Passive House and Energy Efficient Windows Offer

Here at OPEN AWD, we are increasingly aware of the fact that global warming is quickly becoming everyone’s problem. As sellers of windows and doors, we realize the difference we can make is limited. However, we are constantly trying to find new ways to help you make your home more energy efficient and sustainable. This is why we are excited to introduce you to our new range of Passive House windows and doors. For a limited time only, we are offering a 50% discount on certain windows from our Passive House-certified range. If you don’t already know about what the Passive House concept could mean for your home and the environment, we have put together some useful information on it below.

What is Passive House?

Passive House is a building standard that promotes thermally and energy efficient homes. Created in Germany at the end of the twentieth century, the Passive House concept has since become the global standard in sustainable design and energy efficiency. Through a combination of extensive insulation, thermally broken, airtight windows and doors, and an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system, your home’s heating and cooling needs can be reduced by up to 90%. The result produces a home which is extremely cost effective and whose temperature is highly regulated.

The idea behind Passive Homes is simple: achieve the maximum amount energy for the least amount effort or cost. Then, energy within the home is maintained through insulation and an ERV system. Installing passive house-certified windows is a great starting point to cut down on your energy bills.

What Makes a Passive House Different from a Standard Building?

Why Do Standard Buildings Use So Much Energy?

Most homes are fitted with heating, ventilation, and air condition units (HVAC) which are used to heat and cool their home. As your home’s internal temperature fluctuates, your ventilation and cooling systems kick in, overcompensating for the temperature change by stabilizing it. Constant heating or cooling can result in significant energy expenses.

Some of the primary reasons for high energy costs are:

Non-airtight Windows and Doors
Insufficient Insulation
Open Fireplaces
Minor Cracks in the Building

This means that the average home uses uses most of the energy spent heating or cooling it very inefficiently. These HVAC systems are costly and represent an average of 40% of most people’s home energy bills.

How Do Passive Houses Work?

Passive Houses, on the other hand, retain all of this energy for three reasons:

Excellent, Airtight Windows and Doors
Continuous Insulation
Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Systems.

Of these three, the single most important factor is airtight windows and doors. While ERV systems and proper insulation are important, airtight, thermally broken, triple-glazed, argon-filled windows and doors are the single most important step towards making your home Passive House-certified.

Frankly, windows will represent the biggest part of your investment in making your home Passive House-certified, but no other investment in your home will result in a greater return.

Why Choose Passive House Design?

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Firstly, passive houses have a significantly smaller carbon footprint than standard homes. Accordingly, passive houses, on average, use 1.5l of oil (1.5m3) per square meter of space over the course of an entire year. This equates to spending 90% less than the average homeowner spends to heat and cool their home.

Save Money

Lastly, it is also worth pointing out that energy efficient windows can save you money. In addition to making your home more energy efficient, Passive House-certified windows increase property value. As homeowners become more conscious of the environment, the desire for sustainable homes grow. This trend is already evident in New York City. More and more developers and homeowners here are seeking to future-proof their homes.

Our Offer

At OPEN AWD, we have been providing the most energy efficient and innovative windows the industry has to offer for over a decade. This is why we would like to help you on your journey toward making your own home more efficient and sustainable.

We are offering thermally broken, triple-glazed, argon-filled windows at a 50% discount for a limited time only. This applies to 3” x 5” ($550 Fixed; $900 Operable) and 3’6” x 6” ($650 Fixed; $990 Operable). This does not include tax or shipping costs.

The offer is available until December 1 and applies to all of our customers. If you are interested, please contact us at info@openawd.com today. Someone from our team would be happy to discuss your options with you.

For more information on Passive House, please refer to the New York Passive House society, or this recent article about a recent Passive House remodel in Brooklyn.

oversized igu jumbo glass installation 3

Everything You Need to Know About Glass Types and Performance Ratings

When people first began putting single panes of glass in windows almost two thousand years ago, they performed the relatively simple task of keeping the inside of homes wind and rain free. Fast forward to today and advances in technology have meant that glass can be manipulated and customized to be more efficient, retain more heat, better soundproofed, as well as being an effective way of keeping intruders out of your home. All of these things are done via a combination of more efficient manufacturing processes, coatings, gases, better-constructed IGUs, and higher-performing glass.

