With cold winters and strong sunlight, Pocatello’s climate makes skylights a great choice for homes here. Whether you have an old ranch home or a property in the newer subdivisions, skylights are a great way to enhance aesthetics and allow more sunlight during the colder months. Talk to the team of Nu Vu Glass – a company specializing in glass installations and windows in Pocatello, who can guide you on installation and options. In this guide, we will discuss some incredible details, such as pros, cons, installation, and beyond.

Types of Skylights

• Fixed Skylights: As the name suggests, these are fixed and don’t offer any ventilation. This is one of the best choices for hallways, living rooms, and other spaces where you don’t want increased airflow but do want more natural light.
• Operable Skylights: Also called ventilating skylights, they can be opened to release hot air or let natural air in. The options are particularly useful for attics, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Tubular: If you have narrow hallways and tight spaces where you would want light, tubular skylights are useful. These can be installed in spaces in closets and are available in both ventilating and fixed styles, although the latter is more common.
• Curb-Mounted: The frame installer is raised for these skylights, making them a great choice for low-slope roofs. There is also the option of deck-mounted ones with a lower profile and a roof attachment.

Why Consider Skylights in Pocatello?

Considering winters in Pocatello can be harsh, skylights allow you to get natural light and brighten up the interiors without relying extensively on lighting fixtures. If positioned accurately, skylights also add warmth from sunlight and reduce heating load. Operable models are also recommended for summer months when you want to let the hot air escape during the summer months. Many homeowners also prefer skylights as premium features to add aesthetic value to the property. Today, installers offer insulated glass and Low-E coatings, so if unwanted heat transfer is your concern, the installation can take care of all that.

Challenges of Skylights

South- or west-facing skylights can be a challenge in both summer and winter unless properly glazed. Also, the installation has to be done right, so a professional glass company is a must. Roof penetration comes with a few risks, and if the flashing isn’t done right, there could be issues like water damage. For selected homes, structural modifications may be necessary. Skylights tend to be more expensive than windows, so budget could be a factor for some homeowners.

Planning Skylight Installations

Installers will usually check the roof slope and all rooms to determine where skylights are more likely to help. South and east orientations are usually recommended for maximizing daylight, and it is critical to balance light and heat gain. The installation team can also guide on the permits required for roof penetrations and will ensure installations remain in sync with energy and structural codes.

The installation process involves removing shingles and cutting the openings, followed by adding headers and installing step flashing. Technicians will then install the skylights and double-check insulation and framing. If you are installing operable models, technicians will ensure that they work seamlessly. A second visit might be scheduled to find possible leaks and other concerns.

Glass Options for Pocatello Skylights

Talk to the installation service about glass choices. Double-glazed glass is your best pick for reducing heat transfer, while low-E coatings help reflect infrared heat. Tinted glass can be selected for reducing both heat gain and glare. For extreme durability, you can consider triple-pane glass.

Before signing the installation contract, ask your glass installer in Pocatello about how often you need to get the skylights checked by technicians.