What Are the Pros and Cons of Skylights?

Installing skylights may seem like a good idea; and for many homeowners, it is. These aesthetically-pleasing window in a roof have a number of benefits and can really add to the ambiance of your living space. However, they are not without their drawbacks so it is important that homeowners be fully-informed before making the decision add a skylight to their house.

This is the subject of an informative blog article by Shannon Dauphin Lee entitled Lovely Skylights: Good Idea or Money Pit? In this article, journalist Dauphin Lee talks about one of her favorite vacation spots and the “magical” skylight in the bedroom of the cabin where they stay. However, when she mentioned the skylight to a friend of hers, he told her that skylights were expensive and not a sound investment. So she did some research. 

In her article, she lists a variety of pros and cons of skylights.

Pros:

• They brings a significant amount of light into your home, particularly in windowless areas.
• Venting skylights allow for more fresh air in your house.
• Well-placed venting skylights can help keep your house cool in the warmer months.
• Skylights enable you to gaze at the stars from the comfort of your home.
• If you enjoy thunder-storms, they are great to watch through a skylight.

Cons:

• Skylights can allow warmed or cooled air to escape your house, therefore raising your utility bills. (You can get skylights with built-in shades, which help, but do not fully eliminate this problem.)
• Proper installation is crucial to avoid leaks.
• Condensation can build up on skylights and lead to gradual water damage.
• Skylights can cause an increase in home insurance rates. 
• UV rays that the skylights allow into your home can gradually fade furniture.

Dauphin Lee concludes by saying that “for those who love a good view and have no light pollution, gazing through a skylight is hard to beat.” However, she does warn that skylights have the potential to cost you money in the form of higher utility bills and maintenance. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that today’s skylights are better than ever. You can learn more by reading the full article here.

If, after reading the article, you decide that skylights are a good idea for your Chicagoland home, you can contact Baltic Home Improvements, a leading area skylight contractor, for a free estimate of your skylight installation job. Our experienced team of professionals will work with you to ensure that the job is done to your satisfaction. That is just one of the many reasons we have received accolades from both the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List. Contact us today to learn more.

Image Source: Lee Haywood