If you’ve ever wondered about glass types or performance ratings, we’re going to explain them to you in plain language in the hope that you will have a better understanding of exactly the kind of glass you need for your windows and doors. We know that when you begin looking into it, it can be difficult to know that you are choosing windows and doors which not only look good, but perform well over time. Should I choose double or triple glazing? High or low U-Value? Tempered, laminated, or impact-resistant? Do I need to consider Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?

As purveyors of high-quality windows and doors, we thought we could share a little of our expertise with you. Our article will explain in plain language some of these essential questions for you and give you a better understanding of what you need for your home.

Understanding Glass Performance

First, there are some ideas and principles that you’ll need to have a working idea of. These will help you better understand what type of glass might be suitable for your environment and climate.

U Factor

U-Factor (also known as U-Value) is one of the most important aspects of choosing windows and doors. It measures how effectively a window can retain heat inside a home and reduce heat loss. The lower the number, the more heat it retains. So, a window with a U-Factor of 0.20 will retain heat better than one with a value of 0.5. The climate you live in plays a very big role in determining the U-Factor you’ll need your windows to have. More on this below.

Windows have an enormous effect on a wall’s R-Value. R-Value is the rate at which a material resists heat passing through it. A high R-Value means the material (e.g. insulation) is effective at resisting heat flow. As you can see from the diagram, windows with a lower U-Factor can dramatically increase a wall’s R-Value

Solar Heat Gain, Visibility Transmittance, and Gases

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is simply the amount of heat that enters a home via its windows. Most of this heat will be natural heat (radiation) from the sun. The lower the number, the less heat it lets in. Conversely, windows with a high SHGC level will allow more heat into the home.

Visibility Transmittance is a scale which helps determine how clear the glass is. This can be affected by things such as Low-E coatings (more on these below), which slightly reduce clarity. For more information on this, you can read about it on the Department of Energy website.

Though not strictly a feature of glass, Gases play a very important role in the overall performance of windows and doors. Traditionally, the space between panes of glass was left empty. However, advances in technology have shown certain gases (which can be denser than air) can actually reduce heat loss in your home.

The most commonly-used gases are argon and krypton. Of those, the most widely used gas is argon. Argon has been shown to significantly reduce unwanted heat loss. Argon has a thermal conductivity rate 67% lower than air. In windows which have been filled with argon, argon usually makes up roughly 95% or more, with air usually comprising 5% or less.

Choosing The Right Glass Type For You

Despite what you might want out of a window, there are several important factors which you need to address. Some of these factors are more or less out of your control. The most important factor here is what kind of climate you live in. If you live in a very cold climate, for example, you should consider investing in windows that will minimize heat loss and increase the amount of heat that can enter your home. What this means, then, is you want a lower U-Factor and a higher SHGC. In warmer climates, this means that you would be better off with windows that have a higher U-Factor and a lower SHGC.

Regardless of your climate, however, everybody should consider investing in high-quality, well-made windows. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems represents a whopping 40% of the average homeowner’s energy bills. This is a huge proportion and investing in more efficient windows will drastically cut this.

How Many Panes?

It should go without saying that two panes are better than one. Single glazed windows arose out of necessity but, over the course of the past century, have been largely replaced by more efficient, double-glazed windows. Modern and more scientific methods for manufacturing glass and window frames have meant that windows can actually bear more weight but have even smaller frames, which is what most people want.

Triple-glazed windows are, of course, even better again. People living in colder climates with harsh winters, in particular, should strongly consider investing in. More glazing will add more weight to the windows, provide another layer to be filled with argon gas, and another opportunity for more Low-E coating. Each of these aspects will dramatically improve its overall thermal efficiency.

