Are skylights a good idea?
Skylights can be beautiful as well as practical – but are they right for you? Let's weigh up the pros and cons.
When planning a home renovation or designing a new build, few features offer the transformative effect of a well-placed skylight.
Skylights can open up a space, flood it with natural light, and add architectural interest to otherwise plain ceilings. But as with any design decision, skylights come with both benefits and potential limitations.
So, are skylights a good idea? The short answer is "yes". For many homeowners, skylights can be an excellent addition, improving aesthetics, comfort and even property value. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
In this article, we explore the pros and cons of skylights, when they work best, and how our expert skylight installers can help you reap the benefits.
The benefits of skylights
1. Natural light and health benefits
One of the most compelling reasons to install a skylight is the increase in natural light. Unlike vertical windows, skylights allow sunlight to enter from above, providing more even illumination throughout the day. This has both practical and psychological benefits.
Numerous studies have shown that exposure to natural light improves mood, boosts productivity and helps regulate sleep cycles. In rooms where wall space for windows is limited – such as bathrooms, hallways or attic conversions – a skylight can be the perfect solution.
2. Energy efficiency and cost savings
A properly installed and energy-efficient skylight can reduce the need for artificial lighting, particularly in darker months. Calder Windows offers skylights with advanced thermal insulation, helping to minimise heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer.
Ventilated skylights also help regulate indoor temperature by allowing hot air to escape. This can result in lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint over time.
3. Aesthetic value
A skylight can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of a room. It can turn a cramped loft conversion into a cosy, light-filled retreat, or add a sense of openness to kitchens and living areas. The play of light and shadow from above adds architectural drama, especially in spaces with vaulted or sloped ceilings.
Calder Windows' wide range of skylights, including roof lanterns and flat rooflights, offers flexibility in design, helping homeowners achieve the exact look and function they desire.
4. Improved ventilation
Many modern skylights are operable, meaning they can be opened to allow fresh air to circulate. This is especially beneficial in humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms where moisture can accumulate. A skylight placed at a high point of a ceiling can act like a chimney, drawing warm, moist air upwards and out – a principle known as stack ventilation.
5. Increased property value
Natural light and attractive interior spaces are high on many buyers' wish lists. A well-installed skylight can make a home feel more inviting and spacious. As such, it may increase the perceived – and actual – value of a property. Features that improve sustainability and energy efficiency, like the skylights offered by Calder Windows, are particularly appealing in today's eco-conscious housing market.
Potential drawbacks of skylights
Despite their advantages, skylights are not suitable for every home or situation. It's important to be aware of potential downsides before making a decision.
1. Installation complexity
Installing a skylight involves cutting into the roof, which must be done with precision to avoid structural damage, leaks or insulation issues.
Poor installation can result in water ingress, mould growth or heat loss. That's why it's crucial to work with experienced professionals like Calder Windows. With more than 30 years of experience under our belts, we ensure installations are compliant with all building codes and manufacturer specifications.
2. Risk of leaks
One of the most common concerns homeowners have about skylights is the potential for leaks. This risk increases if the skylight is improperly installed or if the flashing (the waterproof barrier between the skylight and the roof) fails over time.
However, modern skylights are designed with advanced sealing systems and weather-resistant materials to drastically reduce this risk. With a high-quality skylight from a trusted installer, leaks should never be an issue.
3. Privacy concerns
While skylights are located on the roof and generally out of view, there may still be privacy concerns in densely built urban areas or multi-story dwellings. Some homeowners may feel exposed, especially in bathrooms or bedrooms.
In such cases, frosted glass or skylight blinds can offer a solution. Skylight blinds are typically made to measure and are operated manually (with a long-handle tool) or electronically (with a remote control).
4. Cost
Skylights tend to be more expensive than traditional windows, not just in terms of materials but also due to the specialised labour required for installation. While basic models are affordable, high-end, motorised, or custom skylights can be a significant investment.
However, when viewed as a long-term value-add – improving energy efficiency, aesthetics, and property value – the cost can be justified.
Here at Calder Windows, we work hard to keep our skylight installation costs affordable while delivering the very best in performance and aesthetics.
Conclusion: skylights are a bright idea – with the right installer on your side
Skylights can offer remarkable benefits—more natural light, improved ventilation, reduced energy bills and enhanced aesthetic appeal. When designed and installed correctly, they can add beauty, comfort and value to any home.
However, they are not without their challenges. Issues can arise if the skylight is poorly placed or installed. That's why it's essential to work with reputable providers like Calder Windows. We offer expertly designed products, professional installation and a 10-year warranty as standard.
So, are skylights a good idea? Absolutely – provided they are chosen with care and installed by trusted experts. With a trusted installer guiding the process, skylights can be one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home.
Are you looking for a trusted skylight company in West Yorkshire? Here at Calder Windows, we've been installing high-quality skylights for more than 30 years. It's quick and easy to request a quote online.
Get a FREE quote
Are you on the lookout for uPVC window fitters in Wakefield or West Yorkshire? With over 30 years' experience and an extensive range of uPVC windows, we can help. Request a quote today or apply for finance and spread the cost.