Orlando Homes

Skylights Part I

Skylights allow natural light to brighten your home. They give the room a feeling of spaciousness and warmth. With proper installation, they can minimize the need for artificial lighting and reduce gas and electric bills.

In addition, there are health benefits which come from natural light. The human body needs a certain amount of natural light to function properly. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin can be negatively affected without it. Our bodies were not designed to be under fluorescent lighting. With skylights, up to 30% more light is provided than from regular vertical windows. In addition to health benefits, the extra light makes the room seem bigger in size.

A skylight is like a regular window but is specially placed in the roof. Its frame will withstand snow and rain. The positioning maximizes the skylight’s use of natural light in illuminating the room. In addition, the location will affect its solar heating potential.

Depending on the direction it faces, the skylight will provide different effects. If facing the north, there will be constant illumination but little heat. The east will provide sun and heat in the morning, and the west will provide these in the afternoon. By facing south, the greatest amount of solar heat will be available during the winter. However, it will also allow heat gain in the summer. To minimize the heat gain, install the south facing skylight in the shade of deciduous trees. Also, a cover can be added to the window to reduce unwanted heat.

If you are looking to build a Orlando custom home, Contact BRC Homes at 352-383-1948 today.