home.
- Is it created with UV coatings? A skylight that reflects heat will prevent the bleaching effects of direct sunlight .
- Does it have a shade? A skylight which has some form of shading is designed to regulate the amount of light entering your home.
These are some of the features you must keep your eyes peeled for to avoid purchasing a cheap quality skylight that doesn’t serve its purpose. Also, remember that a quality product translates to a long-lasting product.
Placement is Important
Even after purchasing a high-quality skylight, it’s effectiveness largely depends on where you place it. Fortunately, there are very few places that skylights can’t go. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t actively consider where you intend to place it. Plan well if you expect pleasing as well as efficient results.
What you need to know is that the direction your skylight faces impacts the amount of light that flows into your home at any given time. For example:
- Your room will get more afternoon sunlight if your skylight is facing towards the west.
- A room will receive more morning sunlight when the skylight is facing east.
- You can expect a steady flow of sunlight into a room when your skylight is facing north. But it’ll be more of a soft, diffused light than a full-on sun-splashed effect.
- North facing skylights on a sloping roof are known to overheat a room.
After all is said and done, you want a skylight installation that looks good. Case in point: placing a skylight on a roof facing the street generally isn’t a good look. Can you reposition it out of sight?
Also, make sure you plan beforehand and get a blueprint before you start drilling into your roof.
Proper Installation is Key
When it comes to skylights Melbourne locals must understand that improper installation can compromise the unit’s efficiency. Be sure to engage the services of a professional contractor with prior experience in installing skylights. The right contractor will know how to install the unit and will make sure of the following:
- The recommended maximum opening area is left.
- Rainwater is prevented from penetrating your roof.
- Ultra-radiation degradation is minimised.
We highly doubt that giving the installation gig to your uncle who’s merely an avid DIYer will guarantee you the same results.
Also, whatever you do, don’t attempt to install your skylight during rainy weather. Moisture is a definite no-no when it comes to skylight installation. It can seriously hinder the functioning of your skylight and endanger the life of the installer.
Pick the Right Size
Skylights come in different sizes. The worst mistake you can make is buying a skylight which is too small. This defeats the entire purpose of installing a skylight because very little light is allowed into a room as a result.
Before you think that purchasing a small skylight will make installation cheaper, it’s not true. Whether you install a huge or small skylight, the process is still pretty much the same with regards to the skill and efforts involved. This ultimately means the cost will be similar. You might as well do yourself a favour and get yourself a big enough skylight that’ll serve its intended purpose fully. Go big or go home, right?
Skylights are loved for their functional and cosmetic appeal. We just urge you to make your purchase from a reputable company that’s known to design high quality products. We want you to remain satisfied with your purchase a few years down the line!