A
skylight opening on the roof of the house improves the livability of the spaces, especially in the case of attics and lofts.
The various models of
skylights for roofs have interesting solutions to increase the light in the rooms of our homes. Natural light creates a feeling of greater space and highlights the details of the
furniture .
If you want to transform your home and make it brighter, inserting a skylight may be the ideal choice. As with any building element, the characteristics of the skylights should also be carefully evaluated before purchasing.
But
how to choose the most suitable skylight ? I am
Elia Caneppele founder of Windowo and in the following guide I will give you a lot of information to answer this question.
In this article we will see together
how a skylight works , which are the
best models of skylights and the features to keep an eye on.
What is the skylight?
The
skylight for roofs is that
opening in the roof that lets in light and air (usually in the attic or in the attic). In this way the room becomes brighter and more ventilated.
Here are the main benefits of a skylight:
- Privacy : can be opened wide without being seen by neighbors;
- User comfort : light and air increase the quality of life;
- Savings on electricity consumption for artificial lighting.
- Living space : it makes habitable spaces often without other openings to the outside.
What is a skylight or skylight?
Skylight is the most popular form, but the term skylight can also be used safely. In fact, the Italian dictionaries accept both versions, which derive from the Latin term
lucernarium .
What is the skylight used for?
As with a classic
window , a skylight can be used both by hand and with
automation devices, perhaps setting programs that work at certain times or identifying certain rain scenarios (in this sense
home automation is making giant steps).
Roof windows can be fitted with shutters or
curtains for thermal or acoustic insulation. If you are interested in this topic, I suggest you read our article dedicated to
thermal transmittance fixtures .
What are the types of skylights openings?
The
handles on skylights are like those on traditional windows: for opening and closing there is usually a
window handle on the underside of the frame.
On the market you can find
various models of skylights for roofs for sale and your choice must be made according to the characteristics of the room and the slope of the roof. Here are the main models present:
Windows with vasistas opening
The
vasistas windows can be kept open even in the event of wind or rain. In addition, the ventilation is more controlled and the mechanism does not clutter up much space. For more information on this type of window, I suggest you read the dedicated article on the Windowo blog.
Skylight with pivot opening
Compared to the vasistas opening, the pivoting one has the advantage of making cleaning less difficult and allows greater air recycling. If you choose this type of opening you will have to install the pivot skylight with a slope between 15 and 90 degrees.
Skylight with compass opening
This opening does not obstruct the internal space and can remain open even when it rains; however, cleaning operations are more complex. The slope goes between 15 and 45 degrees.
Book opening skylight
This type of roof skylight has a hinged side opening as if it were a book cover. It can be opened up to 90 degrees and allows for easy passage outside.
I point out that there are also some uncommon systems (for example with double opening) whose choice can be convenient if you have particular needs.
The
types of window openings are not the only characteristics that should guide you in your choice. The skylight must also have accessories to ensure air and water tightness and laminated glass to ensure the safety of users. This is why my advice is to always choose high quality models.
Which type of skylight to choose?
There are 6 main models of skylights: let's see them together one by one.
1 - Fixed skylight
A
fixed skylight cannot be opened and therefore does not allow any ventilation. In fact, the purpose of a fixed skylight is only to illuminate and guarantees thermal insulation as there are no
gaskets .
2 - Ventilating skylight
In an
aerating skylight around its light point there are vents. The goal is to ensure the ventilation of the environment and illuminate it with natural light.
3 - Electric skylight
An
electric skylight , thanks to electrical devices that act as
motors for windows , allows you to close and open using a remote control. Electric skylights are often equipped with
blackout curtains .
4 - Tubular skylight
A
tubular skylight illuminates even if it does not adjoin the roof. The connection is made by a reflective tube: the light passes inside in a natural way. The cost is usually higher than that of a classic model.
5 - Dome skylight
The shape of the
domed skylight is convex and thus prevents the entry of direct sunlight. Its goal is to prevent the room from overheating and there are replacement domes made of glass or plastic on the market.
6 - Armored skylight
The
armored skylight is a
burglar -proof model with shatterproof glass. It is usually equipped with an anti-theft
lock .
Often a skylight for roofs is one of the main weak points of the house because it is not equipped
with safety grates . Thanks to the armored model you can have light and ventilation without worrying about any intrusions.
How much does it cost to install a skylight?
A roof window will let in more natural light and the room will appear larger. Do you want to install one and don't know how much it might cost?
Skylight prices may vary depending on the model. The cost depends on many factors: dimensions
first , then on the material, type of glass (whether it is
tempered glass or not), type of opening, assembly and dimensions.
My advice is not to save on quality and labor because a badly installed roof window can cause a lot of damage.
In the table below you will find general prices for various size / material combinations. Prices include installation and VAT.
Prices skylights
| Measures |
PVC |
Wood |
Aluminum |
| 55x78 cm |
€ 550 |
€ 600 |
€ 620 |
| 66x98 cm |
€ 570 |
€ 620 |
€ 670 |
| 78x98 cm |
€ 650 |
€ 700 |
€ 800 |
| 78x140 cm |
€ 700 |
€ 750 |
€ 800 |
| 94x118 cm |
€ 770 |
€ 820 |
€ 850 |
| 94x140 cm |
€ 800 |
€ 850 |
€ 870 |
| 114x118 cm |
€ 800 |
€ 850 |
€ 900 |
| 114x140 cm |
€ 820 |
€ 870 |
€ 950 |
| 134x98 cm |
€ 850 |
€ 900 |
€ 950 |
| 134x140 cm |
€ 1000 |
€ 1050 |
€ 1100 |
Wooden skylight
The
wooden skylight is very popular with the general public. Wood is a precious material that conveys a feeling of elegance. However, it must be installed taking into account that it will also have to be periodically maintained.
The price is certainly higher than the
pvc windows , but it increases the value and prestige of the property.
PVC skylight
The
pvc skylight is also in great demand. The material with which it is made offers high performance in thermal insulation. Furthermore, PVC is very resistant to atmospheric agents.
More and more people are buying a PVC skylight convinced by its excellent quality / price ratio.
Aluminum skylight
Finally there is the
aluminum skylight . It resists adverse atmospheric agents and has good performance for thermal insulation. The weak point of an aluminum skylight is the knot between the roof and the window, so a waterproof mat is usually applied.
The price is higher than that of a wooden skylight.
The prices of assembly and other services
The cost of assembly depends on the size and difficulty of installation.
Removal ranges from € 80 to € 120 and glass replacement ranges from € 50 to € 300. The
skylight motor costs between € 80 and € 150.
Finally, I would like to point out that obviously a custom-made skylight costs more than the industrial model.
Mosquito nets for skylights
Are you looking
for fly screens for Velux , fly screens for roof windows, fly screens for attics or skylights? On Windowo you can find the best models of
mosquito nets for sale online at discounted prices. If you are interested I recommend you visit our category, you will certainly not be disappointed.
I hope this article is useful to you, if you wish you can share it with friends and co-workers.
