Common Skylight Problems & How To Avoid Them

August 14, 2023

Skylights have numerous benefits for your home, from bringing in natural light to adding effortless aesthetic appeal. They have the potential to make your home more energy efficient, add value to your property, and provide you with more privacy than traditional windows. However, like any architectural feature, skylights can encounter certain challenges. Common issues such as leakage and waterproofing problems, heat loss, and UV concerns may arise, but fortunately, these problems can be easily avoided. By taking appropriate measures, you can ensure that your skylights remain trouble-free and continue to provide the desired benefits to your home. Read on to learn how to avoid these challenges associated with skylights.

Unwanted Heat Loss & Heat Gain

A common skylight complaint is that they can have a negative impact on the indoor temperature of your home. During summer, they can lead to unwanted heat gain, while in winter, they can cause heat loss, resulting in increased energy consumption for residents. However, this issue relates to particular skylights and not all. Choosing a skylight with a Low-Emissivity coating and a low U-Value can significantly improve the situation. Skylights with these features include the Keylite and INFINITI ranges available from Natural Lighting Products. Skylights with these features offer excellent thermal performance by allowing visible light in without letting heat or cold escape or enter the home. The skylight placement in your home can also contribute to heat loss and gain. West-facing skylights can bring in the hot afternoon sun, while north-facing options will bring in significantly less heat. Consider all aspects of your home before deciding on the placement and design of your skylights.

Waterproofing & Leakage Issues

Waterproofing and leaking problems are frequently associated with skylights, and they can result in serious issues such as structural damage, mould growth, and interior deterioration. These concerns often dissuade people from considering skylights for their homes. However, it’s important to note that these issues stem from improper installation, damaged flashing, and inadequate sealing, all of which can be easily avoided. To prevent such problems, start by selecting high-quality materials that can withstand the weather conditions in your area. When it comes to installation, it’s crucial to hire an experienced professional with expertise in skylight installation, as it involves various nuances and requires proper sealing. Natural Lighting Product Agents consist of qualified contractors who can execute the job accurately. The final step in avoiding these issues is ensuring that regular maintenance checks are performed, by a professional or by yourself if you know what to look for. This means you can keep on top of any issues that might arise over time. These three factors will let you enjoy the benefits of skylights without experiencing any water-related problems.

Condensation & Humidity

Condensation and the related issue of humidity are common concerns with skylights. Nobody enjoys waking up to windows covered in condensation, and the same is true for skylights. The formation of condensation on skylights is often a result of temperature disparities between the indoor and outdoor environments. Excessive condensation, particularly during winter, can foster mould growth and even lead to water damage. However, with a little bit of knowledge, you can reduce the likelihood and frequency of condensation on your skylights. One approach is to opt for insulated glazing on your skylights, which not only reduces the likelihood of condensation but also helps prevent heat loss. Alternatively, choosing skylights with opening roof windows allows you to expel excess humidity from your home, a particularly beneficial feature for areas like bathrooms and kitchens that are prone to higher humidity levels. This enhanced ventilation will positively contribute to the environment of your home overall. For one product that can solve your problems without compromising on the style you are after, select a Keylite skylight. Keylites come with a built-in thermal collar that can effectively seal hidden gaps and drafts. This feature prevents condensation triggered by the temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor environments. These three options can help you avoid issues with condensation and humidity associated with skylights.

UV Exposure & Brightness

UV light exposure can not only cause sunburns, but the light can result in the fading of furniture, flooring, and fabrics. This is another leading concern people can have with the excess of natural light provided by skylights. However, it’s important to note that this concern has become outdated with the advent of newer technology. Modern skylights often feature specialised glazing that effectively block UV from entering your home, while still allowing the brightness of natural light. Many skylights come with the option to include manual or solar blinds which also allow you to control the amount of sunlight that enters your home. This ensures that your space can be bright and beneficial when desired, but can also be darkened to suit your needs.

Skylights offer a stunning and unique way to enhance the beauty and lighting of your home, and an awareness of their potential problems can help safeguard you against them. Choosing high-quality materials, opting for professional installation, and ensuring regular maintenance can allow you to have long-term enjoyment and satisfaction with your skylights. 

Contact us or one of our experienced agents at Natural Lighting Products today and let us help you light your home naturally.