Having a skylight in your home adds not only value, but a connection with the outside world and abundant natural light. The most common places to have them are in the master bathroom or bedroom, but enclosed patios and expansive entryways or foyers are excellent locations for them as well. A skylight can also turn an otherwise dreary interior hallway into a magical place that feels more like a garden path than a mere corridor between more focal rooms in the abode. A question many homeowners have about their skylight is how to winterize them properly?
What Winterization Does For You
For those who are new to climates with an appreciable winter season, preparing your home for the coldest season may seem unusual; however, winterizing is necessary in many areas and a cost- and energy-saving process in many others. According to WebMD, basic winterization simply involves preparing your house for cold and inclement weather. Many people also winterize homes that they plan to leave for an extended period of time during cold weather to protect pipes and further reduce costs associated with heating and water flow. The biggest benefits tend to be monetary savings, energy use, physical comfort, and peace of mind.
More About Skylights in Your Home
The popularity of skylights as an architectural feature may wax and wane, but for homeowners who have one, they can bring a lot of enjoyment through the seasons, according to IHS Engineering. More than just windows set into the roof, they provide a glimpse of the stars at night or a unique appreciation for the beauty of summer rainfall. In the winter, the light provided by a properly winterized skylight with a good seal and plenty of insulation can warm the interior, potentially helping you to reduce heating costs even further.
The Benefits of Having a Skylight
While science has largely focused its attention on the health and mood benefits of natural light in the workplace, it is even more important in the home in terms of creating a positive environment and sense of well-being for those who live there, according to Architectural Lighting. Exposure to natural sunlight boosts mood and productivity, plus it helps regulate the natural rhythm of sleeping and waking. A skylight can be the gentlest of morning alarms, depending on your schedule and its placement.
How To Winterize a Skylight for Savings and Comfort
Winterizing is all about making your home and more comfortable and winter less harsh on your family budget. Winterizing your skylight is one major component in your overall winterization plan.
Inspection
Your first step each winter should be to have your skylight inspected to determine if it needs maintenance or just basic winterization. Many homeowners can do this for themselves; however, many professionals exist who may be more qualified to make such an assessment, ranging from roofers to building contractors to energy auditing professionals. If you choose to utilize a service professional, you may wish to get more than one quote for the inspection. Recommendations from friends or family are also useful in choosing a service for this purpose.
Repairs and Debris Clearing
For the best results, take care of any issues before winter begins, whether it’s a loose shingle near the light or mildew accumulating around the edges. Clearing leaves and twigs from the roof around the light is a good idea as well. This is beneficial to the roof as well. If necessary, apply the appropriate type of caulk or sealant to reduce or prevent drafts.
Cleaning
To make the most of the paler winter’s light, cleaning a glass with an approved glass cleaner is an excellent suggestion as well. Never use anything that might scratch the glass, like abrasive cleaners, and clean the interior side as well.
Venting Skylights
If you skylight opens, you should open it to clean the internal parts, although these are generally very low maintenance. Lubrication should not be required; however, removing dust bunnies, spider webs, and leaf meal are recommended at least once per year, especially if the light is opened infrequently. If you had the skylight inspected, these parts should have been examined as well.
Roof Safety
Always exercise the appropriate cautions when working on a roof or ladder. Do not climb onto the roof if you are home alone. Be sure to assess your skills and abilities in this area objectively and consider using a professional service if you are uncertain about your safety and stability on a roof or ladder.
In conclusion, we hope this article has answer all of your questions not just about how to winterize a skylight, but why to do so as well. This winter, you will be be well-prepared to face the cold and damp without concern for your home’s nicely winterized skylight above you.
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