Skylights for ventilation

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Skylights are a beautiful and cost effective way to add light to any room, and in fact they provide up to thirty percent more natural light than vertical windows. In addition to being an economically sound method of lighting, skylights can be used to provide ventilation as well. While the glass in most skylights is protected with a Low-E coating to reduce the transfer of heat, the various ventilation methods and capabilities of many skylights further cool the indoor environment by providing fresh air while at the same time removing pollution and moisture. Here are some things to consider in regards to the use of skylights for ventilation.

Cooling and Cleaning, How It Works

Wind driven skylights use the motion of the outside air against the ventilator to produce a continuous exhaust of warm air from the home. As most of us are aware, hot air rises and brings with it contaminants and odors. As it reaches the skylight, the radiant air escapes through airflow soffet vents, which are adjustable to provide controlled ventilation. This method of ventilation is perhaps the most cost effective as no electricity is required.

Many skylights have fans run by a motor that work to expel the hot air in the home. These motors are powered either by conventional electricity, which can be expensive or through the more economical use of solar panels. These panels harness the power of the sun into a solar collector, which in turn operates the fan.

Different Skylights For Different Purposes

One of the newest technologies available in the use of skylights for ventilation is tubular skylights. These tubes light the home by capturing sunlight on the building roof and redirecting it down a shaft, which diffuses the light throughout the space below. These effective skylights come in sizes small enough to be used in areas of the home such as closets and the smallest of bathrooms. Ventilation occurs when the air is expelled either through the eave, directly out a separate vent in the roof or through a concealed section of the ceiling ring, separate from the light source. Tubular skylights use whirly vents, which constantly circulate the air in the ceiling cavity. As the hot air rises, the ventilator spins, pumping the hot air out which in turn, keeps the temperature down and distributes dry air inside the home. ~Skylights for ventilation are easily installed and can be built into new construction, as part of a renovation or to replace existing skylights. They are economically sound, providing minimal heat loss in the winter and less generation of heat in the summer. Roof ventilation reduces the amount of heat in the roof cavity, which makes any home or building more comfortable. Room ventilation also works to reduce odors and pollution in the air, as well as to reduce moisture and replace it with fresh natural air allowing for the reduction of allergens and conditions such as asthma. Bathrooms and kitchens are ideal areas of the home to install skylights for ventilation as moisture in these areas can cause unwanted problems such as the growth of mould and mildew.

Skylights for ventilation come with several options such as motorized openings or manual hand cranks and fitted insect screens which can be easily removed for cleaning. In addition, ventilating skylights include splash covers on the outside of the ventilation equipment to prevent rain and debris from entering the home. Many come with a temperature sensor and run automatically depending on the information received by the computer. Manual options are also available and can be powered with an electric on/off switch or a remote control.

Installing skylights for ventilation is a beautiful and economic way to provide natural light and ventilation to any home or business.Skylights for ventilation are easily installed and can be built into new construction, as part of a renovation or to replace existing skylights. They are economically sound, providing minimal heat loss in the winter and less generation of heat in the summer. Roof ventilation reduces the amount of heat in the roof cavity, which makes any home or building more comfortable. Room ventilation also works to reduce odors and pollution in the air, as well as to reduce moisture and replace it with fresh natural air allowing for the reduction of allergens and conditions such as asthma. Bathrooms and kitchens are ideal areas of the home to install skylights for ventilation as moisture in these areas can cause unwanted problems such as the growth of mould and mildew.

Installing skylights for ventilation is a beautiful and economic way to provide natural light and ventilation to any home or business.