Calculating the right skylight size for your space depends on several factors like room size, purpose, roof pitch, and lighting needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you figure out the ideal skylight size:
Step 1: Determine Your Room Size
Measure the length and width of the room where you want to install the skylight.
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Example: Room is 15 feet long × 12 feet wide.
Step 2: Calculate the Room’s Floor Area
Multiply length × width.
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Example: 15 ft × 12 ft = 180 sq ft.
Step 3: Decide the Amount of Natural Light Needed
A common rule of thumb is that skylights should cover 5% to 15% of the floor area for adequate natural lighting.
Room Use | Recommended Skylight Area (% of floor area) |
---|---|
Bathrooms / closets | 5% to 8% |
Living rooms / kitchens | 10% to 15% |
Bedrooms | 8% to 12% |
Step 4: Calculate Skylight Area
Multiply floor area × desired percentage (as decimal).
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Example for living room (10%):
180 sq ft × 0.10 = 18 sq ft skylight area.
Step 5: Determine Skylight Dimensions
Choose dimensions that multiply to the required skylight area, keeping standard skylight sizes in mind.
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Example: 3 ft × 6 ft = 18 sq ft
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Or 4 ft × 4.5 ft = 18 sq ft
Additional Considerations
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Roof pitch: Steeper roofs may need slightly smaller skylights because they catch more sunlight.
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Orientation: South-facing roofs get more sun, so a smaller skylight may suffice.
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Ventilation: Consider if you want a vented skylight for airflow.
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Glazing type: Double-glazed or tinted skylights affect heat gain/loss and light diffusion.
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Building codes: Check local codes for maximum skylight size and installation requirements.
Summary Example
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Room: 15 ft × 12 ft (180 sq ft)
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Room type: Kitchen
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Skylight size: 10% of 180 = 18 sq ft
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Skylight dimensions: 3 ft × 6 ft
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