Skylights can transform a dark, dreary space into a bright, welcoming room filled with natural light. They’re often praised for their beauty and ability to enhance the mood of a home. But like any home improvement, skylights have both benefits and drawbacks you need to consider before making an investment. This comprehensive guide from State Restoration Services explores the pros and cons of skylights so you can make an informed decision about adding one to your home.
Understanding the pros and cons of skylights is essential, whether you’re planning a new construction, a roof replacement, or just want to bring more daylight into your living space. We’ll break down everything you need to know to determine if skylights are right for your home.
Natural Light and Aesthetic Appeal
One of the biggest advantages in the pros and cons of skylights discussion is the abundant natural light they bring into a room. Skylights can brighten dark areas, reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, and make spaces feel more open and inviting. Natural light also highlights colors and textures better than electric lighting, enhancing your home’s interior design.
A well-placed skylight becomes an architectural feature, creating a sense of luxury and modern style.
Energy Savings Potential
Another key point in the pros and cons of skylights is their potential to lower energy costs. By increasing natural daylight, skylights reduce dependence on electrical lighting, saving money on your utility bills. During winter, skylights can also provide passive solar heating by letting sunlight warm your home.
However, this benefit only applies if your skylights are properly installed and energy-efficient, with glazing that minimizes heat loss.
Improved Ventilation
When considering the pros and cons of skylights, don’t overlook venting models that open. Operable skylights let you release warm, stale air trapped near your ceiling and draw in fresh, cooler air. This natural airflow reduces the need for mechanical ventilation and can make your home feel more comfortable, especially in summer.
Venting skylights are excellent in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture and cooking odors can linger.
Health and Wellbeing Benefits
Natural light from skylights can improve your mood, regulate your circadian rhythms, and even boost productivity. Exposure to daylight has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase vitamin D levels. These health-related benefits are an important consideration in the pros and cons of skylights.
Skylights can help reduce seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms for those who experience low mood during darker months.
Privacy Preservation
If you want more light in private spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms without sacrificing privacy, skylights are a great solution. Unlike traditional windows, skylights don’t offer a direct line of sight from neighboring homes or streets, keeping your personal spaces private while letting the sun pour in.
This unique advantage often tips the pros and cons of skylights in favor of installation for many homeowners.
Risk of Leaks and Water Damage
No article on the pros and cons of skylights would be complete without addressing the risk of leaks. Poor installation, aging flashing, or storm damage can cause skylights to leak, leading to water stains, mold, and structural issues. Even a small leak can cause extensive damage over time.
Professional installation by experienced contractors greatly reduces the risk, but maintenance is still crucial.
Increased Heat Gain and Loss
A significant downside in the pros and cons of skylights is the potential for heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Skylights without proper glazing or shades can make rooms uncomfortably hot during warm months, increasing air conditioning costs. In winter, they can be a source of heat loss, raising your heating bills.
Choosing skylights with double or triple-pane glass, low-E coatings, and shades helps minimize these issues.
Higher Installation Costs
Adding skylights is more expensive than simply installing a regular window. In the pros and cons of skylights, the cost factor can be a dealbreaker for some homeowners. Expenses include cutting the roof, framing, installing flashing, finishing the interior ceiling, and possible structural reinforcements.
Labor costs rise significantly if your roof has a steep pitch or if obstacles like HVAC ducts need to be moved.
UV Damage to Interiors
Skylights let in natural light, but they also bring ultraviolet (UV) rays that can fade carpets, furniture, and artwork. This risk belongs firmly in the cons column of the pros and cons of skylights. Over time, UV exposure can dull vibrant colors and shorten the lifespan of interior finishes.
Low-E coatings or UV-blocking films can help protect your belongings while still letting in daylight.
Maintenance Challenges
Cleaning and maintaining skylights can be tricky, especially on steep roofs or multi-story homes. Skylights can collect dirt, pollen, and leaves, blocking light and creating a dingy look. Moisture buildup on interior glass can also lead to condensation, especially in bathrooms or kitchens.
This aspect of the pros and cons of skylights means you’ll need to budget time or hire professionals for occasional cleaning.
Limited Placement Options
Skylight placement is often limited by roof slope, attic framing, or structural elements like trusses. This means you may not always get the ideal location you envisioned. Poor placement can lead to excessive heat gain or insufficient light.
In the pros and cons of skylights discussion, careful planning with a qualified contractor helps you avoid placement issues.
Potential Noise Issues
Skylights can increase outside noise, such as rain, hail, or traffic, especially if they’re single-pane or installed in areas with little insulation. This downside in the pros and cons of skylights can make bedrooms or offices less comfortable.
Choosing skylights with laminated or double-pane glass can significantly reduce noise intrusion.
Impact on Roof Integrity
Cutting into your roof always carries some risk. Another important consideration in the pros and cons of skylights is that improper installation can compromise roof structure or shorten your roof’s lifespan. That’s why it’s essential to hire an experienced, licensed contractor familiar with roof systems.
A well-installed skylight should blend seamlessly with your roofing materials and flashing to keep your roof watertight.
Resale Value Considerations
In some markets, skylights can increase your home’s appeal, especially in modern or upscale neighborhoods. But in others, buyers may worry about leaks or energy efficiency. When weighing the pros and cons of skylights, consider your local real estate market and talk with a realtor about whether skylights will add value to your home.
Conclusion
Skylights can be a beautiful addition to your home, offering natural light, ventilation, and a sense of openness. But they also come with risks like leaks, heat loss, and higher installation costs. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of skylights, choosing quality materials, and working with a professional installer, you can enjoy the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks.
FAQs
Are skylights energy efficient?
They can be if you choose energy-efficient models with low-E glass and install shades to control heat gain.
How long do skylights typically last?
Most modern skylights last 20-30 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Do skylights always leak eventually?
No, professionally installed skylights with quality flashing can remain leak-free for decades.
Can I install a skylight myself?
DIY installation is not recommended due to the complexity and risk of damaging your roof.
What’s the best placement for a skylight?
Ideally on north- or east-facing slopes to avoid excessive heat gain while maximizing natural light.
How much do skylights cost to install?
On average, expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500 per skylight, depending on size, features, and roof complexity.
View our residential roofing page for more information, or book free inspection here.