One of the advantages of designing in rooflights into new properties, or installing them in homes or business premises renovations, is that a person will be able to enjoy the natural light. This normally helps in saving the energy used for lighting and offers evenly distributed natural light which enhances the spaces below rooflights.
On a low-pitched or flat roof, rooflights will probably act as a roof lantern with sidelights. The sidelights can be opened to offer ventilation or be permanently fixed. This can be achieved either through manually operated crank rods, or more easily with electric motors which can be switched automatically to close or open on demand, at specific times, or whenever a rain sensor activates it after detecting mist, dew or rain.
Rooflights come in various shapes which include octagon, hexagon, domed,Plain Squareor just rooflight pyramid. But, the most usual design is normally the rectangular with a gable or hipped end.
Historically, single glazed rooflights used to make the rooms below it very cold during winter season and with poor sealing, draughts and cold winds would blow through the rooms providing unsolicited winter ventilation. Because of this, in some instances, the rooflights were reduced in their size, or completely removed and boarded over, since the lack of weather proofing and the trouble of maintenance made them very expensive and uneconomic to maintain.
However, double glazing and current sealing offer much greater thermal efficiency and a reduced heating costs. The utilisation of durable hardwood timber as frames and modern paints has also made the rooflights friendlier. Because of their position, the rooflight pyramid is exposed to more sunlight, frost and rain than any other painted part of the room. The constant weathering meant that annual repainting was often required in past times and in a difficult to reach areas, and this lead to more expense roofing solution. However, by use of microporous stains and paints, today’s frames outstanding protection against the harsh elements even in coastal locations and severe northern climates.
It is the introduction of the modern construction techniques like this that has led to a renaissance in the use of rooflights in industrial and domestic architecture. What is more, old draughty and leaky rooflights can now be replaced with a modern roof lantern which will require little maintenance and offer a more comfortable environment in the rooms.
Furthermore, architects and designers also have the chance to specify tints for the glazing or anti-glare coatings, or even self-cleaning glasses, though these normally add to the cost of the rooflights. In today’s roof renovations or constructions, modern construction or renovations will mean that the rooflights or lantern will require less maintenance and be longer lasting than what is replaced.
So if you are planning to install rooflight pyramids or any other type of rooflights, there are no longer a large number of negative reasons which should discourage you. Instead you can look forward to adoring and enjoying more natural light and design features that will be the envy of visitors and friends.