If you’re considering installing a skylight in your Utah home, you may already understand and appreciate how much value and livability it can add.
What you may not realize, however, is that you have lots of options for your skylight’s size, shape, design, materials and accessories. To help our customers determine the best options for them, we always recommend they ask themselves these three questions.
What’s the Difference Between a Skylight, Roof Window and Sun Tunnel?
We use the term skylight to refer generally to any type of window installed on the roof of a home or commercial structure. Today, however, you have a variety of designs to choose from, all of which are designed to bring more natural light in from above.
Sun tunnels – or solar tubes as they were once known – are energy-efficient tubular skylights from Velux, designed to bring light into smaller spaces. These designs are durable, easy to install and include a comprehensive 20-year warranty.
Skylights, designed to bring natural light into larger spaces, have the appearance of a traditional window. You can choose between fixed and operable designs, with operable models providing the added benefit of letting in fresh air as well as light.
Roof windows are similar to skylights in many ways. However, the key distinction is that a skylight’s purpose is to let light (and, optionally, air) in. A roof window is designed to let light and air in and provide a view – and sometimes egress – to the outside.
Should I Install an Operable Skylight or Roof Window?
To answer this question, consider what your goals are for your new skylight. Do you only want to let light in, or do you want to have the option of letting in fresh air as well? If you want light and air, an operable skylight may be right for you.
If you want to let light and air in – and have a view to the surrounding landscape – you may prefer a roof window. If you want to use the opening to access your roof or to create a rooftop deck or terrace, a roof window is your best bet.
What Accessories Should I Add to My Skylight?
With the state-of-the-art Velux technology and flexible design, you have countless options for accessorizing your skylight or roof window.
You can choose from a variety of skylight accessories, including remote controllers – including a digital touch remote, interior trim kits and sunscreens. You can also choose glass upgrades for handling snow load and reflecting solar rays.
As for roof window accessories, you can add insect screens and steel security locks as well as options for glass upgrades.
Both roof windows and skylights offer the option of adding Velux blinds. You can choose from blackout blinds, light-filtering blinds and high style Venetian blinds. All Velux blinds offer motorization and remote operation capability.
To help you compare and contrast your options, call on the experienced team at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors. We assist Utah homeowners with new and replacement windows, doors and skylights. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and cost estimate for installing a skylight in your Utah home.