More and more Americans building new homes and remodeling old ones are letting the sun shine in. According to a report from the American
Architectural Manufacturers Association, 920,000 skylights were installed in old homes and new ones in 1984. By 1989, that figure had jumped to 1.5 million.
At a time when people are concerned with saving energy, skylights have become one solution. The natural light they bring into a room often eliminates the need for electric lights during the day and also warms the space, resulting in savings on heating costs.
A skylight in a bathroom or a kitchen can add a whole new atmosphere-and not just aesthetically. A venting-type skylight can be opened to get rid of moisture, smoke and cooking odors.
Unfortunately, skylights still suffer from a reputation for letting in the rain, the cold and the melted snow along with the sunshine. But now, higher-quality skylights and detailed instructions for operating them have eliminated many of those problems.
Many homeowners, however, don`t dare install skylights themselves.
”There`s a psychological barrier to cutting a hole in your roof,”
explains Tony Coorlim, director of marketing for the architectural manufacturers association. ”There are a lot of skylights for sale in the do- it-yourself stores, and it can be done, but most people end up having a professional install it for them.”
The products listed below are available at various stores. The prices given are suggested retail prices. Unless otherwise specified, manufacturers do not sell directly to the public but can be contacted for help in finding a retailer in a specific area.
Installation a breeze
Wasco Products` new E-Class Skywindow was designed for ease of installation. It requires no mastic, sealants or flashing kits and comes ready to install. The technology that makes it easy to install also creates a weather-tight framework. E-Class windows use Heat Mirror 66, a clear, insulating glass that reduces solar heat in summer and helps conserve interior heat and minimize condensation in colder weather. Any moisture that might form is collected in built-in condensation gutters. Price: $248.85 to $599.30, depending on size, for fixed window; $444.90 to $655.40, depending on size, for the venting model. Wasco Products Inc., Dept. ESW, P.O. Box 351, Sanford, Me. 04073 (207-324-8060).
Grooved for good looks
The Skyliner roof window from PAECO Industries has been modified to improve its appearance and make installation easier. A new kerf-cut design provides a groove for the drywall to fit into; that way you get a finished look without having to use drywall compound, tape or molding. The Skyliner, which has a bronze aluminum frame, is available in fixed and ventilating models that have insulated safety glass in clear or bronze. Price: from $160 to $610, depending on size and type of glass. PAECO Industries Inc., 1 Executive Drive, P.O. Box 968, Toms River, N.J. 08753-0968 (201-341-4444).
Fingertip control
Ventilating skylights can be opened and closed with the push of a button using the new ES electronic control system from Velux-America Inc. A keyboard the size of a conventional light switch panel operates not only the window but the interior venetian blind as well. With this system there is no need to worry about sudden rainstorms when you`re away from home. It is equipped with an electronic sensor that automatically closes the window when it detects rain. The system costs $235, exclusive of a skylight. The system can operate several skylights, but each needs its own $80 motor. Velux-America Inc., P.O. Box 3268, Greenwood, S.C. 29648 (803-223-3149).
Easy cleanups
The new Vision roof window from Roto can be opened and closed without removing the inside screen. The screen, however, can be slipped off so the window can be cleaned on the inside and outside (it pivots 180 degrees). Vision is equipped with energy-efficient, argon-filled Low-E tinted or clear glass and comes with the screen attached and the hardware installed. Price:
$407 to $641, depending on size. Roto Frank of America Inc., Research Park, P.O. Box 599, Chester, Conn. 06412 (800-243-0893).
Shady deal
Once you have let the sun through by a skylight, you might find times when it gets too bright. Kirsch offers pleated skylight shades that are operated by a telescopic pole (no unsightly cord dangling down). The manufacturer says that the shades, which are custom-made in more than 200 fabrics, will not sag, no matter what the slope of the ceiling. Price: $275 for a shade for an average-size skylight. Kirsch, 309 N. Prospect St., P.O. Box 0370, Sturgis, Mich. 49091 (800-528-1407).
Just like outdoors
Sunrooms not only bring in more sunlight but also create additional space and the feeling of being outdoors. Pella has now created a sunroom designed for easy installation. Beams can be cut to final length on site and a new custom corner mullion gives the sunroom more tolerance for adaptations during construction. The pine-veneered beams with interior mullion covers are lined with Ice & Water Shield, which creates a waterproof barrier. Price: $12,000 installed with foundation for an 8-by-10-foot sunroom. Pella/Rolscreen Co., 102 Main St., Pella, Iowa 50219 (708-894-1000).
Turn down the heat
Sometimes the light and heat in a sunroom need to be ”turned down.” The Duette Smart Shade from Hunter Douglas Window Fashions solves the problem. It has a flexible tracking system that can follow practically any corner or curve. The Duette double-pleated fabric is easy to clean and can block out the sun`s rays, which can fade fabrics. The Duette shades, which have three-quarter-inch pleats, come in a variety of colors, such as Peach Frost, Rose Clay, Robin`s Egg and Heather Blush. Price: $269 for a 3-by-5-foot window, not including installation. Hunter Douglas Duette Window Fashions, Duette Way, Broomfield, Colo. (800-327-8953).
