A skylight can turn a dark attic or small room in to a nice bedroom, a fun hobbyroom, or a well lit workspace. Are you planning on installing a skylight? Read more about the different types of skylights, materials, and prices, Here you will also find a step by step plan that paints a clear picture of the work that goes in to installing a skylight,
Different skylights
There are multiple different types of skylights. The choice for a skylight depends on your roof and your wishes. There are special skylights for flat roofs, and you can for example choose between rotating or tilting skylights.
- Rotating skylights
A rotating skylight spins around its central axis and can be tilted 180°. This type of skylight is suited foor roofs with a slope between 15° and 90°. The windows are easy to open and often have a ventilation door.
- Tilting skylight
A tilting skylight is secured to the top with hinges, and opens outwards. This window is fit for roofs with a slope between 15° and 55°.
- Skylight in a flat roof
A flat roof requires different types of skylights, like domes,l light streets, or light tunnels. These are often supplied with electronic components which can open the windows remotely.
- Multiple skylights
Skylights can be placed adjacent to eachother with connectors. This was you can replace part of the roof with glass, and create even more light. There are different combinations possible, in order to create things like a mini-balcony.
- Balcony skylight
A balcony skylight can be opened in two parts. The lower part serves as the balustrade, creating a balcony effect. The upper part is opened upwards, and serves as a roof.
- Roof terrace skylight
There are different available packages which can provide a mini roof terrace in a slanted roof. In order to achieve this, tilting skylights are combined with a platform.
Skylights susceptibility to burglary
Most skylights adhere to the resistance class 2 standard. This means special safety locks that are integrated in the window, preventing forced entry.
Skylight prices
The cost of a skylight depend on the type of skylight, the size, and the used materials. The finish, possible blinds, electric control, and possible extra work on the roof influence the costs aswell.
Materials
Skylights are available in different materials and finishes. There are plastic and spruce skylights. Skylights can have a wooden core and a polyurethane coating. Outside profiles are often made out of aluminium, but can also be made of copper or zinc.
Ventilation and isolation
Skylights are often supplied with a built-in, self-regulating ventilation system. The ventilation door responds to differences in pressure, keeping the inward airflow constant. Most skylights nowadays have high efficiency glazing. This triple isolation glass gives it an isolation value of 1,0W/m² K. This keeps the heat inside in the winter, and outside in the summer.
Where are skylights placed?
The position of the skylight depends on the slope of the roof. In case of a low roof slope you want a streched out window to give a better outward view. In case of a roof with a high slope, a shorter window is recommended. Horizontal skylights often create a spatial feeling and a good outward view, while vertical skylights provide better lighting.
Is a permit necessary?
Whether you need a permit for installing a skylight depends on the influence the skylight has on the view of the roof. In case of a simple skylight that covers no more than 20% of the surface of the roof, you generally don’t need a permit. Neighbor’s privacy is a concern aswell. The best thing to do would be to propose the building plans to your municipality to be sure.
Step by step plan of installing a skylight
- Deciding postition
The positioning of the skylight is decided. The desired effect, lighting, and view are all taken in to consideration.
- Measuring distance
The distance between the purlins, between which the skylight is placed, is measured. Then two “trimmer bars” (raveelbalken) are made bespoke.
- Purlin
The skylight’s contours are drawn with the trimmer bars, after which the purlin is sawn and detached.
- Securing beam carriers
The ends of the trimmer bars are gives beam carriers. Then the trimmer bars and purlins are installed. It is then checked whether the angles are perpendicular, after which the trimmer bars are secured with long screws.
- Working hole
A working hole of 50×50 cm is sawn into the roof, and any roof tiles are removed if necessary.
- Sawing skylight opening
At the corners of the skylight, holes are drilled, after which the exact opening for the skylight is sawn out.
- Frames and gutters
The frame is placed in to the hole and secured. The lower gutter is placed, and then the side- and upper gutters.
- Replacing roof tiles
Most roof tiles are placed back, and any tiles adjacent to the skylight are cut in the right shape.
- Replacing window
The window is placed in the frame, and the skylight is tested.
- Finishing
The skylight is finished on the inside. Drill holes are hidden, seams closed, and the whole is made smooth.
We work with Velux and Keylite
As you can see below, the possibilities are endless, and everything can be customized entirely.
- Installing a skylight is a good way to give a new life, or light, to a room. The room seems bigger, and is supplied with natural light. There are multiple different types of skylights, with tilting skylights and rotating skylights being the most popular. There are other skylight constructions available for flat roofs. A skylight can create a balcony or mini roof terrace aswell. Skylights are made of wood, plastic, or a combination of the two. Pricing depends on the type of roof, the size, the materials, and any extra work necessary. The positioning of the roof is decided by the desired view and lighting. A permit for a skylight is necessary when it changes the view of the roof, or influences neighbor privacy.