If you want to brighten up your house, skylights could provide you with the best solution. Apart from allowing natural light, flat roof lights can also minimise your dependency on other sources of lights allowing you to reduce your carbon consumption and save money. Unfortunately, skylights are more likely to cause leaks. Although they bring in light, this might come with challenges.
Why they leak
Not all brands of skylights are built in the same way. Some come with plastic or acrylic parts while others have a tempered glass. If you want to know whether the glazed part is leaking or not, check the metal frame or cracks on the glaze parts. It’s also important to ensure that the sealant that secures the frame and the glass is still in good shape. However, since it’s not easy to detect a leak, you need to have the knowledge and experience of all flat roof lights to check any problem.
When a skylight is fitted on a flat root, there are chances that water will start pooling around the curb. It’s, therefore, important to make sure that the roof membrane is connected to the flashing of the skylights. If this is not done properly, the roof might leak. Also, when an old roof is removed you must be careful to clean the old flashing. In short, if your skylight is leaking, the problem might be between the roof and the flashing.
How to choose the right skylight for your home
The size of your skylight will have an effect on the temperature and the illumination of the room. It’s, therefore, important to choose wisely so that you can be able to control the level of heat and light seeping into your house. Contrary to the common notion, bigger skylights do not mean that you will have a better experience.
If you wish to maximise the light coming to your home, you should consider the location. For instance, when installed on north facing roofs, these lights will provide you with a cool and a constant illumination. Also, the structure of your house will affect the position of your skylight. Electrical wiring, wooden beams, and air ducts may also prevent you from putting the lights where you want.
When it comes to these lights, there are two major types; the opening and the fixed. Unlike the fixed, an open skylight has a switch that allows you to open and close it electronically. You may also include wind and rain sensors as optional extras. If you want more ventilation, open skylights are the best. More so, when making a decision it’s also very important to consider glazing options that are there.
The price of the skylight will majorly depend on the type of the model and the complexity of the installation. Regardless of the type that you have chosen, you must follow the manual or ask an expert to help you when it comes to this. This will ensure that your flat roof lights are able to bring the much-needed light into your house.