A third layer of glazing will also significantly reduce the amount of condensation on the inside of your windows. It will act as a more effective barrier against noise pollution, which is particularly important in built-up and urban areas.

Low-E Coatings

Although natural sunlight can bring in some much sought after sunlight and heat, it also brings in ultraviolet rays which cause floors, walls, and fabrics (sofas; cushions etc.) to fade over time. These rays also can cause harm to our skin. To combat this, microscopically-thin, completely see-through, metal coatings were created to lessen the impact of this. Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings use silver to reflect heat. In summer, it reflects the heat entering a house; in winter, it reflects the heat leaving. In essence, it functions very similarly to a thermos (which often contains silver)–it allows you to maintain the desired temperature inside. Warm when you want it to be warm; cold when you need it to be cold.

Within Low-E coatings, there are a number of different ways to adjust the amount of heat which passes through your windows. This can be achieved by adding additional layers or by altering which panels are coated. The level of protection you need will depend on your environment and whether or not your house is in the shade.

Styles

There are many different window styles available. Each style comes with its own unique benefits. Some styles will suit more traditional homes better; whereas others will be more at home on more modern and contemporary buildings.

As you’ll see from the pictures below, choosing ultra-slim profile windows will ultimately have quite a different impact on your facade than choosing slightly thicker, more traditional ones.

There has been a trend towards more slimline windows in recent years. In our experience, this is a trend which has increased year on year. As a result of this, muntins—which were historically used as structural components to divide panels of glass within a window—have become slimmer.

Pictured from left to right: Vanderbilt Avenue, The Fitzroy, and 10 Greene St. Open Architectural Windows and Doors worked closely with the architects to come up with windows and muntins which reflected a holistic design aesthetic.

Windows with functioning muntins in them are known as authentic divided lites. Muntins were originally a practical solution. However, as technology advanced, and the materials for window frames become stronger and efficient, it was unnecessary to actually use multiple glass panels. Instead, it became possible to use one, large glass panel. To recreate the same aesthetic effect of divided lites, simulated divided lites were created. These rest on the window and look almost completely identical to true divided lites. However, they don’t form a structural part of the window.

Another types, although less popular, is grille-between-the-bars. This type features an internal, between the panes. This creates a similar look to muntins, but these windows will be particularly easy to clean.

In some cases, people want windows which don’t have muntins. The benefit of this, of course, is unobstructed views. You must also remember that windows aren’t just how you see the world–they’re how the world sees you. Windows do make a difference to your home’s facade, so spend some time thinking about which would suit yours best.

For a more on the specific types of windows styles available ( Double-Hung, Tilt and Turn etc.,) please click here.

Soundproofing

Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings are the measure by which we determine how something—in this case a window or a door—stops the flow of sound. When choosing windows for your home, it is important to take several things into consideration. For people whose homes are within earshot of traffic, car horns, low-flying airplanes, sirens, construction noise, or even loud neighbors, your home will be subject to much low-frequency (i.e. loud noises from a distance).

Many windows are unable to withstand such low-frequency noise. If that’s the case, then your window might only let it unwanted noise, but could also cause vibrations, too. In this instance, you would need a lower STC rating. When choosing windows, it is important to discuss your needs with whomever is designing and installing your windows. Moreover, you should consider windows which have additional coatings and layers. This will ensure optimum sound-proofing.

For more on this, see this article.

Safety and Security

There are a variety of different glazing options available which will add additional safety and security to your home. The most important of these are laminated and tempered glass.

Laminated glass is glass which has a very high breaking point. In fact, even after repeated heavy blows, the glass will not smash and shatter. Polyvinyl butyral, which is a strong resin, is used to bind tempered glass glass together to create a glass which is highly durable. It is often used in anti-burglary windows. Anti-burglary glass has a ranking system it uses to measure a window’s security. This is called its Resistance Class (RC) rating and it is graded from 1 (least secure) to 6 (most secure).

