3 Reasons to Install a Skylight in Your Roof
The architecture of a space is as significant to its function as it is to its form, despite how often that detail may be overlooked. For example, in places that tend to receive a lot of snow, slanted roofs are utilized in order to keep the snow from building up. Otherwise, it could result in the house collapsing in on itself. Churches also draw on the figurative power of architecture with pews facing an altar and apse. Their design directs attention to the sole religious figure leading each sermon.
Buildings, as art, have an aesthetic to them that cannot be ignored. However, they also serve clear purposes for the individuals that reside within. The crowning example of this belongs to skylights.
Skylights Are Less of a Liability Than You May Think
Your first reaction to the proposition of a skylight is most likely safety and/or convenience related. While this is perfectly understandable, the installation is actually less of a burden than you may be aware of. While these windows may seem less sturdy than your standard roof, they still provide the needed protection for your daily needs.
The most capable roofers are people of quality and diligence, and they are skilled enough to know how to work with a roof that has an installed skylight. Plenty of precautions and check-ups need to be executed to preserve the quality of the skylights, and professional roofers know exactly how to do just that to protect your investment.
On that note, it is most highly suggested that the installation itself is performed by an expert in the field, due to the fact that roof work can be such a safety hazard if done improperly. There are many points of risk, whether during the process, when you are many feet above ground, or after it when a thick pane of glass is suspended above your room.
Sunlight for Health Purposes
Just as the name demonstrates, skylights are optimal for allowing a view of the sky and thus directing sunlight into the building below. This results in a significantly larger amount of sunlight transferring into the room and upon the residents who live there.
Sunlight, as we know, is imperative to the prime functions of the human body. Like water, it is one of the inherently valuable resources that we need constantly. Sunlight provides vitamin D, which supports bone growth, reduces the risk of various cancers, etc. It can reduce or eliminate depression and seasonal affective disorder, and it heals certain skin conditions.
Sunlight for Aesthetic Purposes
As valuable skylights are for practicality purposes, the visceral feeling of peace that they achieve is reason enough to install them. Not only is there more natural light in the room, but it’s coming from above, meaning a much larger portion of your day will be able to benefit from powerful, natural sunlight.
In art history, Rome’s Pantheon (meaning “all gods”) from circa 126 AD had a large hole at the top of the dome-like structure. This was believed to be the “eye” through which all gods could see into, and it was very similar to the concept of a skylight. It is one example that speaks to how historically people have responded to sunlight from above while still in a protected, enclosed structure.
The Takeaway
There are many reasons to contemplate installing skylights. They are additions to any building—be it residential or commercial—that would directly improve the residents’ health and positive feelings. They reduce energy usage, increase the intake of vitamin D, and provide a contemporary, modern feel to the establishment.
Skylights will change your life for the better if you let them. Your room will open up, and you will feel freer and more liberated by your newfound sense of space. Sometimes all it takes is a little more light for you to see what you’ve been missing.
