Skylight Myths Debunked

Many homeowners have been thinking of installing a skylight but have not done so because of the horror stories they have heard. The main reason behind these stories is the quality of the skylight being questionable or the installation not being done properly. The problem with the negative comments is that they lead to the creation of myths about skylights that add to the uncertainties of those who are planning to put in one but are hesitating to do so. For the benefit of those who are still unsure about the advantages of skylights, a few of the common myths are debunked below.

Myth 1: Sooner or later all skylights start to leak. If the skylight is of questionable quality or the installation was not done properly, yes, they will start to leak with time. However, if a top-rated tubular skylight, from a reputed manufacturer is installed, and the installation and flashing are of the best quality, the chances of leaks developing are non-existent.

Myth 2: Skylights admit too much heat and light. That was true in the past – rooms could become uncomfortably warm and the UV rays caused the fading of furnishing fabrics. Today, there are tubular skylights that allow the controlled entry of light without admitting heat or allowing UV rays to damage fabrics.

Myth 3: Skylight installation is a major job that could cause structural damage. Tubular skylights do not require framing changes and no major wall or ceiling repairs are required, outside or inside. Rafters and joints are not touched because tubular skylights are designed to fit between them.

Also Read: Skylights - The Energy-efficient Lighting Option

Myth 4: Skylights reduce energy efficiency. Traditional skylights could allow an excessive amount of heat to enter in summer and heat loss in winter. Tubular skylights deliver light to even the interior parts of a home without permitting heat transfer in either direction, summer or winter. In fact, because sunlight is delivered to the interiors of a house where electric lighting may be used even during the day, there is the possibility of actual energy saving by reducing power consumption for lighting.

Myth 5: Skylights are always on. Natural light in the home is always welcome, but not if the occupants want to take a nap or watch TV. That requires the room to be dim. Some brands of tubular skylights have a built-in dimmer so that the amount of light entering the room can be controlled by the touch of a button.

Myth 6: Skylights are of no use at night. The best tubular skylights collect and store solar energy during the day to power a nightlight when it gets dark. This means that a soft glow can be made available at night to make movement around the house (without turning on the electric lights), safe and easy. In addition, there are light add-on kits that allow for the same fitting to provide sunlight during the day and electric light at night, so there is no clutter on the ceiling. 

If the debunking of these myths has made you seriously consider installing skylights in your home, the next step is easy. Contact the dealer of a leading tubular skylight manufacturer and ask for a free consultation where all your questions will be answered and you will receive advice on the right model of tubular skylight for your home.