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A skylight can be an excellent addition to your home, bringing in natural light and making a room feel more open. However, a skylight installation is a complex roofing project. At DISCOUNTED ROOFING LLC, we want our clients to be fully informed. It is important to consider several key factors before you begin the process to ensure your new skylight is efficient, beautiful, and leak-free.

The first factor is placement. Where you put the skylight will determine the type and amount of light you get. A north-facing skylight provides cool, consistent, indirect light. A south-facing skylight will provide a lot of bright, direct light and solar heat. An east-facing skylight will give you morning sun, while a west-facing one will capture the hot afternoon light. You must consider how this will affect the room's temperature and comfort.

The second factor is the type of skylight. There are two main types: fixed and vented. A fixed skylight is a sealed unit that does not open. It is a good choice when the primary goal is just to add light. A vented skylight can be opened, either manually with a crank or electronically with a remote. This is an ideal option for bathrooms and kitchens, as it allows you to vent hot air and moisture, improving air circulation.

The third factor is the glazing, or glass. Modern skylights come with advanced glazing options that are very important for energy efficiency. You should look for skylights with a low U-factor, which means they are well-insulated and prevent heat from escaping. You also want a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which means the glass blocks solar heat from entering your home. Low-E coatings and argon gas filling between the panes are standard features for energy-efficient skylights.

The fourth factor, and the most critical for many homeowners, is the installation quality. A skylight's number one potential problem is leaking. This is almost always due to an improper installation, not a faulty skylight. The key is the "flashing," a metal system that integrates the skylight with the roofing materials to channel water away. This is why a professional SKYLIGHT INSTALLATION Philadelphia residents need, must be done by an experienced roofer. It is not a good DIY project, as an incorrect installation will lead to water damage.

The fifth factor is the light shaft. If you have an attic between your roof and your ceiling, you will need a light shaft built to connect them. The design of this shaft affects the light. A straight shaft provides a direct, focused light. A flared shaft, which is wider at the bottom than the top, will spread the light over a larger area of the room. The inside of the shaft should be painted white to maximize the reflection of light.

Considering these five factors—placement, type, glazing, installation, and the light shaft—will help you plan a successful skylight project. When done correctly, a skylight can provide years of enjoyment and add value to your home.