Skylights are elements has similarly function to windows so that sunlight can enter into a room that is usually lacking or inaccessible to sunlight. As the name implies, the position of the skylight is generally on the ceiling of the room and is an element that connected to the roof of the building.

The existence of skylights can greatly affect the interior atmosphere of a room, which certainly makes the room brighter. With the right placement of skylights, the interior of the house can also become more aesthetic. Since many people are interested and considering the application of skylights at home, here are 7 important things to know before you decide to install them.

Skylight Materials
Generally, skylights consist of two important parts, the framework and glazing. The material that can be used for the frame is generally an iron frame. While the glazing commonly used is glass, although alternatives such as acrylic and polycarbonate are also common and more affordable. However, there is a risk of ultraviolet rays penetrating directly into the room if the plastic has not a special anti-ultraviolet coating. Ultraviolet rays can harm skin health if excessive, these rays also make furniture quickly fade the paint layer. Furthermore, the transparency of plastic materials can fade over time. This material is also easy to scratch and warp.

Although more expensive than plastic materials, glass is generally more of an option for glazing skylights. This material is tougher than plastic, does not warp, and will not become cloudy even after long use. The glass used is generally tempered or laminated type which has a high level of safety for use.

Different Types of Skylights
Although they are covered with glazing, there are also skylights that left open, especially for outdoor position or designed with certain details so that rain seepage can be dispelled. If you need flexibility, there are skylights that can be opened and closed, so that they can be alternative ventilation.

Skylight Placement
The placement of skylights really depends on your needs. However, generally skylights are used to provide additional light in rooms that previously rarely exposed to sunlight, such as stairs, attics, bathrooms, kitchens, and others. If you want to maximize the input of sunlight in the morning and evening, skylights can be placed on the east or west side of the roof house. If you want neutral lighting, with a light intensity difference that is not as high as the previous west-east placement, you can place it on the north or south side of the house.

Advantage: Energy Efficient
Because skylights give extra light to previously dark room in the house, of course there are additional benefits such as saving electricity costs for lighting. Sometimes because of the very lack of lighting, a room must get additional 24 hours of light to make it brighter. This of course can increase the burden of electricity costs, especially if the number of such rooms is more than one room. The addition of skylights can solve this problem.

Risks: Overheating, Overlighting
In addition to add light to the room, skylights can also create overheating in the space, especially if installed without careful calculation. In addition, improper installation of skylights can also caused overlighting, which makes the room too bright. However, this can be overcome by choosing the right size, placement and direction of the skylights. Along with that, you also need to pay attention to the designation of the room and the air conditioning in the room.

Installation Precise
Because of their position, skylights are also prone to leaks, especially if they are not installed carefully. To ensure that you avoid these risks, you need to ask for experts in designing and reliable builders to install skylights.

Needs to be Cleaned Regularly
Because of their position, skylights can present other problems, such as a complicated cleaning process, especially if they are installed right under a thicket of trees. In general, glazing material is also easy to get dirty so that if it is not cleaned regularly, the skylight function may not be optimal. You will need extra time to periodically clean the leaves and dust from the surface. Therefore, if possible, make sure the position of the skylight is affordable for maintenance.

–sh