Most people who have built, visited or lived in a house built during the 1980s saw a skylight. During the boom of that decade, they were considered "feature to have in your home. The glass is glass, was a white acrylic Dome, designed to provide the distribution of light throughout the day, unlike standard flat glass windows. Unfortunately, poor installation methods, shoddy construction or the use of single-domed skylights in glass caused strain and weep with condensation. You could also surmise that the use of similar technology caused houses from this era to experience problems of crying and condensation with regular wall-mounted single-paned Windows. As a result, energy costs were higher than they need be, mold and water was rampant and there was improper wall cavity insulation and attic.
Skylights, today, are a very different beast than those of 30 years ago. For starters, new technology means the dome glass is gone, durable acrylic glass is back. Glasses have evolved from single layers rebuilt together via glass bar, a large sheet of glass. Double glazing (windows and skylights) are manufactured with a gas-filled space between the panes. Argon or krypton Gas reduces conductive heat transfer, lowering heating and cooling costs. In addition, the frames are no longer in aluminium. Most Windows and skylights 1980s were framed with aluminum, substantially reduce the cost of initial purchase. The problem came when the owner of the House of experience would be very low thermal resistance, serious condensation in cold weather and heat loss. Now the norm is frames PVC, vinyl or fiberglass, which may cost more initially, but garner significant energy savings during the life of the House. Some styles of skylights offer also functionality built-in vent with a sensor to automatically close when the rain begins to fall.
Still on the theme of energy savings, there is another skylight replacement component that cannot be overlooked: isolation. Having the most technologically updated skylight in your home will not be okay if the ceiling cavity is anything but walk and dust bunnies. The room will feel cold in winter, yet oven-like summer and you'll find yourself with a bill for heating and cooling unchanged. The best way to insulate attic space properly insulating foam spray is using, not the batt rose varieties. Spray foam insulation is designed to fill every nook and cranny, so there is zero penetration of air. Therefore, cold air stays out and hot air stays in (vice versa in the warm months of the course).
Everyone is looking for ways to save a few bucks these days. Energy saving is important in the long term, but most restorers are looking for ways to save in the short term as well. Doing a little work, like replacing a skylight, it can be done by the average homeowner with the right tools and the willingness to follow instructions. The same goes for spray foam insulation. There are several online stores that offer kits that are very easy to use and will save the avid do-it-yourself-er a few dollars. Now that spring is on its way and this past winter is still fresh in your mind, think of ways to make your home warmer in the winter of 2011. Even if you don't have a skylight, watch the insulation in your attic and wall cavities. Determine if the type or lack of appropriate material is the culprit for the high costs of heating. If you like the idea of natural light, it is recommended that you install a skylight. Not only will bring natural light into your space, but even if you plan to sell within the near future, it will add a feature desirable that potential buyers will love.
Mark Munns is a representative of foam and green. Spray foam insulation to save energy and money. Guardian Energy Technologies Inc. offers the added benefits of reducing our carbon footprint with green it solutions foaming and balancing their impact through carbon breeding projects. Visit us online today for more information.
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