Disadvantages Of Skylights

Especially in Arizona, there are some major inconveniences when it comes to the installation of skylights. These disadvantages can range from heat gain all the way to increased costs.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Skylights?

There are five main disadvantages of installing skylights, including:

Heat Gain.
Heat Loss.
Interior Damage.
Cost Increases.
Limits On Usable Space.

Let’s take a look at the disadvantages and the impact they have on homeowners.

1. Heat Gain

U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and R-values should all be used to calculate and determine energy efficiency, according to Energy Vanguard. Simply put, this means that since a skylight is less insulated than the average wall or roof, adding in the extra sunlight, skylights make a room hotter. The U-Factor is a calculation used to determine how much heat loss occurs. For example, a window with a lower U-Factor will translate to a better-insulated window. R-values are used to calculate insulation in other areas of the home. Essentially, the higher the R-value, the greater the amount of insulation. Check out the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for the latest information.

2. Heat Loss

Cold air will seep in a lot easier with skylights since it does not conduct the same way as a wall or ceiling constructed of wood or concrete. It is then recommended to use a skylight that has insulation, as well as being thermally broken. This means all the hardware inside the skylight is not connected to the hardware on the outside of the skylight. One more option would include reducing heat loss by applying a film to the skylight. This would reduce solar radiation. Solar tubes, meanwhile, will not contribute to any heat loss.

3. Interior Damage

Because skylights can be larger than the average window, it can let in more sunlight which can cause materials like wood and fabric to fade. An improperly installed skylight can lead to leaking which causes water damage to household items. Whenever an accident like this occurs, it’s best to speak to an insurance agent to ensure your policy covers damages caused by improper installation of a skylight.

4. Cost Increases

Skylights are considered “year-round energy losers”, because a well-insulated skylight will actually lose more heat during colder winter months, according to SFGate. Warmer summer months will feature higher temperatures due to the increase in SHCG and overall sunlight. SHGC is a measure of how much direct sunlight translated into solar heat is gained and eventually trapped by a window or window frame. This will raise the temperature of the room.

5. Limits On Usable Space

Skylights will limit the amount of roof space when installed. This roof space can be used for equipment like back up generators or air conditioners. A residential building may not have any issues with skylight installation since most equipment can be gathered at ground level. A commercial roof, though, is not the same since there may be multiple tenants currently in the building. This makes rooftop real estate more of a factor, and can lead to an increase in accidents by roofing crews working on skylights or other areas of the roof.

Solar Tube Installation In The East Valley

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