Most common problems with Skylight

While traditional skylights are fantastic for bringing natural light into a space, they can, unfortunately, come with a common set of challenges. The most prevalent issues homeowners face with skylights are leaks, heat gain/loss, and excessive glare. Understanding these potential problems can help you make a more informed decision about your daylighting solution.

Here are some quick, common skylight problems:

• Water leaks, especially around the seal.
• Excessive heat buildup in summer.
• Significant heat loss in winter.
• Unwanted glare on screens or surfaces.
• Fading of furniture and flooring from UV exposure.

Traditional skylights often face significant issues. Water leaks are common due to poor installation, degrading seals, or damaged flashing, leading to costly water damage and mold. Temperature control is another major concern; their large glass panes cause considerable heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, undermining energy efficiency goals. Additionally, excessive glare and UV exposure are frequent complaints, resulting in harsh interior light, discomfort, and fading of furnishings.

Fortunately, modern daylighting innovations offer effective solutions. Solatube systems, like the Solatube 290 DS Daylighting System, exemplify this by capturing light through a small, durable dome and transferring it via a highly reflective tube. This design minimizes heat transfer and greatly reduces leak potential due to its sealed, low-profile nature. For those who still prefer a more traditional skylight aesthetic, opting for high-performance models with specialized glazing, such as those with Low-E coatings, can significantly mitigate heat gain and loss.

Here are more detailed techniques and product recommendations to avoid common skylight problems:

• Consider choosing advanced daylighting systems for tubular daylighting devices like the Solatube 160 DS Daylighting System, which are designed with a sealed system and compact roof penetration to virtually eliminate leak potential compared to conventional skylights.
• Opt for Energy-Efficient Glazing in selecting a traditional skylight, ensure it features high-performance glazing, such as Low-E coatings or argon gas fills, to improve thermal performance and reduce heat transfer [2].
• Integrate Light Control for a direct light sources, consider adding dimmers or blinds. Solatube's optional Daylight Dimmer allows you to easily control the amount of light entering a room.
• Prioritize professional installation and always use certified and experienced installers for any roof penetration. Proper installation is critical to preventing leaks and ensuring long-term performance.
• Consider UV filtering and look for products that naturally filter out harmful UV rays without compromising visible light transmission to protect your interiors from fading.

While traditional skylights can present challenges like leaks, excessive heat gain/loss, and glare, modern innovations offer effective solutions. By choosing high-quality products and ensuring professional installation, you can enjoy the immense benefits of natural light without the common headaches. Explore Solatube's range of advanced daylighting solutions, including both tubular daylighting devices and high-performance traditional skylights, to find the perfect, problem-free fit for your home. Visit our Online store to learn more.

References

[1] U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Skylights. 

[2] Efficient Windows Collaborative. (n.d.). Understanding Energy Performance Ratings for Windows, Doors, and Skylights.