Skylights are specially designed window coverings that are used to allow more natural light or fresh air into a building. In this regard, there are a number of different types of skylights that can be opted for.  The type of a skylight to opt for is all a personal preference. However, some very good examples of skylights that a building owner can settle for include the pivoting and domed skylights.

Pivoting skylights

There are types of skylights that can be somewhat repositioned to allow for maximum passage of the available sunlight. Their basic design allows for ease of adjusting of the pivot angle making it possible to direct the preferred amount of light into the space. These types of skylights have been around for many years now, and have been used in both places of business and homes. Depending on the wishes of building owners or occupants, pivoting skylight can be adjusted to allow maximum amount of light in or to effectively balance the light to a desired level.

Construction

Pivoting skylights are composed of multiple panes which are connected by a frame made of strips of metal. Their construction may involve two or three large panes within a metal frame. They make use of highly damage resistant tempered glass, though there are some types today that make use of highly resistant fiberglass as well.  

Operation

The majority of pivoting skylights are operated via chains, hand cracks and pulleys, with modern varieties being motorized. The main reason why these skylights are preferred by a lot of homeowners is that they can be adjusted through a touch of a button. Some designs allow the user to program their movement into their operating system, efficiently achieving the pivot action in increments throughout the day.

Where are they used?

Pivoting skylights are mostly used in modern warehouses and loft apartments as an effective means of conserving energy. They are fairly easy to install and maintain, meaning that they are one design element that is likely to remain popular with building owners for many years to come.

Domed skylights

These are types of skylights that are distinguished by an oval shape that offer a number of merits over the flat versions of the same. They are generally considered to be easier to install and replace than flat skylights, more aesthetically pleasing and practical in regard to water shedding. Best of all, their manufacturers offer a number of different domed skylight versions at very affordable prices.

Like many types of skylights, domed skylights main function is to allow more natural light into a room though a window-like structure that is set high into the roof. They are considered more decorative by many people while still providing the same basic functionality.

Make of skylights

Domed skylights are mostly made of clear acrylic materials and for several good reasons. To start with, acrylic domes are lighter and therefore place less of a weight on the structure that supports the roof or ceiling. Secondly, acrylic is a more cost effective skylight building material compared to glass or any other construction material. Last but not the least, acrylic made skylights tends to hold up well in a majority of weather conditions just like those made of glass material. Best of all, acrylic skylights can be replaced with ease in case of issues.

Why settle for domed skylights and not any other?

Domed skylights offer a number of practical advantages that are not offered by a majority of other skylights, pivoting varieties included.  Their oval shapes allows for more natural light passage compared to what is allowed in by all others put together. Apart from this, due to their domed shape, shedding of water from the skylight itself is easier than in any other type of a skylight. This is especially advantageous where the roof is the flat shaped, meaning that it tends to allow a lot of water to stand stagnant after a downpour.  Best of all, this type of a skylight is quite easy to install and once installed, to maintain.

Critics and their doubts  

Critics of this design of skylights point to a number of issues that can arise, particularly if acrylic material is used. The cheaper varieties of acrylic have a tendency to yellow with age, a situation that interferes with the free flow of sunlight or natural light into the place they are installed in. Not only this, some types of domed skylights lose heat as fast as it is gained, something that leads to higher than normal cooling and heating costs.

All in all, the choice of which skylight between pivoting and domed to opt for is best left to the building owners. It should however be guided by what he is looking for when it come to the merits and demerits of choosing between the two.