Tempered glass is up to four times stronger than regular glass. Unlike regular glass, it doesn’t crack. It smashes into very fine, granular pieces. This means that it is much less likely to cause damage if it shatters. Tempered glass is important for wherever there is a significant risk of someone falling—such as a shower, for example.

If you live in a coastal area, or an area in which you are at risk of storms or stormy weather, impact resistant glass is something you should consider for your home. Debris and other flying objects can cause serious harm and do serious damage if they make contact with windows. Impact resistant glass contains laminated glass but will often also be tempered. Windows with this of kind of glass, designed specifically for high-risk environments, will also need more robust frames also for the necessary strength.

In terms of Decorative glass, tinted and frosted glass are popular choices for some. They are particularly popular choices for bathrooms, studies, or any room in which privacy (and light) is important. These types of glass can also add a flourish to doors.

Once You’ve Chosen Your Glass

To be clear, having double or triple glazed, thermally-broken windows, Low-E coatings, well-constructed IGUs, are very important factors when it comes to windows. However, it is imperative that you have licensed and certified specialists install your windows. This will ensure that they are properly installed and completely airtight, windproof, leakproof, and that there is sufficient weather-stripping.

Similarly, it is equally important that your home’s insulation be as thorough as possible. Good windows can only be effective with good insulation, and vice versa.

Contact Us

If you’d like to discuss this further, and learn more about the ideal type of windows for your environment, we’d be happy to give you a free consultation. Just give us a call on 929-202-2558 or email us at info@openawd.com and someone from our team will be in touch.

Skylights: How One Window Can Transform Your Space

Here at Open Architectural Windows and Doors, providing our customers with premium quality windows and doors has always been our top priority. As a result of this, we are always trying to improve the range of products we offer to our customers. Over the years, we have designed custom-made skylight units for some of the many unique projects we worked on. After many requests from architects, contractors, and homeowners, we have decided to make skylights available to all of our customers.

There are many reasons why skylights are beloved by architects and homeowners alike. Not only do skylights receive up to three times more sunlight than windows, skylights can drastically improve the aesthetics of a space, reducing the need for artificial light. Skylights offer views of the sky, impressive both during the day and at night. They completely redefine the aesthetics of a space and contribute positively to the resale value of a property. But, when it comes to skylights, it’s important to choose the right size and style for your home. We’ve put together a short read on how to know what type of skylight would be best for you and your home, as well as some points on why they’re so well-liked.

The Unique Advantages of Skylights

It’s a simple fact that not every room in a house will be designed to receive maximum sunlight. Perhaps your home or apartment is north-facing and receives very little sunlight. Skylights are a great way to add additional light into your home by capitalizing on overhead sunlight. Even if your home does get sunlight, inserting a skylight into the roof of a house can still significantly brighten up any space.

Skylights come in various shapes and sizes and are available for both pitched and flat roofs. Choosing the right one will depend on your space and how much light you would like to bring in. They’re almost one of the most ‘green’ ways to bring in natural light.

Skylights can be an excellent addition to landmark homes. Because they are governed by stricter guidelines, landmark homes can greatly benefit from skylights which can easily be custom-made to suit any unique property. Skylights can completely re-frame a space and give it a new lease of life.

The standard skylight, which is usually a single-operable window unit, is the kind most commonly seen in houses through the US and Europe. These come in fixed and operable varieties. That being said, skylights can be custom-made to suit your space and needs. For example, Open AWD designed this oversized, walkable skylight for a luxury apartment in Tribeca, Manhattan.

Walkable skylights are also popular. They are made out of laminated and tempered glass, meaning that they can withstand considerable weight loads. You can find out more about this and your other options below.

Completely Customizable Skylights

At Open AWD, all of our windows and doors are custom-made to suit our customers’ needs. The same goes for our skylights. Whether it’s to be the extravagant centre-piece of your living room, or simply to brighten up a hallway or a converted attic space, we can provide you with the skylight for your needs.

