Tips to Get More Natural Light in your Home
When it comes to the design of interior spaces, lighting is one of the most important aspects to take into consideration. You need sufficient light in your home for safety purposes, but you also want to make sure that you make use of natural light when possible because it can have significant benefits on your mood and energy levels.
If you have a window in your home, you can take some simple steps to maximize the amount of natural light that enters the space. If there are plants, furniture, or other objects inside the room that block the view from the outside world like they should be, then you might need to shift things around in order to get rid of this problem and restore your view. It’s is also possible that the glass in your window needs cleaning, which would also reduce natural light flow into your home.
If you don’t have a window that lets in natural light, then you need to figure out other ways to get as much as possible. You should start by checking all of the light fixtures in your home to make sure that they are functional and provide sufficient lighting for the space. If the fixture is damaged, you need to get it repaired or replaced.
Skylights
You also might not be allowing natural light into your home through another source like skylights. Skylights give you great views of the sky, but they also let in a great deal of natural light. If you don’t have a skylight, then you might want to consider installing one.
1. Know Your Skylight Options
If you want to enjoy the benefits of natural lighting but don’t have much spare cash, then consider installing a tubular skylight in your attic. These skylights are very inexpensive compared to other options, but they also have their disadvantages. For instance, they can be difficult to clean (you may need a ladder), and you will lose the use of some attic space.
2. Attic Skylight Installation
If you want to get more natural light into your living spaces, then you will need to install a skylight that opens. These types of skylights are great for letting in the fresh air and reducing your carbon footprint. However, they can let in too much light if not installed properly or if not shaded by blinds or curtains. Therefore, you should always install the skylight with an operable cover.
That covers tubular skylights and fixed skylights, but what about a unit that is part of the roof itself? These types of skylights require professional installation and tend to be quite costly compared to other options. However, they also provide good insulation in winter and keep your house cool in the summer. If you want to get more natural light into your home, then a roof skylight may be the best choice for you.
Here are a few tips to think about when considering a roof skylight. Firstly, make sure that the skylight’s frame is strong enough to take the weight of snow in winter. Secondly, consider installing a skylight that opens, as it will let in more air and provide good insulation. Finally, ensure you design the roof properly; your skylight should be no more than 25% of your roof’s surface area and should sit at least 30 feet (9 meters) from the nearest tree branch.
3. Choosing the Right Skylight
There are many different skylights available, and choosing the right skylight for your home is important. Whether you choose tubular, fixed, or roof skylights, there are advantages and disadvantages to each type. If you want to save energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and get more natural light into your home, then skylights are an excellent choice.
With that said, it’s worth noting that there is no replacement for natural sunlight. If you want to enjoy the benefits of sunlight each day without using up all of your electricity or overheating your house, then you should consider installing a solar tube instead. Solar tubes are long, transparent tubes that double as vents. They bring sunlight in through the roof (like skylights) but do not let in any heat (unlike skylights).
The tips listed above provide an overview of some of the best ways to get more natural light into your home. Looking to buy or sell a home in the near future? Get guaranteed results with the #1 RE/MAX Team in Toronto & the GTA.* Contact Frank Leo & Associates for more information.