Types of Skylights to Illuminate Your Home

Skylights are windows that are located on the ceiling to allow the entry of natural light, there are different types, functionalities, and shapes. Among the advantages, are the reduction in electricity costs and the decorative contribution they provide to your home.

They’re made up of three parts: the dome, which acts as a light transmitter, the plinth or the base, which is fixed to the chosen space, that is, the ceiling or wall, and the opening mechanism; although there are some that are fixed, therefore they won’t have this part.

Similarly, there are skylights made of different types of materials such as methacrylate, plexiglass, cellular polycarbonate, and high impact methacrylate, among others.

Advantages of skylights

Among the most prominent advantages of skylights is the proportion of natural light they provide. They’re ideal for dark and tight spaces that also need ventilation. On the other hand, its aesthetic contribution is considerable, as there will always be an option that matches the architectural design of your home.

Of course, you need to choose a high-quality material to prevent ultraviolet rays from entering through the skylight and damaging your furniture and flooring. In addition to this, it offers you:

• Spectacular views: depending on the size of your skylight and its location, you can enjoy beautiful views. Whether in natural spaces or clear and starry skies.
• Brighter spaces: the entry of natural light will make your spaces brighter. This brings out the colors of the space that benefits from this light, as well as the colors and shapes of your other decorative objects.
• More fresh air: in the case of ventilated skylights, you can enjoy the fresh air and more ventilated spaces.

Types of skylights to illuminate your home

At present, the market offers us different types of skylights. They can be installed on the roof or on the walls, it all depends on the architectural design of your home and the effect you want to achieve with them. If you’re thinking of installing one, we’ll tell you the options you have.

Types of skylights according to their functions

Skylights have different functionalities, so you must choose the one that best suits your space. You should also consider what you want to achieve with its installation.

• Fixed skylights: the most common, but they don’t have an opening system, therefore they don’t provide ventilation. They’re used simply to allow natural light to enter.
• Ventilation skylights: as the name implies, they’re those that can be fully or partially opened to allow, in addition to the entry of light, the entry of fresh air.
• Tubular skylights: also known as solar skylights, they’re long tubes installed to catch and reflect light inside your home. They’re ideal for installing in small spaces such as bathrooms and closets. They can also come with extractors to control humidity.

Skylights according to the opening system

When it comes to ventilation skylights, they have several types of openings. Depending on the distance at which you’ll locate it and your need to open and close it, you must evaluate the best type of opening.

• Telescopic opening: this system allows an opening of 85 degrees. They’re usually placed on the roof and as an access door. It has a telescopic damping system and, although when it’s open, air can enter, it’s not recommended if you want to ventilate your spaces well.
• Spindle opening: the spindle is a crank that helps to open the dome and allows an opening of about 30 centimeters. They’re usually used in corridors and bathrooms at a height of no more than three meters.
• Electronic opening: ideal for when skylights are quite high, as they’re opened through remote control. There are some that also have a sensor, which determines the opening level depending on aspects such as the force of the wind or rain, as well as the presence of smoke.

Types of skylights according to their shapes

The shapes of skylights are decisive according to the architectural style of your spaces. These will help you give a new look to the decoration, depending on the shape you choose.

• Flat: these follow the inclination of the ceiling or wall where they’re located.
• Round: these types of skylights are rare in homes, but they look beautiful, they’re usually flat.
• Polygonal: available in irregular shapes such as octagons, hexagons, triangles, or as needed. They’re flat and ideal for spaces with different shapes.
• With dome: they project upwards and are usually rectangular, although there are also round ones. The most common material is acrylic or plexiglass because it’s resistant.
• Pyramidal: a square or rectangular base, these project outwards in the shape of a pyramid. They give a beautiful touch on an architectural level, but they capture less light than a flat skylight.

Which of these types of skylights do you choose?

Yes, there are quite a few types of skylights, which is wonderful because you’ll easily find one that goes perfectly with the architecture of your home and your decoration.

Remember, as with other windows in your home, you must keep them clean and shiny.