What are the Benefits of Skylights?

Installing skylights in homes and buildings offers a range of benefits, making them a popular choice for enhancing natural light and improving indoor environments. Below is a summary of key reasons to consider installing skylights:

1. Increased Natural Light

• Brightens Spaces: Skylights introduce natural light into areas that might otherwise be poorly lit, such as rooms with few or no windows. This can make spaces feel more open and inviting.
• Reduced Dependence on Artificial Lighting: More daylight can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, potentially lowering electricity bills.
• Vertical Light Entry: Skylights can provide light from above, which can be particularly useful in rooms with limited wall space or in spaces that are not easily accessible for window installation.
• No Obstructions: They often allow for unobstructed light entry, reducing shadows and distributing light more evenly throughout the room.

2. Health and Well-being

• Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock and increases the production of serotonin, improving sleep patterns and overall well-being. Proper light exposure can also reduce the risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, typically in the winter months when natural light exposure is reduced.
• Mood Enhancement: Natural light is known to boost mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Productivity and Cognitive Function: Adequate natural light in work and living spaces is associated with increased productivity and improved cognitive function.

3. Energy Efficiency

• Reduced Heating Costs: Skylights can help with passive solar heating, allowing sunlight to warm a room naturally and reducing the need for heating systems.
• Improved Ventilation: Many skylights are operable, allowing for natural ventilation and reducing the need for air conditioning by letting hot air escape from the top of the room.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

• Architectural Interest: Skylights can enhance the architectural design of a home or building, adding a modern and stylish element.
• Enhanced Views: They offer views of the sky and surroundings that might not be visible from traditional windows, adding to the visual appeal.

5. Space Utilization

• Light in Unconventional Areas: Skylights can illuminate spaces where traditional windows are impractical, such as in rooms with slanted roofs, interior spaces, or rooms without exterior walls.
• Increased Perceived Space: Natural light can make spaces feel larger and more open, improving the overall ambiance.

6. Sustainable Design

• Eco-Friendly: By maximizing natural light, skylights help reduce reliance on artificial lighting and can contribute to more sustainable building practices.

7. Increased Property Value

• Market Appeal: Homes and buildings with well-designed skylights often have higher market appeal, which can potentially increase property value.

Further Reading
Click on the articles below for further reading. 

Bringing the Benefits of Natural Light Indoors: 
   

Further Readings for Architects and Designers: