Skylights 101: Everything to Know Before Buying

Skylights

When it comes to bringing sunlight indoors, skylights are one of the most stylish and functional options available. But before you cut a hole in your roof, it’s important to understand how skylights work and what to expect during installation.


Skylights come in a variety of styles, materials, and functionalities, each serving different purposes based on your home’s layout and your lifestyle needs.

Benefits of Skylights

 1. More Natural Light

The most obvious benefit—skylights bring in daylight from above, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.


 2. Energy Efficiency

Well-placed skylights can reduce your energy bill by decreasing the need for electric lights and improving passive solar heating in cooler months.


 3. Ventilation Options

Vented skylights can open to let in fresh air, helping regulate indoor temperature and reduce moisture buildup—especially in kitchens and bathrooms.


 4. Increased Home Value

Skylights are a desirable feature that can make your home more appealing to buyers, increasing resale value and curb appeal.

Types of Skylights


 Fixed Skylights

  • Do not open
  • Ideal for light-only purposes
  • Common in living rooms and hallways
Fixed Skylight

Vented Skylights

  • Available in manual or electronic versions
  • Great for kitchens, bathrooms, and attics
Vented Skylight

Sun Tunnels

  • Small, flexible tubes that direct light into tight spaces
  • Perfect for closets, pantries, and small hallways
Sun tunnel

 Fixed Skylights

  • Do not open
  • Ideal for light-only purposes
  • Common in living rooms and hallways
Fixed Skylight

Vented Skylights

  • Available in manual or electronic versions
  • Great for kitchens, bathrooms, and attics
Vented Skylight

Sun Tunnels

  • Small, flexible tubes that direct light into tight spaces
  • Perfect for closets, pantries, and small hallways
Sun tunnel

Curb-Mounted vs. Deck-Mounted

  • Curb-Mounted: Installed on a raised frame—ideal for roof retrofits.
  • Deck-Mounted: Flushed against the roof deck—provides a sleek look and better energy efficiency.
Curb mounted vs. deck mounted skylights

Best Skylight Brands

Velux Skylights Logo
Exarc Skylights Logo

Curb-Mounted vs. Deck-Mounted

  • Curb-Mounted: Installed on a raised frame—ideal for roof retrofits.
  • Deck-Mounted: Flushed against the roof deck—provides a sleek look and better energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Skylights are a straightforward way to bring natural light into your home. They're not a one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right placement and proper installation, they can make a big impact in both function and feel.


If you're considering one, take your time, explore the options, and make sure it fits your space and needs. Sometimes, adding a skylight is all it takes to change the way a room feels.

FAQ

Are Skylights Prone to Leaking?

If a skylights is installed correctly it can last for quite a long time but the life of your skylight depends on the quality of skylight, how well it is installed, and how well it is maintained.

How Long Does Skylight Installation Usually Take?

The length of time it takes to install a skylight hinges on a number of factors like whether it is just a retrofit or if a new hole needs to be made.  Typically a skylight installation ranges from half a day to a full day but if structural changes are needed in the roof it could take multiple days.

How Much Does Skylight Installation Cost?

Prices vary based on the skylight type, size, and installation complexity. On average, expect to spend a few thousand dollars on a skylight, including materials and labor. At Matt's Exteriors we offer free estimates to help you plan your budget.

The Matt's Exteriors logo

We are a Georgia based exterior remodeling company providing expert services for roof replacement, roof repair, gutters, siding, painting, windows, doors, and more around South Atlanta since 2007. Whether you're in Fayetteville, Newnan, Peachtree City, or beyond, we have your back! Learn more about our story here!

The Matt's Exteriors Logo

We are a Georgia based exterior remodeling company providing expert services for roof replacement, roof repair, gutters, siding, painting, windows, doors, and more around South Atlanta since 2007. Whether you're in Fayetteville, Newnan, Peachtree City, or beyond, we have your back! Learn more about our story here!

The Matt's Exteriors Logo

We are a Georgia based exterior remodeling company providing expert services for roof replacement, roof repair, gutters, siding, painting, windows, doors, and more around South Atlanta since 2007. Whether you're in Fayetteville, Newnan, Peachtree City, or beyond, we have your back! Learn more about our story here!

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