Skylights are an energy-efficient way to add natural light to your home. Skylights provide other benefits, offering more ventilation in your home and adding solar heat when needed, reducing the workload for your heating and cooling system. Skylights add natural views, too, and open spaces that would otherwise feel dark and closed.
Skylights fit through openings in your roof, so professional installation is essential, whether it involves a new skylight installation or skylight replacement. Gotcha Covered Contracting offers expert skylight installation and repair services throughout the Pittsburgh area. Contact us today for skylight replacement and repair information or to get a free quote.
Types of Skylights for Your Home
There are three basic types of skylights for your home:
- Fixed
- Tubular
- Ventilating
These three types of skylight models come in various shapes, including arched, domed, flat, and pyramid. Fixed or tubular skylights with domes are often called “bubble skylights” and are well suited to flat or low pitch roofs because they shed water so well.
Fixed Skylights
Fixed skylights are a good choice for any space in your home that needs additional light. They are ideal for hard-to-reach areas and, depending on their placement, can offer dramatic views as well. Fixed skylights may be outfitted with shades to adjust the amount of light needed and have protective domes to help shield them from excessive rain and snow.
Tubular Skylights
Tubular skylights are easy to install and fit into very tight spaces. The reflective skylight tubes are adjustable. Closets, hallways, foyers, and pantries are ideal spots for these skylights.
Vented Skylights
Like fixed skylights, vented skylights are an ideal addition for any room needing extra light. Sometimes called “roof windows” or “fresh air skylights,” vented skylights can be opened manually or using electric or solar power. They offer extra ventilation ideal for rooms where moisture and humidity may build up, such as the bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen.
VELUX Skylights
Gotcha Covered Constructing is experienced in installing a variety of skylight models, including VELUX. VELUX no-leak skylights are available in all major designs.
VELUX roof windows options include manual-open “fresh air” skylights, as well as electric and solar-powered “fresh air” skylights.
DIY or Hire a Professional for Skylight Replacement?
While it is possible to repair or replace a skylight on your own, most experts do not recommend it for several reasons.
First, removing and installing a skylight requires precise work and knowledge of not only the skylight system but also the roof construction. The right skylight unit must be purchased to fit the roof opening.
Otherwise, problems are bound to arise, including leaks and damage to the roof’s structure.
Professional skylight installers have the expertise to spot and solve problems at their source, preventing damage down the road.
If you’re having your roof replaced, your skylights should be replaced at the same time. This ensures that all the flashing is done correctly.
Why You Should Replace Skylights During Roof Replacement
Your existing skylights were likely installed when your roof was, so they are made to fit that roof. When a new roof is installed and you use the old skylights, the potential for roof leaks and other issues is magnified.
Replacing your skylights during roof replacement also saves you money.
Rather than having the professional roofing contractor come back again to install new skylights, which will eventually need to happen, you can save money and have them integrated into the roof replacement project.
Also, most roof warranties do not cover the skylights, so replacing them during roof replacement ensures that failing skylights do not cause unwarranted damage.
The Right Time for Skylight Replacement Is Now
It’s a great time to replace your skylight, especially if you are replacing your roof as well. Tax incentives and rebates make energy-efficient skylights more affordable than ever, and Gotcha Covered Contracting is ready to guide you through the entire process.
Gotcha Covered Contracting provides reliable, professional roofing contractor and skylight replacement throughout Pittsburgh, PA. For more information about our contracting services and to take advantage of the many energy-efficient, cost-saving options available to improve your home, contact us today at 724-581-8147 for a quote on roof and skylight replacement.