There is also the option to have manual or remote-controlled, room-darkening or light-filtering blinds available for these types of models. This gives you complete control over how much sunlight can enter the home. Because heat travels upwards, this is perfect in summer, when sometimes you can open a skylight to allow warm heat to escape. With the blinds pulled down, you can minimize excess radiant solar heat entering the home. Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings can be added to the windows to decrease the amount of sunlight and glare that can enter a room. This is particularly helpful during the warmer months.

Motorized versions of our skylights are also available.

The Benefits of Natural Light

There are many known benefits of natural light. The most obvious of these benefits is that you can fill your home with natural light, which has a more pleasant effect than artificial light. Because they are incorporated overhead into the roof of your home, skylights will naturally allow more light into a room throughout the day than standard windows. This is particularly helpful in the colder months, when there is less available light. Skylights help you to maximize any room’s exposure to sunlight.

Another less obvious benefit of increased amounts of natural light is its health benefits. Decreased exposure to natural light corresponds with lower levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies that can be counteracted by getting enough sunlight.

This is particularly important during the winter when it gets dark quicker. Studies have shown that more natural light can increase the amount of serotonin in the body and combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Skylights are another way to bring light into your home and decrease the amount of artificial lighting.

Energy Costs

Although it may seem negligible, skylights can positively impact your energy costs. Because they face upwards, skylights can get up to three times more direct sunlight than standard windows. The heat which enters a home via its windows and doors is known as solar radiation. It is either transmitted directly and/or absorbed, before being released as heat inside a home.

Even just one skylight in one of the main rooms of the house–the living room, kitchen, or master bedroom–can almost significantly cut down on the use of artificial lighting in those spaces. This means you can lower the thermostat and enjoy all of the benefits of natural light.

The amount of radiant heat you will need your windows to take in or keep out will largely depend on your house’s relation to the sun. South-facing windows will bring in a lot of sunlight in the winter months, significantly warming up a space. On the other hand, they might take in too much heat during the summer months. In those instances, blinds can be used to reduce the amount of sunlight and heat which enter the home.

Skylight Case Studies

We have designed several skylights–some of which were walkable skylights–for various high-value projects. Take, for example, The Fitzroy in Manhattan’s fashionable Chelsea neighborhood. The development contains fourteen bespoke apartments, for which we designed a series of custom-made, bronze copper-clad windows and doors. For 10 Greene, located in SoHo, we designed a unique, walkable skylight on the roof using tempered and laminated glass. All of these were installed by a licensed and certified installation team. You can see progress pictures of these below.

Skylights which we designed for The Fitzroy in Chelsea, Manhattan. Learn more about the process here.

Two skylights which we designed for 10 Greene in SoHo’s Cast Iron District in Manhattan. Learn more about the process here.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more about skylights, and which type might be best for your project, contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at 929-203-4989, or email us at info@openawd.com and someone from our team would be happy to discuss this with you.

Choosing The Right Doors For Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to transforming your living space, we often consider the interior design, furniture, and color schemes for a change. Interestingly, the importance of choosing the right doors is an aspect that is sometimes overlooked. Beyond mere functionality, doors contribute significantly to your home’s overall appeal, security, and energy efficiency.

Whether you are building a new home or giving your existing space a fresh makeover, the decision to choose the right doors demands thoughtful consideration. If you are someone struggling to do so, follow these tips to choose the right doors.

Tips For Choosing The Right Doors For Your Home

Door Purpose and Functionality

Choosing the right doors starts with understanding the door location, and where they will go – outside, inside, on the patio, or in the bathroom. Each place has different needs – like weather resistance for outside doors and style for inside ones. Please keep it simple: sturdy for the outside, stylish from the inside, to make your doors do their job, add a nice touch to your home, and do not need door replacement for many years.

Door Materials

Doors come in different types and materials, each with its pros and cons. Here are some common ones you must consider while choosing the right doors:

Steel: Super secure and energy efficient. They are often used as folding doors for their strength and resistance to break-ins.
Aluminum: High durability and low maintenance. They can look like steel but offer better insulation and resist the elements well.

