In most cases, a skylight will be the right solution for poorly lit, dingy and cramped rooms. However, you would experience additional problems like pooling of drainage water if you just picked a skylight from the nearest home improvement store and fixed it on your roof without assessing its suitability for your roof. Today, there are several types of skylights for roofs but only a few of them would be ideal for your application depending on where you intend to use them. Below is information which will help you make the right choice.
Consider the shape of your roof
One of the things which should not be neglected when selecting an ideal skylight is the shape of your roof. People who have sloped roofs have a wide array from which they can choose although special attention should be paid by those whose roofs are flat. Logically, flat roofs are susceptible to drainage problems which outlaw installation of flat skylights on them. Instead, you should go for doomed skylights which improve drainage and by so doing, prevent pooling of water on your roof. As a side note, installation should be done carefully otherwise rain water will find its way into your rooms.
The structure of your house
Some people have pipes and electrical wires running below their roofs. If a skylight was to be installed, its very purpose of increasing light in your room would be hindered. Normally, skylights for roofs will be incorporated when a house is being designed or drawn so that they do not interfere with other structures. However, if you would like to include them later, you either need to restructure anything which is deemed as a barrier or be very careful with the shape of the skylight so that there is some space between it and the barring structure. In some cases, vertical skylights with a protective roof above them would be applicable.
Size of the room
Apart from increasing the amount of light in a room, skylights for roofs are also installed to create the impression that a room is bigger than its actual size. However, not all types of skylights will be effective in creating this kind of illusion. If you idea of installing a skylight is inclined at solving the problem of making small rooms look bigger, consider pyramid-shaped skylights. Additional ideas on ideal shapes can also be borrowed from seasoned interior designers.
Although they will not help you with your selection, there are some additional tips on installation which will help you achieve exactly what you want. One of the most important is positioning of the skylight. If there is a large tree or something else which blocks sunlight from reaching your roof, look for a free view position on which to place your skylight. Again, if your area of residence experiences very hot temperatures in the afternoon when you should be relaxing, consider the skylight from a direction which will not affect the temperatures in your interior. To avoid frustrations, consider hiring a contractor who has formidable experience in installing skylights for roofs.