Last Updated on February 14, 2025 by teamobn
If you want a great way to bring natural light into your home to enhance aesthetics and energy efficiency, consider investing in skylights. However, with various designs available in the market, choosing the right type of skylight to install can be challenging. Read on for five types of skylights to consider installing for your space to make a difference in ventilation, insulation, and overall ambiance.
Contents
Ventilated skylights
Ventilated skylights, or venting skylights, are roof-mounted windows that allow natural light and fresh air to enter your home. Unlike fixed skylights, which provide natural lighting, ventilated skylights can be opened manually or electronically to allow air circulation. They are excellent for kitchens and bathrooms, among other areas prone to moisture buildup.
Ventilated skylights allow warm air to escape through the roof while drawing in cooler, fresh air from other openings. This creates natural airflow. A venting skylight is especially useful in hot climates where indoor heat buildup can be problematic. Ventilated skylights come in different types, including:
- Manual ventilated skylights: Open using a lever or crank
- Electric ventilated skylights: These use a switch or remote control to open and close
- Solar-powered ventilated skylights: These are operated through solar energy, eliminating the need for electrical wiring.
Pros
- Enhance air circulation and reduce humidity
- Help regulate indoor temperatures
- Reduce reliance on artificial ventilation systems
Cons
- More expensive than fixed skylights
- Require regular maintenance to ensure proper operation
Tubular skylights
Also known as light tubes or sun tunnels, tubular skylights are small tube-like structures that channel sunlight from the roof to your home’s interior spaces where traditional skylights may not be feasible. These interior spaces include hallways, bathrooms, and closets, to mention a few. Light tubes are made of a dome on the roof that captures sunlight, a reflective tube that channels the light, and a diffuser that spreads the light into your home. Here are the two types of tubular skylights:
- Rigid tubular skylights: These solar tunnels use a straight, rigid tube for maximum light transmission. They are ideal for providing bright light over long distances and are best for spaces without obstructions in the roof structure.
- Flexible tubular skylights: These tubular skylights use a bendable, flexible tube to navigate around obstacles like pipes and beams. They are ideal for shorter distances or a complex roof layout.
Pros
- Ideal for small, enclosed spaces
- Minimal structural modifications required
- Provide consistent light throughout the day
- Cost-effective and energy-efficient
Cons
- Limited to smaller areas
- Do not provide direct views of the sky
Fixed skylights
Fixed skylights are one of the most popular types of skylights designed for areas that require additional natural light without providing ventilation, such as stairwells, hallways, and attics. These skylights are non-operable windows made of sealed frames to prevent water leakage and improve insulation. Fixed skylights come in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular, circular, and custom designs, allowing you to enhance your space with a sleek, modern look.
Pick a location that maximizes sunlight exposure during installation while minimizing heat loss. You could also opt for double-glazed or tinted glass to improve energy efficiency. Be sure to leave installation work to contractors from a reputable roofing company to prevent air leaks and condensation issues.
Pros
- Provides ample natural light
- Energy-efficient
- Low maintenance as they don’t open
- Weather resistance
- Improved aesthetic appeal as they are available in various shapes and sizes
Cons
- Does not provide ventilation
- Require professional installation for proper sealing
Dome skylights
If you own a residential or commercial building, you should consider investing in dome skylights due to their durability and impact resistance. Dome skylights have a curved, dome-shaped design rather than a flat glass panel to allow maximum light penetration. They are often made from acrylic, polycarbonate, or glass panels. Their unique shape gives dome skylights enhanced durability, efficient water drainage, and increased light diffusion. The following are the types of dome skylights:
- Single-dome skylights: These structures consist of a single layer of acrylic or polycarbonate. Single-dome skylights are best for areas where temperature control is not a significant concern, as they offer less insulation.
- Double-dome skylights: Feature two layers of acrylic or polycarbonate with an insulating air gap. Double-dome skylights provide better thermal insulation and durability. They also reduce heat transfer, making them more energy-efficient.
- Glass dome skylights: These are made from tempered or laminated glass. They offer superior clarity and aesthetic appeal and are highly durable, and UV-resistant. Glass dome skylights are more expensive than single and double-dome skylights.
- Vented dome skylights. You can open vented dome skylights manually or electronically for ventilation, and are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Pros
- Strong and impact-resistant
- Provide even light distribution
- They can be used in flat or low-sloped roofs
- Weather-resistant and durable
Cons
- Limited design options
- Acrylic material may discolor over time
Pyramid skylights
Pyramid skylights feature a four-sided structure that often rises from the roof in a pyramid shape. These skylight types are usually used in residential or commercial buildings to enhance natural light distribution and improve aesthetics.
Unlike traditional flat skylights, pyramid skylights have an angled design that allows light to enter from multiple directions. This increases sunlight exposure throughout the day. The sloped structure also improves water drainage, making pyramid skylights highly resistant to leaks. Below are the types of pyramid skylights:
- Fixed pyramid skylights: These are non-operable skylights designed only for natural lighting.
- Glass pyramid skylights: Made of tempered or laminated glass, offering your home a sleek and modern look. Glass pyramid skylights provide better clarity and UV protection than plastic models.
- Acrylic or polycarbonate pyramid skylights: These are lightweight and impact-resistant, making them ideal for areas prone to storms. They are more affordable than glass pyramid skylights, but they may discolor or scratch over time.
- Double-glazed pyramid skylights: This pyramid skylight type features two layers of glass or plastic with an insulating air gap. It improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Pros
- Create elegant and modern architectural looks
- Provide excellent light distribution
- They can be customized to fit different roof designs
- Ideal for flat roofs
Cons
- Higher installation and material costs
- They may require professional maintenance
Endnote
Skylights are an excellent way to enhance your home’s aesthetics, improve energy efficiency, and introduce natural light into various spaces. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of skylights and their pros and cons, and then consider your specific needs, budget, and architectural preferences to determine the best skylight for your home or commercial space.
