Skylights are a great way to fill your home with natural light while maintaining privacy. Because of this, they have long been a favourite among homeowners.

There are two main types of skylight installations: curb mount and deck mount. Curb mount are the most common type. It requires a box structure for the unit to sit upon and fit over the curb, like a lid on a shoe box. A deck mount skylight is directly attached to the roof deck and features a lower profile because there’s no box structure underneath. These hug the roof and are considered a more energy efficient choice.

Both types of skylights are available with a ventilating option. A skylight that opens to the outdoors allows the circulation of fresh air and the removal of odours. It can be operated manually with a handle or can be powered remotely by electricity or solar power. Some powered skylights have rain sensors that automatically close the skylight when it starts to rain. Skylight shades built into the unit allow you to control the amount of natural light entering a room and also provide privacy and energy efficiency.

Another type of skylight is a sun tunnel which is a specially designed reflective tube that gathers light from the exterior roof and channels it to the interior ceiling. Sun tunnels are a great solution for hallways, bathrooms and spaces that don’t have an exterior wall access.

Care should be taken when installing any kind of skylight because they are prone to leaks. Follow the manufacturer installation instructions and make sure to use the proper flashing and sealing products. If you have questions, we have answers. Come in and talk to a TIMBER MART Window Expert about a skylight installation.