The hot summer months can be unbearable, especially if your home doesn’t have a way to naturally ventilate. But with porch skylights, you can beat the heat and enjoy natural ventilation while taking in a beautiful view. Whether you are renovating an existing porch or building a new one, installing skylights can be a great way to make your porch a pleasant place to spend time during the summer. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of porch skylights and why they are the perfect solution for natural summer ventilation.
Benefits of natural ventilation
As the summer temperatures continue to rise, keeping your home cool and comfortable can be a challenge. Fortunately, one way to beat the heat is by incorporating skylights into your home’s design. Skylights offer numerous benefits, but perhaps one of the most significant is natural ventilation. Natural ventilation is the process of circulating air through your home without relying on mechanical means such as air conditioning. By opening your skylights, you can take advantage of the natural breeze and cool air to help regulate the temperature inside your home. Not only is this a more sustainable approach, but it can also help you save money on your energy bills. Natural ventilation doesn’t just cool your home, it also provides numerous other benefits, including improved indoor air quality, reduced moisture levels, and even increased natural light. By installing skylights in your porch, you can enjoy all of these benefits and more.
In addition, natural ventilation can be an effective way to combat health issues such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses. When air circulates naturally, it can help remove pollutants, dust, and other irritants that can exacerbate these conditions. This is especially important during the summer months when pollen and other allergens are more prevalent.
So if you’re looking for an easy and cost-effective way to stay cool and comfortable this summer, consider incorporating operable skylights into your porch design. The benefits of natural ventilation are undeniable, and you’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Natural daylight
Skylights on your enclosed porch offer a great deal of aesthetically pleasing benefits. Fully enclosed porches are enjoyable during the summer as they offer you the benefit of being outside enjoying all the natural light and warmth without the headache of all the summer pests that come about. If you already have an enclosed porch in your home you may have realized that they can make the attached portion of the home a bit darker. The roof overhang and extension of the home outdoors can prevent an abundance of natural light from entering the home. Porch skylights are the perfect fix to this common problem. Now you can keep your porch and keep your natural light indoors as well! Keep in mind that we can always customize your skylights to fit your unique space properly!
Types of skylights and their benefits
Skylights are a great way to add natural light and ventilation to your porch. There are several types of skylights to choose from, each with its own benefits.
1. Fixed skylights: Fixed skylights are non-operable and provide natural light without any ventilation. They are ideal for areas where ventilation is not needed, and are the most durable and simple to install and care for.
2. Vented skylights: Vented skylights are operable and can be opened to allow for fresh air to flow into your porch. They come in manual or electric versions, with some even equipped with a remote control. Vented skylights do cost more and must be occasionally maintained to ensure a good seal.
3. Tubular skylights: Tubular skylights are smaller and easier to install than traditional skylights. They are perfect for smaller areas that require natural light but may not have the space for larger skylights. They are typically the cheapest alternative. However, they do not provide any air flow nor a view to the outside.
4. Custom skylights: Custom skylights are made to fit your exact specifications, allowing for unique shapes and sizes. A variety of special tints and glass finishes are available. They are perfect for adding an artistic touch to your porch while still providing natural light and ventilation.
When choosing a skylight for your porch, it’s important to consider your specific needs. If ventilation is important, a vented skylight may be the best option. If space is limited, a tubular skylight may be a good choice. And if you want to add an artistic element to your porch, or want a very specific size, a custom skylight may be the way to go. Regardless of which type of skylight you choose, it’s important to ensure that it is properly installed and maintained. This will ensure that you can enjoy natural light and ventilation in your porch for years to come.
How to choose the right skylight for your porch
Choosing the right skylight for your porch can make all the difference in the amount of natural light and ventilation you get. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a skylight:
1. Purpose: What do you want to use your skylight for? If you’re primarily interested in natural ventilation, a venting skylight is your best option. However, if you want to maximize natural light, a fixed skylight will work better.
2. Size: The size of your skylight will depend on the size of your porch and your preferences. Keep in mind that larger skylights will provide more natural light but may also let in more heat. A smaller skylight may be more efficient at ventilating your space.
3. Orientation: Consider the orientation of your porch and the path of the sun. A south-facing skylight will provide the most natural light, while an east-facing skylight will be more effective at capturing morning sun.
4. Material: Skylights are available in a range of materials, including glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. Glass is the most durable and provides the best insulation, but is also the most expensive. Acrylic is cheaper and lighter, but may scratch more easily. Polycarbonate is the least expensive, but also the least durable. UV light will eventually make the plastic panes brittle and more prone to breaking, hazing and/or yellowing.
5. Installation: Make sure to choose a skylight that is designed for your porch’s roof pitch. The installation process will vary depending on the skylight you choose, so be sure to consult a professional before attempting installation yourself.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose a skylight that provides the perfect amount of natural light and ventilation for your porch, making it a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy all summer long.
Tips for maintaining and cleaning your skylights
Now that you have your skylights installed, it’s important to properly maintain and clean them to ensure they provide optimal natural ventilation and sunlight in your home. Here are some tips to keep your skylights in great condition:
1. Regularly clean your skylights: On lower pitched roofs, dirt and debris can accumulate on your skylights, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent to gently scrub away any grime. Be careful not to scratch the glass with any abrasive materials. With a steeper roof, glass skylights stay fairly clean, although an occasional cleaning is always nice!
2. Check for cracks or leaks: Plastic skylights can develop cracks over time, which can allow air and moisture to seep through. Inspect your skylights regularly to make sure there are no visible cracks. If you notice any leaks, it’s best to have them repaired immediately to avoid water damage in your home.
3. Clear away debris: Overhanging branches or leaves can obstruct your skylights and prevent sunlight from entering your home. Wet leaves and debris can freeze and heave against your skylight, which can create a leak. Keep surrounding trees trimmed back and clear any debris off of your skylights.
4. Hire a professional for deep cleaning: If your skylights have not been cleaned in a while or if they are difficult to reach, consider hiring a professional to do a deep cleaning. They can also inspect the skylights for any damage that may need repairing. By following these maintenance and cleaning tips, you can enjoy your skylights for many summers to come. Not only will they provide natural ventilation, but they can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
