There is something special about a room bathed in natural light. It feels bigger, brighter and more welcoming. If you have a dark hallway, a dim bathroom or a living space that never quite feels light enough, a skylight could be the answer. It is a simple addition that can transform how a room feels.
Beyond the lovely light, skylights can also help with ventilation and energy efficiency. Here is a look at what is a skylight, the benefits they offer, and what to consider before adding one to your home.
The short answer: A skylight is a fixed or opening panel set into your roof that brings daylight into spaces standard windows cannot reach, such as hallways, bathrooms and central living areas. Beyond the light, ventilating skylights also let hot, humid air escape. Because a skylight means cutting an opening in the roof, correct flashing and sealing by a licensed roofer is what keeps it watertight.
What is a skylight?
It’s a simple idea with a surprisingly big impact on how a room feels.
A window in your roof that lets daylight in
A skylight is a fixed or opening panel installed into the roof to let daylight into the space below. Sometimes called roof windows, they are a great way to bring light into areas that standard windows cannot reach, such as internal hallways, bathrooms, stairwells and central living areas. By drawing daylight down from above, a skylight can make even a small or enclosed room feel open and bright.
The benefits of skylights
The advantages go well beyond just a nicer-looking room.
Natural light, energy savings and a sense of space
The biggest benefit is an abundance of natural light, which makes spaces feel larger and more inviting, and can lift the whole mood of a home. More daylight also means less reliance on artificial lighting during the day, which can help reduce energy use. And because natural light is so good for how a home feels to live in, skylights are a popular way to improve comfort without the cost of an extension.
Fresh air with a ventilating skylight
Some skylights are designed to open, not just let light in. A ventilating skylight lets you release hot air and bring in fresh air, which is especially useful in bathrooms, kitchens and other spaces that can get stuffy or humid. In our coastal climate, that extra airflow helps with comfort and can assist in reducing moisture build-up. Good ventilation across the home works hand in hand with a well-ventilated roof space.
The main types of skylight
There is more than one way to bring light in, and the right choice depends on the space.
Fixed, ventilating and tubular options
Broadly, there are a few common types. Fixed skylights are sealed and purely for light, ideal where you just want brightness. Ventilating skylights open to allow airflow as well as light. Tubular skylights use a reflective tube to channel daylight from the roof into smaller or hard-to-reach spaces, and are a neat solution for hallways and bathrooms. The best option depends on the room, your roof and what you want to achieve, which is something a roofer can help you weigh up.
Why professional installation matters
A skylight is a hole cut into your roof, so getting it right is essential.
Correct fitting and weatherproofing to prevent leaks
Because a skylight creates a new opening in the roof, correct skylight installation is critical. It must be positioned, flashed and sealed properly so it is completely weatherproof, or it can become a source of leaks, particularly in heavy coastal rain. A licensed roofer or roof plumber has the skills to install a skylight into your metal roof correctly and integrate it with the surrounding sheeting and flashing. IM Metal Roofing installs skylights as part of its roofing services, so the job is done to a high standard and backed by our 5-year workmanship warranty. Getting the flashing right is a big part of keeping it watertight.
Brighten Your Home with a Skylight
Want to bring more natural light and fresh air into your home? IM Metal Roofing can supply and install skylights across Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast, fitted and weatherproofed properly so you get all the light with none of the leaks.
Get in touch or call Aaren on 0432 175 102.
FAQs
Q: Will a skylight leak?
A: Not when it is installed correctly. Proper positioning, flashing and sealing are what keep a skylight watertight. Because it involves cutting an opening in the roof, professional installation by a licensed roofer is essential to prevent leaks.
Q: Can I get a skylight that opens for ventilation?
A: Yes. Ventilating skylights are designed to open, letting hot air out and fresh air in. They are especially useful in bathrooms, kitchens and other spaces prone to heat or humidity.
Q: Where do skylights work best?
A: Skylights are great for rooms that standard windows cannot easily light, such as internal hallways, bathrooms, stairwells and central living areas. The right type, whether fixed, ventilating or tubular, depends on the space and your roof.
