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Skylight Options

by: Admin
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Whether you are planning to maximize indoor light when building a home, renovating an existing house or you are wanting more light in a commercial or industrial interior, a skylight, sky dome or a fixed or openable roof window can provide the solution.  Not only will you get more sunlight. Depending on the type of product installed, you will get energy savings in cooler weather and with proper screening, you will get increased thermal comfort in warmer weather.

Make sure you specify skylight entry points to your builder before construction begins.  Generally, a skylight or roof window will fit over a lined open-ended duct between the roof and ceiling.

SELECTION CHECKLIST

Remember that the sky window product you choose will cost less than its installation, so make thorough enquiries. You must check for the product's insulation effectiveness, that is the thickness of the product material and its surrounds, whether it is timber or acrylic perspex.

Timber framed roof window that opens and closes

Clear dome for smaller roof insertions

Light tubes for dark interior spaces and garages

Roof ventilators that let in light

TYPES AVAILABLE

Square flat, rectangular or circular surfaces in a range of sizes 

Raised dome surfaces also in size choices

Pyramid or domed glass ceilings for atriums, patios and front or back of house leisure spaces

Vaulted residential, industrial and commercial skylight structures designed to match roof patterns and slopes

Ventilation tubes that enable moisture to escape from indoor wet areas

Foil-tubed tunnels or domes designed to span distances between ceiling and roof .

AVAILABLE MATERIALS AND FINISHES

Sky windows that feature remote openers and some with rainwater sensors designed to  close automatically at the onset of a shower.

Single or double glazed windows depending on thermal mass and security required

Glass or acrylic flat or raised non-opening style windows

Coloured surrounds to match roofing material.    (See our Roofing section for Roof  Material Checklist)

Clear,  pearlescent for privacy, or tinted windows or Perspex for positions vulnerable to burning sun.

Some sky windows come with pre-fitted flyscreens.   Check with the manufacturer.

Sky windows can be supplied in different glazing strengths depending on the

level of protection required, and including double glazed versions for security and correct thermal mass.

Purpose-made blockout blinds and shades including Venetian and double pleated styles and various colours are available with manual crank or electric remote-controlled functioning, depending on the size of the skylight.

OTHER POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION

You may find a DIY kit, or appoint an  experienced contractor to install your skylight to ensure the ceiling opening is weatherproof and vermin proof.

You must give the supplier the proper dimensions for your skylight or dome, including the method of entry into the building structure and the measure of  space between the roofline and ceiling entry point.

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