You think it is nice. You want it. You get it. But will you regret it? Sometimes, we buy things simply because we think they are appealing, only to find out afterwards that it might have been better not buying them. When it comes to things involving the house, it is even more important for you to consider thoroughly before making your purchases as you do not want them to end up congesting your storage room.
Take for example a skylight. It is a unique and pretty installation that can differentiate your house from your neighbors’. You do not need it because your house will still be fine without it, yet you want to buy it as it will be a creative architectural addition. So, what now?
In order for you to better handle this dilemma, the following depicts 10 things that you should consider before you make your decision. By going through these points, you may have a clearer picture of what to expect when getting a skylight. If these expectations are acceptable to you, then you are less likely to regret getting one!
Do you want to pay more for better quality?
Although skylights are not cheap, you should refrain from saving on them. As they are going to be installed on the roof of your house, it is vital that you get good-quality ones – those that prevent water leakage, are resistant to wind and also provide good insulation. It is safer to choose an expensive and better skylight than opting for a cheaper, low-grade one. At the end of the day, buying a cheap and low-quality skylight will only stir up more mess and trouble for you.
Depending on your preferences, you may choose certain add-ons such as shades or UV coatings to further improve the quality of your skylights. There are also skylights that are made from sustainable materials and do not degrade over time, should you be particular about being environmentally-friendly.
Is there an appropriate place for it?
Be careful when planning where to put your skylight. There are structural beams at certain parts of your roof which you should never sacrifice just to make space for your new skylight. These beams outline your roof with the purpose of supporting your house. So if you want to install a skylight, make sure that it can be done while keeping the structural supports intact.
Will you be facing bad weather?
Do not be hasty to install your skylight even on a rainy day. It is never a good idea to do so because of the hole in your roof! Plan the right time to get those skylights on and avoid installing them during monsoon periods.
Are you afraid of heights?
Will you be able to climb up and down to place and clean your skylights? Are you afraid of climbing a ladder or positioning yourself on the roof? Unless you have a close kin who can do that for you, it is not advisable to get skylights if you cannot handle heights. There is no point in buying one if nobody is ever going to climb up to clean it anyway. At times, you will also need to climb up to reach the inside of your roof. For example, removing the sheathing and securing nails are fundamental steps in order to determine the placement of your skylights on the exterior.
If it is peanuts to you, ensure that you prepare a sturdy ladder and shoes with good traction. Having these things on hand will minimize the chances of falling by a considerable amount!
How angled is the slope of your roof?
It is best for you to know the angle of the slope of your roof for more ease during the installation process. Some flashing kits are made for specific slopes, thus understanding the degree of your slope will allow you to make better-informed choices.
Will you pay for add-ons?
Unfortunately, it is still all down to how much you are willing to spend. Even after you have installed your skylights, you should consider getting some add-ons. One example is waterproofing the flashing. It is a practical investment as skylights are heavily exposed to rain and snow. Waterproofing will help to channel rainfall and snow away from the opening and also prevent leakage.
You may also add insulation and drywall so as to reduce condensation. Another idea which you can consider is to opt for skylights with multiple capabilities. With the advancements in interior design and architecture nowadays, skylights are not merely windows on your ceilings. Some of them have the added advantage of ventilating your room or making your house more illuminated. Going for these new and improved skylights will better fulfill its purpose and function.
Skylights, albeit not an important need, may prove a creative and advantageous addition to your home. If you are accepting of all the considerations which are outlined above, then by all means, start spicing up your house! Of course, they are just guidelines to help you handle that dilemma better. At the end of the day, it really is up to you whether or not you should invest in one. It may be mentally-taxing sometimes, but what is important is that you can be satisfied with what you eventually get.