Homeowners are sometimes reluctant to cut a certain type of hole in a perfectly good roof. They don’t question cutting dozens of holes in the walls for windows and doors. They don’t question holes i
United States of America (Press Release) May 31, 2008 --
Homeowners are sometimes reluctant to cut a certain type of hole in a perfectly good roof. They don’t question cutting dozens of holes in the walls for windows and doors. They don’t question holes in the roof for chimneys, ventilation fans or plumbing vent pipes. But for a skylight?
According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, the number one concern homeowners express about skylights is a fear of leaks.
“That was sometimes a valid concern with poorly made or improperly installed skylights,” Patrick says, “but modern skylights with pre-engineered flashing kits for shingles, tile or metal roofing materials from leading manufacturers, just like quality windows and exterior doors, are totally dependable when properly installed. Anytime a hole is cut in the frame or roof of a home, the potential for air or moisture entering exists,” he says. “But proper installation techniques and materials can take care of those concerns.”
So, what are the basic differences in windows, roof windows, and skylights? There are many different types and styles of windows but they are all what is referred to in the trade as “vertical fenestration.” Windows are installed in, and parallel to, walls.
Skylights are installed in or on, and parallel to, roofs. They can be flashed as dependably, or more so, as anything else that goes on a roof. Some of them are fixed (don’t open) while others vent inside air by opening slightly or through interior vent flaps. Interestingly, quality skylights are engineered and manufactured to exceedingly high standards since, by virtue of their location, they are more directly exposed to the elements than are windows.
Roof windows are venting units, designed for in-reach applications, which open wider, as much as 45 degrees, for additional ventilation or emergency egress. They also have a sash that flips around so the outside glass can be cleaned from the inside; a very handy and helpful feature.
Another important similarity between windows, roof windows, and skylights is in the glazing, or how the glass is manufactured.
Patrick says that ENERGY STAR® qualified skylight glazings are among the best in the fenestration industry. “Quality units employ dual pane construction with argon gas between low-E coated panes for control of heat gain or loss. These glazings control up to 83 percent of the sun’s fade-causing rays and resist condensation so well that a home can contain up to 50 percent more humidity before condensation will occur, “ he says.
He adds that quality units contain tempered and laminated panes for safety and maximum protection against fading. “There are also impact glass models available that meet the strictest code requirements for wind-borne debris protection in hurricane-prone and other high-wind areas,” Patrick says.
So much for some of the basic similarities between windows, roof windows, and skylights. What about some of the differences?
Patrick says that independent research done in Denmark shows that skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers, while providing the drama of a sky view that can’t be achieved with vertical windows. “And skylights, whether fixed or venting, which can be fitted with interior blinds and shades, or exterior awnings, offer much more privacy than vertical windows,” he says.
And skylights offer some decidedly high-tech features. Electric venting models are available with remote control, blinds, shades, awnings, insect screening and automatic rain sensors. There are even skylights available with electrochromic glass that can be tinted electronically by remote control to control light and heat gain while still providing the view to the sky.
“From an economic standpoint,” Patrick points out, “venting skylights admit light from above and reduce energy costs. It’s also a way to stretch dollars,” Patrick says, “with a one-time purchase that pays long-term benefits by reducing energy bills.”
According to Patrick, more natural light and ventilation are beneficial in most areas of the home but some rooms lend themselves particularly well to skylight advantages, including privacy. “In bathrooms especially,” Patrick says, “venting skylights reduce condensation while providing a beautiful view of the sky above, without affording anyone the opportunity to see in. Plus you get the use of wall space where a window isn’t necessary for decorating or another form of space utilization.”
“And,” Patrick says, “while homeowners are considering skylights, they should remember that venting skylights in the kitchen can release hot air and odors while providing more balanced light for brighter days and more pleasant cooking and dining.” They also utilize their natural chimney effect to exhaust volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stale air, and other indoor air pollutants from all areas of the home, he says.
For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call 1-800-283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.
Chan Hoyle
104 Ben Casey Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29708
chan.hoyle@velux.com
803-396-5738
www.veluxusa.com
According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, the number one concern homeowners express about skylights is a fear of leaks.
“That was sometimes a valid concern with poorly made or improperly installed skylights,” Patrick says, “but modern skylights with pre-engineered flashing kits for shingles, tile or metal roofing materials from leading manufacturers, just like quality windows and exterior doors, are totally dependable when properly installed. Anytime a hole is cut in the frame or roof of a home, the potential for air or moisture entering exists,” he says. “But proper installation techniques and materials can take care of those concerns.”
So, what are the basic differences in windows, roof windows, and skylights? There are many different types and styles of windows but they are all what is referred to in the trade as “vertical fenestration.” Windows are installed in, and parallel to, walls.
Skylights are installed in or on, and parallel to, roofs. They can be flashed as dependably, or more so, as anything else that goes on a roof. Some of them are fixed (don’t open) while others vent inside air by opening slightly or through interior vent flaps. Interestingly, quality skylights are engineered and manufactured to exceedingly high standards since, by virtue of their location, they are more directly exposed to the elements than are windows.
Roof windows are venting units, designed for in-reach applications, which open wider, as much as 45 degrees, for additional ventilation or emergency egress. They also have a sash that flips around so the outside glass can be cleaned from the inside; a very handy and helpful feature.
Another important similarity between windows, roof windows, and skylights is in the glazing, or how the glass is manufactured.
Patrick says that ENERGY STAR® qualified skylight glazings are among the best in the fenestration industry. “Quality units employ dual pane construction with argon gas between low-E coated panes for control of heat gain or loss. These glazings control up to 83 percent of the sun’s fade-causing rays and resist condensation so well that a home can contain up to 50 percent more humidity before condensation will occur, “ he says.
He adds that quality units contain tempered and laminated panes for safety and maximum protection against fading. “There are also impact glass models available that meet the strictest code requirements for wind-borne debris protection in hurricane-prone and other high-wind areas,” Patrick says.
So much for some of the basic similarities between windows, roof windows, and skylights. What about some of the differences?
Patrick says that independent research done in Denmark shows that skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers, while providing the drama of a sky view that can’t be achieved with vertical windows. “And skylights, whether fixed or venting, which can be fitted with interior blinds and shades, or exterior awnings, offer much more privacy than vertical windows,” he says.
And skylights offer some decidedly high-tech features. Electric venting models are available with remote control, blinds, shades, awnings, insect screening and automatic rain sensors. There are even skylights available with electrochromic glass that can be tinted electronically by remote control to control light and heat gain while still providing the view to the sky.
“From an economic standpoint,” Patrick points out, “venting skylights admit light from above and reduce energy costs. It’s also a way to stretch dollars,” Patrick says, “with a one-time purchase that pays long-term benefits by reducing energy bills.”
According to Patrick, more natural light and ventilation are beneficial in most areas of the home but some rooms lend themselves particularly well to skylight advantages, including privacy. “In bathrooms especially,” Patrick says, “venting skylights reduce condensation while providing a beautiful view of the sky above, without affording anyone the opportunity to see in. Plus you get the use of wall space where a window isn’t necessary for decorating or another form of space utilization.”
“And,” Patrick says, “while homeowners are considering skylights, they should remember that venting skylights in the kitchen can release hot air and odors while providing more balanced light for brighter days and more pleasant cooking and dining.” They also utilize their natural chimney effect to exhaust volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stale air, and other indoor air pollutants from all areas of the home, he says.
For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call 1-800-283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.
Chan Hoyle
104 Ben Casey Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29708
chan.hoyle@velux.com
803-396-5738
www.veluxusa.com
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