Which Type of Skylight is Best for You?

Selecting the ideal skylight requires careful consideration of its size, design, and functionality to suit your specific needs. Whether for a commercial building or a residential home, five main types of skylights stand out as consumer favorites due to their versatility and effectiveness in enhancing natural light.

Fixed Skylights

Fixed skylights are the most popular type of skylight, favored for their simplicity and efficiency. These are flat, rectangular panels made of glass or plastic designed to increase and enhance the natural light in any space, generally without the option to open. Ideal for single or multiple installations, fixed skylights are versatile enough to illuminate various areas including bedrooms, living spaces, or offices, thus bringing more light into your daily life in an economical way. Their durability and ease of maintenance make them a preferred choice for many homeowners and architects looking to brighten interiors without significant alterations to the structure of a building. Moreover, the installation of fixed skylights can contribute to energy savings by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Ventilated Skylights

As the weather cools down and the leaves change colors, letting fresh air into your home can fill any room with a positive mood. Ventilated skylights, similar to their fixed counterparts, add the unique feature of opening to allow for airflow, making them an excellent choice for enhancing ventilation. A ventilated skylight is particularly beneficial in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, where it can help release moisture and improve air circulation, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Although they may come with a higher price tag, opting for a ventilated skylight equipped with a remote control offers the convenience of easy operation, allowing you to open and close the skylight with minimal effort. This feature is especially valuable for skylights installed in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring you can still enjoy the benefits of natural ventilation without the need for manual adjustments. Adding such skylights not only boosts the aesthetic appeal of your space but also enhances its functionality by merging natural light with improved air quality.

Tubular Skylights

Bringing light into any space can open up the area tremendously; in smaller homes, allowing additional lighting in through skylights is an efficient tactic. As the name suggests, these skylights are tubular with a bubble-like window at the end that draws in light. This innovative design not only maximizes the amount of daylight funneled into your home but also minimizes the structural modifications needed for installation, making it a cost-effective solution for brightening up dim areas. 

Tubular skylights are a good choice for smaller spaces and spaces with attics between the ceiling and roof. Their compact size and flexibility in placement mean they can illuminate hallways, bathrooms, closets, and other areas that may lack direct roof access. Furthermore, the reflective interior of the tube ensures that light is efficiently distributed throughout the room, even on cloudy days, enhancing the natural light available and potentially reducing electricity usage during daylight hours.

Dome Skylights

Dome skylights are typically rectangular or square in shape with a bubble on the outside like the Tubular skylight. The Dome skylight is unique, as it captures light from all angles throughout the day and adds dimension to the space. This multidirectional light capture is particularly advantageous in regions with varying sunlight patterns, ensuring consistent illumination regardless of the sun’s position. Additionally, the dome shape not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a building’s exterior but also provides superior durability against environmental elements. The curved surface effectively disperses the force of impacts, such as hail, and facilitates water runoff, reducing the likelihood of leaks. Moreover, dome skylights can be designed with tinted or reflective coatings to further control heat gain and UV exposure, contributing to a building’s energy efficiency.

Pyramid Skylights

Pyramid skylights are great for adding a dramatic design appeal. Similar to the dome skylight, the pyramid skylight grabs light at all times of day and enhances the aesthetic of the space. Their geometric shape allows for a unique distribution of light, casting dynamic shadows and creating an inviting atmosphere within the interior. This type of skylight is especially suited for larger spaces, such as atriums, entryways, or common areas, where they can serve as a focal point and contribute to the architectural identity of the building. Architectural skylights are a very popular piece of what we do at Skylight Concepts. By incorporating advanced glazing technologies, pyramid skylights can also offer improved thermal performance, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. Their customizable nature means they can be adapted to fit a variety of roof sizes and styles, making them a versatile choice for both new constructions and renovation projects.

Elevate Your Space with Skylight Concepts

Skylight Concepts is a full-service skylight company. We distribute, install, repair, and waterproof standard, custom, and structural skylights throughout the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that you get the most out of your investment, whether you’re installing luxury skylights to create a statement piece or opting for the best rated skylights for their functionality and efficiency. Contact us today to transform your space with natural light.