What Is a Skylight : A Complete Guide

Adding a skylight to your roof can completely transform the way your home looks and feels. From flooding your interiors with natural light to improving energy efficiency and even property value, skylights offer numerous advantages. But before cutting a hole in your roof, it’s important to understand the types of skylights available, their benefits, potential downsides, and the best practices for installation.

As a leading roofing company in Montreal, Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit brings you this complete guide to help you make an informed decision about installing skylights.

What is a Skylight?

A skylight is a window installed in the roof or ceiling that allows natural light to enter a building. It’s a popular architectural feature in residential and commercial properties that aims to enhance lighting, ambiance, and sometimes ventilation.

There are two main categories of skylights:

• Fixed skylights – These are non-opening windows, ideal for letting in light without ventilation.
• Vented skylights – These can be opened manually or with a remote to allow fresh air inside.

Benefits of Installing a Skylight

Bring in Natural Light

One of the most obvious reasons to install a skylight is to allow more daylight into your home. This is especially useful in rooms that lack wall windows, like attics, bathrooms, or hallways.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Modern skylights with energy-efficient glazing can help lower your electricity bill. By reducing the need for artificial lighting and, in winter, providing passive solar heating, skylights can support your green home efforts.

Enhance Ventilation

With vented skylights, you can increase airflow in your home, which is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. It helps eliminate moisture, odors, and indoor air pollutants.

Boost Aesthetic Appeal

Skylights add an architectural element to your interior design. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, open feel or a modern, minimalist look, skylights can be tailored to fit any home style.

Increase Property Value

Real estate experts often cite skylights as a desirable feature for prospective buyers. A well-installed skylight can make your property more attractive and functional.

Types of Skylights

Understanding the different skylight options helps you choose the one best suited to your needs and roof structure.

By Operation

• Fixed skylights: Stationary units that do not open; ideal for areas where ventilation isn’t needed.
• Ventilating (vented) skylights: Openable versions that improve airflow. Available in manual or motorized styles.
• Tubular skylights: Compact, cylindrical structures that direct sunlight through reflective tubing—ideal for small spaces.

By Shape or Structure

• Flat skylights: Traditional, sleek, and suited to most roof types.
• Domed skylights: Typically made from acrylic or polycarbonate and better at shedding snow and debris.
• Pyramid or polygonal skylights: Decorative and often used in commercial buildings or high-end homes.

Considerations Before Installation

Roof Slope and Orientation

Skylights perform best when installed at a proper angle. In colder climates like Montreal, a higher slope helps minimize snow accumulation and water pooling.

• North-facing skylights: Provide consistent light with minimal heat gain.
• South-facing skylights: Deliver more sunlight, potentially leading to overheating unless treated with proper glazing.

Glazing Options

Modern skylights offer multiple glazing choices, which influence light transmission, insulation, and UV protection:

• Tempered glass: Stronger and safer than standard glass.
• Laminated glass: Holds together when shattered and provides sound insulation.
• Low-E coatings: Reflect heat while allowing light in—ideal for energy savings.

Potential Drawbacks

While skylights offer many benefits, some challenges must be considered:

• Heat gain/loss: Poorly insulated skylights can lead to temperature imbalance.
• Leaks: Incorrect installation or flashing can result in roof leaks.
• Glare: Too much light in certain rooms can become uncomfortable.

That’s why it’s essential to rely on a professional roofing contractor like Les Couvreurs DuRoToit to ensure proper selection, flashing, and sealing.

Best Practices for Skylight Installation

Choose the Right Location

Position your skylight to maximize daylight but avoid direct sun exposure in hot seasons. Consider room function: kitchens benefit from ventilation, while hallways benefit from fixed units.

Use High-Quality Flashing

Proper flashing is critical to prevent leaks. Look for skylights with integrated flashing kits and ensure installation follows manufacturer guidelines.

Work with an Experienced Roofing Company

Skylights are not a DIY project. Improper installation can lead to major roofing problems. Hiring a certified contractor guarantees compliance with local codes and roof structure integrity.

Final Thoughts

Skylights are more than just windows in your roof—they’re a way to bring the outdoors in, elevate your space, and boost energy efficiency. However, they require thoughtful planning and expert installation to perform well over the long term.

If you’re considering skylights for your home, reach out to Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit, your trusted roofing partner in Montreal. We’ll guide you through every step—from selection to flawless installation.