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Aug 05 2014

Installing The Best Skylights For Your Attic Conversion

If you are looking for extra living space in your home, an attic conversion can be the best option. Most homeowners use the attic as a storage area but there are better ways to use this space. An attic conversion can be a great way to get an extra room while improving the value of your home. You can convert the space into an extra bedroom, a home office, entertainment room, or simply a lounge where you can relax and read. Renovating this space can be a fun project that will enhance your home.

The best thing about renovating the attic is that you do not have to build a new roof. You can maintain the current architecture or configuration, which means that you do not have to worry about altering the exterior look of the home. Before you embark on the renovation project, it is a good idea to get professional inspection. You need to know whether the space is suitable for the conversion. Determine how you want to use the space so that you can establish suitability.

Inspecting the insulation

Whatever you plan to do with the space, you have to think about the insulation. While it is true that attics usually have insulation, you will need some additional insulation when renovating this part of the house. Adding insulation to the roof and walls will help to reduce energy consumption in the entire home, which will save you money. Talk to an expert about your insulation needs and remember that you can get both beauty and function when improving this space.

Consider the ceiling height

When you are planning the attic renovation, you have to think about the ceiling height. This space will be determined by the roof frame design. The type of roof that you have will determine the best location for the skylights. Many homes have A-frame roofs that have a pitch from front to back leaving a peak in the middle. It is important to check the local building codes when planning the ceiling installation. The ceiling height will determine whether or not the space can be useable.

The light and ventilation

It is important to let in as much natural light as possible into the attic. You can do this by installing dormers with windows and installing skylights. The dormers will require rising of the roof and will result in more space and an airy or open feeling. A skylight or two can provide plenty of much needed natural light that will help to enhance the space. You may also need to install additional artificial lighting fixtures such as lamps and task lights.

Climate controlled space

To make sure that the space is comfortable, you need to make sure that it is climate controlled. Allowing plenty of fresh air to get in through the windows and skylights is the best way to ensure that the space remains comfortable. Effective air circulation is great when you want to prevent problems caused by moisture and humidity. This is especially great when you want to turn the space into a sleeping area. You can also extend the HVAC system and install ceiling fans if you require extra circulation.

Choosing the skylights

The best thing about installing skylights is the fact that you have a wide range of options to choose from. There are many products in the market and you can find the best size and design for your home. Skylights come in different shapes to complement any home architecture. You can bring in the light that you need in the home while making your space feel larger. The modern designs are easier to install and they enhance energy efficiency in the home.

The best model for your roof

Before you install a skylight, you need to consider your roof type so that you can get the style that works best. A skylight is not much of an issue on most roof types but if you have a trussed roof, it will require more work. Determine whether you want an open or fixed style skylight but if you want enhanced ventilation, a skylight that opens is a good option. You should, however, think about the operation when choosing this option. Think about thermal efficiency and UV radiation control features.

When choosing skylights, you need to determine whether you want plastic or glass units. There are many issues that go into making this decision and they include your budget, durability and installation needs. While the plastic units may be lighter and less costly, the glass models provide better insulation and they are usually more durable. Think about where you are installing the skylight and remember that there are different grades available, whether you choose plastic or glass. If you are installing a skylight in the attic bathroom, remember that condensation may be an issue and you need to enhance ventilation.

 

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