LET THE SUNSHINE IN
Orange County
Home,
July, 2005
Julie Bawden-Davis
 Few things bring out the beauty and
luster in home décor like natural
light. install a skylight and this window
to the universe is sure to brighten your
interior and improve ventilation.
"Skylights increase the value of
the home by adding a dramatic beauty
and magnitude to rooms," said Margarita
Hickerson, general manager for Skylights
Unlimited Inc., in Huntington Beach. "Skylights
allow you to bring light to areas that
are otherwise dark, and they add impact
to high-profile rooms throughout the
day and night."
Skylights also give you your own private
view of the world, said Joe Patrick,
product manager for Velux Skylights. "As
homes get larger, lots get smaller, and
many windows face surrounding houses.
Skylights give you an unobstructed view
of the sky."
Choose operable skylights and you also
enjoy increased ventilation and fresh
air.
"Skylights that can be opened allow
you to catch a Fresh ocean breeze, or
enjoy a cool autumn night," said
Patrick.
They have come a long way in recent
years. Acrylic skylights used to be the
norm, but glass is now the material of
choice, as it has a cleaner look, lasts
twice as long and conducts less heat.
Skylights also now offer a variety of
innovative high-tech features.
 "Operable skylight units have remote
controls," said Patrick. "We
also have a brand-new technology known
as electronic tinting, which allows you
at the push of a button to transform
your skylights from a dark state that
lets in only about 4 percent light, to
a clear state that allows in close to
60 percent light, and everything in between.
Today's electronic skylights also have
built-in rain sensors that will cause
the skylight to automatically close when
exposed to moisture."
There are remote-control shades and
blinds available for skylights, and you
can even operate the skylight and blinds
with the same remote. Shades can be placed
on the inside and outside of the home,
maximizing climate control and blocking
more light when desired.
Sun tunnels are another new technology
that is quickly gaining popularity.
These highly reflective metal tunnels
are designed to bring down concentrated
natural light into small dark spaces
such as center bathrooms and master closets.
"The natural light from a sun tunnel
enables you to differentiate between
your black and blue socks," said
Patrick.
PROPER PLACEMENT
When installing or replacing a skylight,
there are a few things to keep in mind.
Consider skylight location carefully.
When well-planned, skylights can complement
existing windows.
 "Daylight coming
into a space at two different angles
tends to brighten tile space without
glare and can really make a showcase
of a room," said
Patrick.
Avoid regretting your decision to install
a skylight by making sure you want light
where the skylight is going to be.
"Although
nighttime stars over your bed seem like
a great idea, you may not enjoy your
decision
the next morning when the sun comes
through," said Jim SchuItz, general
manager of Window & Door Design Center
in Irvine. "Sunshades will help
reduce the brightness, but if you like
sleeping in total darkness, then a skylight
in the bedroom may not be the best idea."
You can overdo it, agreed Hickerson. "Without
proper planning, you can create an uncomfortable
situation indoors that requires sunglasses,” she
said. "A consultation is very important
Skylights are a major addition to a home,
and it's important to plan well."
Quality of the skylights you choose
is also important, as is hiring a professional
installer "See that the individual
is certified in skylight installation," said
Hickerson. "An improperly installed
skylight can be a nightmare when it comes
to leakage. If you do have a problem,
minimize the damage by acting quickly
to get it repaired."
Julie Bawden-Davis is a freelance writer
based in Orange. She can be reached at
julie@juliebawdendavis.com |
