What are the Benefits of Skylights?

Installing skylights in homes and buildings offers a range of benefits, making them a popular choice for enhancing natural light and improving indoor environments. Below is a summary of key reasons to consider installing skylights:

1. Increased Natural Light

• Brightens Spaces: Skylights introduce natural light into areas that might otherwise be poorly lit, such as rooms with few or no windows. This can make spaces feel more open and inviting.
• Reduced Dependence on Artificial Lighting: More daylight can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, potentially lowering electricity bills.
• Vertical Light Entry: Skylights can provide light from above, which can be particularly useful in rooms with limited wall space or in spaces that are not easily accessible for window installation.
• No Obstructions: They often allow for unobstructed light entry, reducing shadows and distributing light more evenly throughout the room.

2. Health and Well-being

• Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock and increases the production of serotonin, improving sleep patterns and overall well-being. Proper light exposure can also reduce the risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, typically in the winter months when natural light exposure is reduced.
• Mood Enhancement: Natural light is known to boost mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Productivity and Cognitive Function: Adequate natural light in work and living spaces is associated with increased productivity and improved cognitive function.

3. Energy Efficiency

• Reduced Heating Costs: Skylights can help with passive solar heating, allowing sunlight to warm a room naturally and reducing the need for heating systems.
• Improved Ventilation: Many skylights are operable, allowing for natural ventilation and reducing the need for air conditioning by letting hot air escape from the top of the room.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

• Architectural Interest: Skylights can enhance the architectural design of a home or building, adding a modern and stylish element.
• Enhanced Views: They offer views of the sky and surroundings that might not be visible from traditional windows, adding to the visual appeal.

5. Space Utilization

• Light in Unconventional Areas: Skylights can illuminate spaces where traditional windows are impractical, such as in rooms with slanted roofs, interior spaces, or rooms without exterior walls.
• Increased Perceived Space: Natural light can make spaces feel larger and more open, improving the overall ambiance.

6. Sustainable Design

• Eco-Friendly: By maximizing natural light, skylights help reduce reliance on artificial lighting and can contribute to more sustainable building practices.

7. Increased Property Value

• Market Appeal: Homes and buildings with well-designed skylights often have higher market appeal, which can potentially increase property value.

Further Reading
Click on the articles below Bringing the Benefits of Natural Light Indoors and Further Readings for Architects and Designers.