Skylights have come a long way since the 16th century when they were introduced as a conservatory for estate homes. Conservatories were glass buildings (walls and ceiling) that offer sunlight to the plants inside. This, in turn, led to roof lanterns, but both options had condensation, heat loss, and leaks. Up until the mid-1990s, homes with skylights had to deal with the same problems.
The Change
Skylight technology has increased so that the problems noted in the mid-1990s and 1980s are gone, for the most part. People, however, still think that skylights are a type of ceiling window that leads to headaches and more problems than they’re worth.
Debunking those myths is hard, even for reputable companies like Diamond Skylights. However, taking a look at the inventory of these businesses can help you determine that the domed panels are gone. You no longer have to worry about severe noise problems, leaks, and heat loss, as long as you choose a professional that knows how to install them correctly.
Performance
There are many factors to consider when you think about the performance of your ceiling window. The placement of your skylight matters, as well as the type of skylight you choose, the general climate of the area and more. Most professionals recommend selecting a skylight that is up to nine percent of your floor area, but no more. When the skylight is more than nine percent of your floor area, it means you may not be able to control the temperature. If you have a skylight that’s less than five percent of your floor area, it may not do much to help with energy costs, ambiance and natural lighting.
Other Features
Primarily, skylights aren’t just a window in your ceiling because they’re double-paned and flat. They’re also made from durable materials that are designed to be energy efficient.