Glass: Think Frech or sliding doors. They bring in lots of natural light, blurring the lines between inside and outside. However, privacy and security could be concerns.
Woods: Classic and warm, great for traditional homes. They might need more attention to protect against weather and termites.

Door Style & Design

When it comes to choosing the right doors, you have a variety of styles to consider, each offering a unique touch to your home. Learn about the types of doors:

Entry : A classic choice for main entrances, providing a traditional and elegant look.
French : Double doors that add a touch of sophistication and openness, often with glass panels for a more spacious feel.
Balcony : Ideal for connecting indoor spaces with a balcony, offering a seamless transition between inside and outside.
Doors with Sidelites : Doors with additional glass panels on the sides, allowing more natural light to enter and enhance the overall aesthetics.
Doors with Transoms : Horizontal windows above the Door add an extra element of design and light to the entryway.
Arched : Doors with an arched top for a more distinctive and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Sliding: Perfect for space efficiency, sliding doors are a modern and sleek option, often used for patio entrances.
Folding: Doors that fold and stack neatly to the side, providing a wide and open passage when needed.
Pivot: A contemporary selection of doors where the Door rotates on a pivot hinge, creating a striking and modern look.

Apart from these, it considers factors like the color scheme and your taste, as you do not go for door upgrades regularly. Whether you lean towards a modern, traditional, contemporary, or minimalist aesthetic, choose wisely. Moreover, pay attention to finer details such as panel designs, decorative glass inserts, and hardware finishes, as these can significantly influence the overall appearance of your doors.

Door Maintenance

Maintenance is a key factor to consider when choosing the right doors, as different materials demand varying levels of care. Wood doors often require periodic staining or painting to keep them looking their best, whereas fiberglass and steel doors typically need less maintenance.

It is crucial to choose a door that aligns with your maintenance preferences, ensuring that it stays in good condition.

Door Energy Efficiency

Opting for energy-efficient doors not only enhances your home’s comfort but can also lead to reduced energy bills with high performance. Keep an eye out for doors with solid insulation properties and high energy-efficient ratings. Features like weather stripping, double or triple glazing, and effective sealing play a crucial role in preventing drafts and minimizing heat loss.

Choosing the right doors with these energy-efficient attributes not only promotes a cozy living environment but also contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective home.

Door Security

When it comes to exterior doors, prioritizing security is crucial. Ensure your chosen doors boast robust frames, durable materials like steel or solid wood, and trustworthy locking mechanisms. Explore features such as multi-point locking systems and reinforced glass to fortify your home’s security.

By selecting doors with these security-enhancing attributes, you not only safeguard your property but also enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your home is well-protected against potential intruders.

Door Budget

When it comes to choosing the right door, it is crucial to establish a realistic budget. Consider that higher-quality materials and added features, such as decorative glass or custom designs, can raise the overall cost. Opting for a budget-friendly choice might be good. You must know door upgrading is not a daily task; it is a long-term investment in your comfort and security.

Does A Door Design Influence Your Home Experience?

Yes, the design of your Door can influence your overall lifestyle, and for this, you must refer to the door selection guide. Since homes are more than just spaces, they need to be comfortable and cozy, shaping our experiences through senses, moods, and movements.

Achieving a harmonious balance between the outdoors and indoors is important for a brighter interior, natural airflow, and accessibility – giving you perfect doors for your home.

Visual Appeal

The aesthetic of your home interior and exterior décor can play a vital role in your overall home appeal. An outdated or mismatched door design can detract from the beauty of your residence, creating a disappointing atmosphere. Your home is the extension of your mind and personality, and the right door design contributes positivity. Be conscious while door selections.

Harmony of Design

The door design with clean lines fosters spatial harmony and is a great combination with your ambiance. Consistency with the architectural style is essential for creating a sense of integrity in design. Opting for a door design that complements both interior and exterior décor style ensures a cohesive look.

