50 May 1, 2014 2014 SPRING HOME AND GARDEN “OUT OF THE ORDINARY” LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.COM
Glazed, “closed” skylights have been
in use since the Industrial Revolution
made advances in glass production
manufacturing. Glass skylights brought
in the desired light but suffered from one
fatal flaw and continue to fight their age-
old reputation: Skylights are equated with
roof leaks. Newer installation techniques
and better manufacturing have allowed
newer designs to bypass the tendency to
leak, and now a whole new generation of
natural lighting products has appeared on
the scene.
The key to installing skylights that don’t
leak seems to be to use solid flashing at
the top of the skylight and step flashing
along the sides, with appropriate shin-
gling, tarpaper and a roof sheath to pre-
vent rain from running down and entering
your house around this newfound hole in
your roof.
The advance in leak prevention has
brought about innovation in design and
function in the natural lighting industry.
Now we have lighting tunnels: smaller
units using reflective tubing and rooftop
domes that collect natural light and dis-
tribute it to smaller areas such as hall-
ways and bathrooms.
Designers have also introduced sky
windows, which not only let in light but
also open to let in fresh air and let out
accumulated heat. Many of these newer
sky-window units are solar-powered, can
be opened and closed by remote control,
and are programmed to close themselves
when the unit senses rain.
Skylights, sky windows and sun tunnels
can be found with a variety of tinting
and filters to allow different amounts
and qualities of lights into our rooms. In
addition, there are shades, curtains and
shutters specially designed for use with
skylights and sky windows.
Most lumberyards and home centers now
have a variety of skylights, sky windows
and sun tunnels available, and most
roofing and general contractors have the
experience to install them correctly. Some
available units are in kit form, allow-
ing you, the homeowner, to install them
yourself
Skylights, sky windows and sun tunnels
can enhance your home with the beauty
of natural light, can provide health-
enhancing features and can help raise
the value of your home. For a different,
lighter, healthier feeling in your home,
investigate them today!
