Vinyl Skylights - Your 3 Main Choices

Really there are three different types of vinyl skylights that can be installed in any home. Here we'll take a look at all three, and let you know how they work so you'll be able to choose the right skylight for your home.

Vinyl skylights are becoming quite common in most newly built homes. Their purpose seems to be twofold. First they can provide light in rooms that may not have a lot of windows because of privacy issues (think bathrooms or bedrooms). And second, they are a great source of light and beauty in larger rooms. The sunlight streaming in from the ceiling can make any room look more majestic.

Using vinyl to seam the skylights is clearly cost efficient because it helps keep the air (both cool and warm) inside where it belongs. Of course if you live in a desert where blazing heat is a problem, then this solution may actually end up being a problem. No one wants blazing sunlight beating down into you house all day when you are trying to keep cool. Of course there's a solution here too. Tinted skylights are available to act as a filter, and ones with shades are also great because you can open them only when you want to. Get one of these and you'll keep your air conditioning bills in check.

But if you live in a cool or damp area, a skylight can provide warmth, light, and insulation from the cold weather.

You'll find that larger vinyl skylights generally look better. Most skylights are between one foot and four feet square. Sure you can get them smaller, but quite frankly, they actually look bad. The only time a smaller skylight would be recommended is if you are highlighting something. Perhaps you want that direct light beating down on your antique sculpture.

If your room only has space for a smaller unit, consider one that is shaped like a funnel. If it is wider at the bottom it will force more light into the room, and that light will spread out rather than being focused. Remember though that light adds heat. If you live in an exceptionally hot area, make sure this skylight is vented which will allow the heat to escape. Remember hot air rises.

Here are your three main choices for vinyl skylights.

The vented skylight can be opened or closed according to your needs. There are relatively new, first coming into high used in the 1990's. If you have high ceilings it's best to get one that can be opened or closed electronically. It's no fun getting out the ladder each time you have to manually open or close the skylight. And be sure to use vinyl stripping to prevent them from leaking.

A sun tunnel is simply a way to allow sunlight into more dimly lit areas of your home. Typically these are about 1 foot square, and do a great job of allowing natural light into areas such as the bathroom, attic, and even that large walk-in closet.

Skylights with shades are a little different in that they can be closed. Why would you want this? Well perhaps you want to take and afternoon nap, or maybe watch a matinee movie in your living room. Dark is better in these instances. The remote controlled shade gives you the option of controlling just how much light you let in.

In all cases vinyl skylights are secure. No longer do you have to have a wood frame. Double paned panels won't sweat and they are waterproof as well. That doesn't mean you should no longer look at a wood frame. These can look very elegant. If you prefer this look then simply wrap the wood windowpane around the skylight for the appearance you desire.