Door Considerations for Maintenance

Traditional Doors needed more care and maintenance, and today, the body has enough time and patience to devote to these doors. Choose a door design that aligns with your lifestyle, saving both time and money in the long run. However, modern technology and innovative door designs that require minimal upkeep are available. To keep yourself away from regular problems, hire a renowned windows and doors replacement company.

Layout Optimization

The door installation of the easiest solutions directly influences the layout of a room. Different design door options offer various types of operations impacting the arrangement of your furniture and fixtures. Opt for a highly functional double-door design contributing to both spatial optimization and enhanced functionality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right doors for your home is beyond the realm of aesthetics, as there are various factors to consider. By referring to the above-mentioned door buying guide, we are sure you will choose the best door that not only elevates the visual appeal but also contributes to its overall value and comfort. Whether you expect a grand entrance or a sophisticated one, the Door you choose must meet your expectations as it is a one-time investment deal.

Add a Skylight to Increase Your Home’s Natural Light

Every one of us has wished our home could soak up more sunlight. Natural light does wonders for the vibe; it infuses a living space with warmth, vitality, and an undeniable sense of relaxation. But what if your place lacks big windows? Skylight Installation is the best way to increase natural light in the home.

They are not just design choices but are an investment for a better and sustainable lifestyle. If you are bored of the vibe at your home or have a sense of negativity, skylights can benefit you in mood enhancement, increase productivity and improve your sleep quality. In this article, we will explore everything about skylights.

What Is A Skylight?

A skylight is a window that hangs out on your roof, letting the sunlight stream right into your living space. It is a transparent or translucent slice in your ceilings. Skylights are usually made of materials like glass and acrylic. This innovative way to enhance natural light stands up to the weather while giving you an open view of the sky.

The roof skylight comes in different sizes, shapes, and functionalities. Some have different designs and shades, while some are fixed, keeping things steady, while others open for a breath of fresh air along with the sunshine. This is one of the most convenient ways to increase natural lighting in a home.

Types of Skylights to Increase Natural Light

When it comes to bringing the outdoors in and making a brighter home, skylights have various types, such as:

Fixed Skylight

These are fixed and don’t open. They’re great for bringing in consistent light and showcasing a clear view of the sky.

Operable Skylight

These can be opened to allow for natural ventilation, making them ideal for spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

Skylight Dome

These are unique architectural elements that are often used in commercial spaces and can provide a panoramic view of the sky with an improved mood.

Pyramid Skylight

These skylights feature a pyramid shape and are commonly used in modern architecture to create a striking visual impact.

Custom Skylight

These are skylights that can be tailored to specific sizes, shapes, and designs to complement the overall aesthetic and enhanced well-being of your home.

Tubular Skylight

These are compact and efficient skylights that use reflective tubes to channel sunlight into a room, also known as sun tunnel skylight. They are perfect for spaces where traditional skylight installation is not possible.

Curb Mounted Skylight

These are raised on frames (curb), a popular choice for low-slope rooms, providing proper drainage and preventing leaks.

Barrel Vault Skylight

These are curved shaped skylights, resembling an inverted barrel, ideal for grand entrances allowing a unique play of natural light.

Hallway Skylight

These are skylight design typically installed for dim areas; they transform corridors into well-lit, inviting spaces, bringing the outdoors into the heart of your home.

Double Skylight

These are usually placed side by side to maximize natural light influx, providing a balanced and symmetrical aesthetic. They are perfect for creating a bright and airy atmosphere in your architectural accent.

Common Skylight Installation Benefits

Here are some of the advantages of skylight installation you must consider:

1. Brightening Dark Spaces

Skylights work like magic wands to increase natural light in home. They bring in natural light, turning dim areas into bright, inviting spaces.

2. Versatile Installation

They are flexible and can easily be fitted into new houses being constructed or while remodeling old houses to boost your home’s natural lighting.

