Skylight Choices: Fixed, Vented or Tubular?

January 6, 2014

A skylight is a day lighting option that adds interest, uniqueness, beauty and energy efficiency to any home. There are a number and variety of choices available when it comes to design and material. Three key things to examine are fixed skylights, vented skylights, and tubular skylights. The fixed skylight is integrated as a permanent element of the building. The main advantages of a fixed skylight are that they are easy to install and thus are less costly than other types of skylights, require little maintenance, are less susceptible to leaking or other skylight hazards and are highly energy efficient because of their tighter sealing.

Operable (vented) skylights are opened and closed according to preference, by electric, solar-powered or manual means and provide homeowners more flexibility, allowing the skylight to be opened to any desired degree at the user’s discretion, providing less reliance on electric means for lighting, cooling and ventilation of an area. Tubular skylights are the most popular choice for small spaces like bathrooms and hallways; once installed, this choice often looks more like a modern light fixture than a traditional skylight.

Tubular skylights are flexible tubes running between the ceiling and the roof, thus eliminating the need to build a tunnel. The diffusion of sunlight through the tube structure protects interior carpets and furniture from becoming bleached out, as the natural light reaching them is indirect. So you’ve decided on a skylight—now meet with a licensed contractor to decide what kind. Fixed, vented or tubular—the choice is yours, when letting a little light into your home!