There are a bunch of very good reasons to consider adding skylights or glazed windows to your Australian home. You may want to improve your overall carbon footprint by reducing your overall energy consumption, or you simply want more natural light in darker spaces.
No matter what your reason is for opting for the skylight installation Melbourne locals are turning to, it’s always a good idea to do your homework when choosing the best skylight product to add. This post takes a look at a few common pointers that will help you find the best option for your home.
Make the Best Choice for Long-Term Success
A major reason that skylights and glazed windows are a popular choice has to do with the wide variety of choices on the market. No matter what size or style of roof you have, there’s a skylight out there for you.
An extensive range can also make it challenging to choose the best option. Keep in mind that choosing a skylight is about a lot more than selecting an option that looks amazing. Our team of expert installers have compiled a list of pointers to help you find the right skylight for your space.
Assess your Requirements
The number one step to shortlisting skylight options revolves around knowing what your home needs. This means assessing the main reason why you want to add skylights in the first place. Do you need more natural light and ventilation in the home? Is your goal to save money on artificial lighting in smaller spaces such as bathrooms and laundries?
When you want to add lighting solutions that illuminate the space long after the sun has gone down, you may need to opt for Daylighting or Solatube solutions. If you simply want to enhance the aesthetics, glazed windows are a popular option to consider.
Do Your Research
Adding skylights to your home isn’t a one-size-fits-all all solution for every space. This means it’s essential to review as many options as possible that fit into your initial budget. Here, you want to compare your list of needs (such as light, ventilation) with what each option offers.
While ventilation may not have been one of your initial needs, our experts recommend adding this requirement for spaces prone to excessive moisture. Adding ventilated skylights to your bathroom and kitchen spaces is an effective way to improve the air quality in these spaces.
A few additional pointers to know when you’re comparing options and features include:
- Fixed skylights: This is the ideal solution if you’re searching for lovely views and aesthetics. Bigger, fixed skylights are better suited for larger spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms.
- Tubular skylights: These models are perfect for smaller spaces and work very well to increase the natural light in the space. They are also easy to install in any part of your home.
- Vented skylights: While typically smaller than fixed skylights, the vented versions are quick and easy to open for added ventilation. Since they can easily be opened with a remote control, they are ideal for spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. These are perfect solutions for homes prone to mould growth.
Check the Available Sizes and Shapes Suited to Your Roof
Skylights can be customised to adapt to any roof size and shape. Your next step should then be to decide how much light you want to let into the space. This will help you choose the best shape and size for your space.
Installers will always recommend adding larger lights to spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms for maximum light. You should also opt to have your skylights installed in a south-facing position. For Australian homes, this direction ensures that your home gets maximum heat and light, which is a huge plus in the cooler months.
Choose the Right Framing and Glazing Features
There are many features that you can consider adding to enhance the functionality of your customised skylights. The most significant features centre around glazing and framing choices and include the following:
- Glazing: This refers to the part of the skylight where the light comes in. Typically, glass is the preferred glazing choice for Australian homes and is available in various sizes, coating types, and thicknesses. Choosing the right glazing will allow you to customise the level of insulation and UV protection you need.
- Framing: This refers to the frame that holds the glass. Aluminium and vinyl are usually the preferred choices because they are durable and can easily be painted to complement your home’s décor.
Final Thoughts
Adding skylights to your house not only increases the natural light in your space but also reduces your overall energy consumption. The right option can also enhance ventilation and improve the overall design aesthetic of your home.
Combine a consultation with a local expert with our pointers to help you find the best skylight type for your roof’s shape and your home’s needs. No matter how old your home is, or how weirdly shaped your roof is, finding a skylight solution is easier than you think!
