Over the last year, we had spent a lot of time in our houses. If you are one of the many who are thinking about building an extension, do a loft conversion or just add a few skylights to bring the light into your house then we know how confusing it can be to choose the correct skylight for your project.
What type of skylight should I buy?
Skylights may be plastic or glass, fixed or operable, and made in any number of sizes and styles. They can have insulated glazing, UV-blocking capabilities, louvers, shades, and more. Generally, glass is preferred for skylights as they are more elegant, offer a clear view, and don’t get scratch.
Skylight manufacturers test their products for heat loss, solar heat gain, and blockage of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Here are five of the measurements used to classify skylights.
U-value, which depends not only on the glazing but also on the frame and all related parts, measures the rate of heat flow (from either side) through a skylight. This measurement does not include solar heat gain.
The lower the U-value, the better the product resists heat flow.
R-value measures a material’s insulation value—the resistance a material has to heat flow. This value is usually normally placed on the glazing.
The higher the R-value, the better it insulates.
Shading coefficient measures solar heat gain through glass. This coefficient compares a particular glazing with a single pane of 1/8-inch-thick, double-strength glass.
A low shading coefficient means low solar heat gain.
UV blockage is a value approximated by glazing manufacturers, expressed as a percentage of ultraviolet rays blocked by the glazing.
Visible light transmittance (VLT) is a measurement used by some manufacturers of the percentage of visible light a skylight transmits.
If you want plenty of natural light, opt for high VLT values.
Tinted glazing, which blocks glare by letting in less light, has low VLT ratings.
How do you decide where to put skylights?
The position of your skylights will have a big impact on how must solar heat and how much light is let into your house. For example, installing your skylight on a north-facing roof will offer a consistent amount of natural light year-round. If you're interested in energy savings, we recommend installing your skylight so it faces south.
How do I know what size skylight I need?
It is important to keep your skylights energy efficient. There are no fixed rules but as a rule of thumb you can use the following:
Room with many windows - Your skylight should be approximately 5 percent of the floor square footage.
Room with few windows - Your skylight should be approximately 15 percent of the floor square footage.
Need guidance or support?
If you are planning a project right now, whatever stage you are at, contact us for free expert advice.
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