Installing a skylight is an economical way to add light and save on energy costs in your home. There are several types of skylights on the market that help add light to your home and make your home more energy efficient. Before you purchase and install a skylight the best thing to do is to contact a qualified Los Angeles skylight installer. A qualified skylight installer can answer any questions that you have about installing skylights as well as recommend the best skylight for you to install.

A great idea is to learn about skylights before you talk with a qualified skylight installer. Here is a list of questions and answers that any homeowner should read before they decide to install a skylight.

Can skylights leak?

Improper installation is the primary cause of leaks. Hiring a qualified skylight installer eliminates leaks by installing a proper flashing kit recommended by the manufacturer. Repairing a broken skylight can cause leaks by not allowing the skylight to breathe correctly during temperature fluctuations. A damaged roof can cause a skylight to leak. When you hire a skylight installer, they will check your roof before installation to ensure that the roof is stable.

What is the makeup of a traditional skylight?

A traditional skylight has multiple layers of acrylic, polycarbonate or glass. Multiple layer skylights contain inert gas between the layers to ensure energy efficiency. Skylights can also include an additional layer of laminated glass to increase safety against breakage.

Other parts of a skylight include a frame constructed of wood or aluminum; Cladding holds the lens in the frame; the Curb elevates the skylight from the rooftop and is more commonly used with flat roofs; the Underlayment is usually rubber and seals the skylight to the roof deck or the curb. Flashing is installed around the underlayment to integrate the skylight with the roof or curb and is the last barrier against weather.

What types of skylights are installed?

There are two types of skylights you can install. A deck mount skylight has a wood frame with insulated glass panes as well as aluminum cladding. A deck mount skylight is installed directly on the roof deck.

A curb mount skylight is raised above the roof deck with a frame. The skylight has an aluminum frame with insulated glass panes, and a rubber gasket is used to seal the skylight to the curb.

A professional skylight installer uses a correct flashing kit to seal against weather when installing a direct or curb style skylight.

How do I know if a curb or direct mount skylight is right for me?

A professional Los Angeles skylight installer will measure the pitch of your roof to determine whether a curb or direct mount skylight is right for you. A roof with a flat pitch will require a curb skylight.

How can I install a skylight to eliminate leaks or water damage?

Improper installation is the number one reason for leaks and water damage. Installing the correct flashing kit and adhesive underlayment eliminates leaks and water damage. A professional skylight installer knows how to install a flashing kit as well as an adhesive underlayment to protect your home from future leaks or water damage. Flashing kits are available for deck and curb mount skylights. During installation, a professional Los Angeles skylight installers use the recommended manufacturer flashing kit and adhesive underlayment. Using the correct flashing kit and adhesive underlayment eliminates future leaks caused by improper installation.

Why should I choose a glass skylight over a plastic skylight?

Glass skylights are preferred because they are more energy efficient, durable, eliminate more outside noise, and a glass skylight won’t discolor over time. When a glass skylight is installed correctly, there is less leakage and air draft.

Why is tempered glass used for skylights?

Tempered glass is designed with a plastic layer. If the skylight breaks the plastic layer keeps fragmented glass together eliminating problems of glass shards.

What glazing and glass options are available for glass skylights?

There are six types of glazing options for glass skylights. Glass skylights have at least two panes of glass which are separated by inert gases. Glazing options include tempered, impact, white laminated, laminated, snow-load and Miami-Dade.

Each area of the country has specific building codes for installing a skylight. A professional skylight installer knows to install a skylight that meets the required by building codes. For instance, if you are in a hurricane area, then an impact or Miami-Dade skylight is appropriate and California building codes require a laminated skylight. Where there is heavy snowfall, a snow-load skylight is needed. When a tempered glass skylight breaks, it will shatter like a car window. Laminated skylights reduce the problems of a tempered glass skylight if breakage occurs by keeping the glass particles in place. Lastly, a White laminated glass skylight diffuses daylight which increases energy efficiency.

Other unique features available with a glass skylight

There are two unique options to think about before installing a glass skylight. Glass skylights feature a variety of low-E coatings which help eliminate unwanted UV Rays in your home. The other feature is the type of argon or inert gas. Double and triple paned glass skylights are separated with argon or inert gases that make the skylight more energy efficient. A professional skylight company knows how to combine these two features and will install the correct glass skylight for you.

Do glass skylights have blinds?

Glass skylights can be supplemented with blinds. There are three types of blinds that help a skylight diffuse light and UV Rays. You can purchase a light-block, a Venetian or roller blind. Each blind is designed for a specific purpose and allows for the correct amount of sunlight to enter the room. Blinds are easy to use and are equipped with a remote controlled motor or a manual hand crank.

Now you have the answers to the critical questions about skylights that homeowners tend to ask. Your decision to install a skylight is an important financial upgrade to your home. When you hire an expert Los Angeles skylight installer, they know exactly what type of skylight is perfect for your home.