Custom made skylights are the perfect accessory for any home. They not only increase the amount of natural light a house receives, but can also improve property value and well-being in the following ways.
Are Skylights Just Roof Windows?
A lot of people think that skylights are just fancy windows built into a roof, but that isn’t the case. Because skylights are exposed to far more sunlight than normal windows, they are often more tinted to protect inhabitants from excessive sun exposure and ensure rooms don’t become too bright. Skylights also have to be stronger than normal windows. Debris can easily fall onto a roof and would quickly shatter a skylight if it were not specially reinforced.
Every house and roof is different, which is why skylights should be custom made in order to ensure they fit the specific roof perfectly.
Custom Made Skylights
There are so many different variations of skylights that it would be impossible to pick one generic style to fit every house, which is why custom-made skylights are highly desirable. Type of skylight, glass and glazing materials are only some of the many different options homeowners can make when deciding on the type of skylight they want.
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Fixed, Tubular or Vented
Just like with normal windows, skylights can be built to stay closed at all times or have the ability to be opened. If a skylight is fixed, it is sealed in a factory and should, theoretically, never leak. Tubular skylights are similar to their fixed counterparts, but are smaller and round. Vented skylights, on the other hand, can be opened to allow air into or out of a room. Although modern vented skylights are created virtually leak proof, it is still possibly for a homeowner to forget they have opened the skylight during a bout of rain. For this reason automated vented skylights have been created, which close automatically at the slightest hint of excess moisture.
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Glazing Materials
Skylights can be glazed in different materials, but the most common are plastic or glass. Plastic glazing, often in the form of acrylics, is more economical than glass, which requires a larger initial investment. Glass glazing is more durable than plastic, which tends to yellow over time if it is not covered in a special coating. Plastic glazing also lets in more UV rays than glass.
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Type of Glass
Skylights can be made of either tempered or laminated glass. Tempered glass is similar to the glass on your car windscreen; it shatters into tiny, smooth pieces when broken. Laminated glass, on the other hand, won’t fall apart when it breaks but will instead stick to the laminate covering it.
Why Aabco Roofing Recommends Custom Made Skylights
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Eco-friendly
Skylights are a great way to go green. By installing a skylight you won’t need to use your electrical lights to brighten up a room and will thus decrease your electricity bill, saving you money, and decrease your carbon footprint at the same time.
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Increase Property Value
Skylights, and in particular custom-made skylights, are often seen as luxury items that add to a feeling of comfort and quality in any home. This in turn increases a property’s value by making it more appealing to potential or future buyers.
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Promotes Health
Although it may seem far-fetched, skylights can actually improve health and well-being. While there is no shortage of sunlight in Florida, often residents feel it is too hot to go outside and thus are not exposed to natural sunlight. Skylights allow homeowners to stay cool inside and remain healthy.
If you are interested in building a skylight into your roof, be sure to contact Aabco Roofing to assist you with the process.
