Skylights are excellent additions to your home with many benefits. First, they have lighting benefits because of their ability to add natural light into your home. This is ideal for dark rooms, rooms with smaller windows or indoor spaces that may be hard to add windows. Skylights also come with energy savings and ventilation benefits. However, if you are thinking of installing skylights in your home, it is worth noting that they come in a wide range of options. From sizes to shapes and materials, finding skylights that work best for your home will require consideration of several factors. With that in mind, here are some of the top considerations you need to make when choosing skylights for your home.

Consider Planning Permission

It's usually not mandatory to acquire permits when installing skylights in your home. However, like typical home improvement projects, it's always best to check with your local council to determine whether any building regulations apply in your jurisdiction. Skipping this step may result in penalties, project delays and other unnecessary expenses down the line.

Consider The Material

Generally, skylights come in two primary material options: plastic and glass. The latter is typically the most common option you will find. However, both options have their pros and cons. For instance, plastic is usually cheaper than glass, which is ideal if you are on a budget or want to save some money on the project. In addition, plastic is also lightweight compared to glass, making it easier to handle during installation.

On the other hand, glass skylights come with better visibility because of their shinier and cleaner look that allows for crisper views. However, it's also vulnerable to breakage, which can compromise its durability. To deal with glass skylights' vulnerability to breakage, go for tempered options that offer additional strength. Also, when choosing glass skylights, opt for double-insulated options with low-emissivity coatings for improved energy efficiency.

Decide Between Fixed and Movable or Operable Models

Skylights can be fixed or movable. Therefore, you need to select properly depending on your needs. For instance, if you are looking for skylights' ventilation benefits, like in bathrooms, to prevent condensation, then movable models are your best bet. Movable skylights can be operated with a remote or manually, though the former is usually more convenient. On the other hand, operable skylights tend to be vulnerable to leaks. Therefore, ensure installation is done properly and regularly inspect the movable parts and seals to ensure the skylights are always airtight when shut. In addition, if you are looking for skylights with low-level maintenance, fixed models are an excellent choice because they have no moving parts that may become faulty over time because of their continuous usage.