In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about putting skylights, including the different types of skylights for bathrooms and their pros and cons.
Skylights can boost light and ventilation, prevent dampness and mold growth, lowering energy expenses, and eliminate the need for a bathroom fan. They are especially useful in bathrooms with no windows. Skylights might be ventilated, fixed, or tubular. Building codes govern installation.
Installing a skylight can be a difficult operation depending on where your bathroom is in your home’s architecture, the sort of roof you have, and other factors. Yet, this does not diminish the importance of installing one.
Let’s talk about bathrooms without windows. A skylight is more useful to install in these bathrooms, and it is usually the reason why people want to have one.
Skylight In Bathroom With No Windows – Benefits Of Adding Skylights To A Bathroom
Why replace the bathroom fan and duct system with a skylight?
Because a skylight can offer ventilation, installing one in a windowless bathroom can eliminate the need for a bathroom fan and its ductwork. This only works with skylights that have an open/close feature.
Installing a skylight is similar to building a bathroom fan and duct system, but the end result is more light and improved ventilation (you might also be interested in checking out the article on the best outdoor misting fan).
A bathroom skylight also does not require power and makes no noise.
Types Of Skylights For Bathrooms – Choosing The Right Skylight Size For A Bathroom
1. Ventilating Skylights – Vented Skylight For Bathroom
Ventilating skylights are ones that resemble glass panes on your roof. They are typically square or rectangular in shape. Yet, there are several more uncommon versions available. These skylights are known as ventilation skylights because their casements may open on a hinge to enable airflow.
Pros Of Ventilating Skylights
Because ventilating skylights are relatively large, they provide plenty of natural light. These skylights, of course, give both ventilation and light. They are the only skylights capable of doing so. This is quite useful in a bathroom. These skylights are visually appealing and will complement most décor types. They also bring nature into your bathroom, providing wonderful views of the sky, birds, and trees.
Cons Of Ventilating Skylights
As previously stated, ventilating skylights are often big installations. Some people are uncomfortable with opening such a massive hole in their roof, while others just do not have the space in a small bathroom to do so. Because of the increased functionality, ventilation skylights can be more expensive than fixed skylights, and they cost roughly three times as much as tubular skylights.
Installing a ventilating skylight adds another “window” that you may mistakenly leave open. If you are not cautious and it rains, you may return home to a flooded bathroom. This skylight may only be installed if your bathroom is located beneath the roof. If you have a flat roof with trees that hang over it, you may need to blow the leaves off from time to time with a leaf blower or hose.
2. Fixed Skylights – Natural Light Solutions For Small Bathrooms
Fixed skylights are non-opening versions of ventilated skylights, therefore they resemble ceiling-mounted windows. They are typically square or rectangular in shape, however, there are various alternatives, like ventilating skylights.
Pros Of Fixed Skylights
Even though they cannot be opened, fixed skylights give ample lighting. This sort of skylight is equally as attractive as a ventilation skylight, and there is sometimes a choice for both a venting and a fixed version of the same skylight model.
A fixed skylight will nevertheless provide you with a spectacular view of the sky. Because you will never leave your fixed skylight open by accident, there is no chance of flooding the bathroom when it rains. They are typically sold at a lower cost than the same kind that opens and closes.
Cons Of Fixed Skylights
The main disadvantage of fixed skylights is that they do not provide ventilation. If you already have a bathroom window or a bathroom fan, you really only need the extra light. Fixed skylights are often substantial installations, therefore not everyone will have the space to install them
A permanent skylight in the bathroom can only be built if the bathroom is directly beneath the roof. If your roof is flat, you may find yourself on a ladder with a hose or leaf blower, blowing away leaves that have accumulated around your skylight.
3. Tubular Skylights – Energy-Efficient Skylight For Bathroom Remodels
Tubular skylights for bathrooms are a fairly recent market choice that has completely changed the skylight game. A tubular skylight is made up of a light-capturing dome on the roof end, highly reflective tubing on the ceiling end, and a diffuser panel on the ceiling end.
Pros Of Tubular Skylights
Tubular skylights can be installed practically anywhere in the house, so your bathroom does not have to be located directly beneath the ceiling. Nonetheless, the tubing must follow a clear path from the roof without going into any other rooms.
Tubular skylights have a much smaller opening, making them less obtrusive and requiring less room on your roof. This is by far the most cost-effective natural light system available. Because tubular skylights are dome-shaped, they are unlikely to become encrusted with leaves on a flat roof.
Cons Of Tubular Skylights
Tubular skylights are not visually appealing. In reality, the diffuser just disguises it as a standard light fixture. With a tubular light fixture, you won’t be able to see the sky or the birds.
Skylight Installation For Bathroom Renovations
Check The Building Codes Before Installing Your Skylight
Before you grab your toolbox and begin making holes in your roof, verify the construction codes for skylights. Also, depending on where you reside, the type of skylight you want to install, and where you intend to install it, you may need a permit to make the change to your home.
Can You Install A Skylight Yourself?
Many people will tell you that you can absolutely build your own skylight, but keep in mind that you will be cutting a hole in the roof. If you don’t do it right, you’ll end up spending a lot of money to clean up leaks.
Bathroom skylights can provide natural light as well as ventilation. Similar to how being outside in nature can be peaceful and rejuvenating, bringing natural light inside can do the same. Thus, there are practical, aesthetic, and even mental-health benefits to placing skylights in your bathroom and throughout your home.