3. Suitable for Every Room

Skylight placement does not depend on location. You can install it in any bed room, roof above the stairs, bathrooms, kitchen, or even in your dining area for bringing natural light in.

4. Goodbye Artificial Lighting

With ample natural light pouring in, you might find yourself reduced reliance on artificial lighting, and switching to eco-friendly life with this method of energy savings.

5. Outdoor Vibes, Indoor Comfort

It’s like bringing the outdoors in. With a skylight, you will open feel the sunshine all day long, creating an atmosphere that is fresh, lively, and connected to the world beyond your walls.

6. Save Your Money

Unbelievably, more sunlight can reduce your power bill effectively. You can increase natural light in home and heat from the sun through the skylight.

7. Healthy And Fresh Air

Along with daylighting, skylights allow sunlight through the room to keep the space fresh and free from bacteria and fungus. You get the natural Vitamin D without getting tanned.

8. Spacious Living Appealing

Natural light has a way of making rooms feel larger and more visually pleasing. Skylight adds that touch of openness, making your space seem more expansive and welcoming.

Factors To Consider Before Installing A Skylight

If you are thinking of adding this design feature to your home, here are a few factors you should consider:

1. Roof’s Strength Matters

Check if your roof is up for carrying the load of skylight. The structural integrity needs a thumbs-up to handle the weight of your new skylight and keep leaks at bay.

2. Material Matters

Skylights can be crafted from glass, acrylic, or glazed molded units. The topcoat glazing offers further customization, ranging from clear and tinted glass to polycarbonate. This flexibility ensures improving natural lighting with skylights both practically and aesthetically.

3. Choose Your Direction

Which way should your skylight face be important to increase natural light in home. North means consistent light all day, the south get the most sunlight, the east is perfect for mornings, and the west captures that warm afternoon glow.

4. Orientation Dilemma

Sometimes, you can’t pick the direction. Skylight comes to the rescue with built-in shades. Remote-controlled and savvy, these shaded let you dictate how much light filters through and manage the temperature, irrespective of orientation and improve home lighting.

5. Size and Shape Tailored for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all in skylights. Pick the size and shape based on your room’s dimensions and how much light you’re aiming for. It’s all about customizing to fit your space and imitate spaciousness.

6. Blend with Your Style

Your home has its vibe, and your skylight should groove with it. Consider your home’s overall style and architecture to make sure your new addition blends seamlessly.

7. Integration with Design

Planning to increase natural light in home, isn’t just about where to put the skylight; it’s about how it fits into your design. Consider treatments like etched glass, stained glass, sandblasted glass, or molded poly sheets. These elements, coupled with frames, inject character into your skylight shades, making it an integral part of your space’s ambiance.

How To Maintain And Care For Skylight?

So, now that you are almost there to install the skylight and increase natural light in your home, you must know the ways to care for it later as well:

Dust, dirt, and debris happen. Give your skylight a regular wipe-down, inside and out. A mild soap or gentle glass cleaner and a soft, non-abrasive cloth are the best options to do this job.

Be kind to your skylight; harsh chemicals and abrasive materials are a no-go. Stick to the gentle side to avoid any scratches or damage to that clear view of the sky.

Keep an eye out for skylight maintenance. Regularly inspect your skylight for cracks, leaks, or any signs of wear and tear. Catching issues early means doing the skylight repair fast and keeping your skylight in top shape.

Your skylight’s durability extends to the roof around it. Clear away leaves, snow, or any debris that might be loitering. A clean surrounding area means a happy and undisturbed skylight. And if you want to stay assured for years, buy skylights from the best doors and windows company.

Look like you can imagine your Sundays at your sunnier, happier home. Do not wait further; get these innovative holes in the roof and book the ticket to a brighter, breezier life indoors.

Imagine waking up to a natural light, working in a sun-soaked space, and sleeping off under the star. Feels amazing, right? Upgrade with a skylight to increase natural light in your home, lift your mood, and watch yourself succeeding in your health, office, and mind.

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