Look Up For An Efficient Method To Bring Natural Light And Ventilation Into The Home
United States of America (Press Release) December 8, 2007 --
One of the most efficient and effective methods available to homeowners for bringing more and better natural light into a home is seldom the first one that comes to mind. But when paired with windows and exterior doors, the primary sources of natural light in most homes, skylights are fast becoming an equal partner in the mix. And skylights can bring another plus -- silent ventilation and exhaust capabilities that cost nothing to operate.
According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, the number one concern homeowners used to express about skylights was a fear of leaks. “That was a valid concern with some older, poorly installed skylights,” Patrick says, “but modern skylights with matched flashing from leading manufacturers, just like quality windows and exterior doors, are totally dependable when properly installed. Anytime a hole is cut in the frame or roof of a home, the potential for air or moisture entering exists. But proper installation techniques and materials can take care of those concerns.”
Other points often lost on homeowners, Patrick says, is that fixed or venting skylights offer as many or more ways to control heat and light as do vertical windows.
“Venetian blinds are available to adjust the light, cellular shades to diffuse the light, lightblock shades to totally or partially block the light, exterior heatblock awnings to block heat before it enters the room, and even high -tech electrochromic glass that can be darkened or lightened by remote control without blocking the view to the sky,” he points out.
And venting models are extremely effective at exhausting stale air from rooms, heat and cooking odors from kitchens, and humidity from bathrooms and laundry areas.
“And,” Patrick says, “even before accessories are added, skylight glazings are among the best in the window and door industry. Quality units employ double-pane construction with argon gas between low-E coated panes for control of heat gain or loss. These glazings control up to 83 percent of the sun’s fade-causing rays and resist condensation so well that a home can contain up to 50 percent more humidity before condensation will occur. “
Patrick adds that quality units contain tempered and laminated panes for safety and maximum protection against fading. “There are even impact glass models available that meet the strictest code requirements for wind-borne debris protections in hurricane-prone and other high-wind areas,” he says.
And now is a particularly good time to consider upgrading existing skylights or adding new units to qualify for a tax credit of up to $200 under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. Details are available at www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.
For information on skylight selection and the benefits of natural light call 1-800-283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.
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According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, the number one concern homeowners used to express about skylights was a fear of leaks. “That was a valid concern with some older, poorly installed skylights,” Patrick says, “but modern skylights with matched flashing from leading manufacturers, just like quality windows and exterior doors, are totally dependable when properly installed. Anytime a hole is cut in the frame or roof of a home, the potential for air or moisture entering exists. But proper installation techniques and materials can take care of those concerns.”
Other points often lost on homeowners, Patrick says, is that fixed or venting skylights offer as many or more ways to control heat and light as do vertical windows.
“Venetian blinds are available to adjust the light, cellular shades to diffuse the light, lightblock shades to totally or partially block the light, exterior heatblock awnings to block heat before it enters the room, and even high -tech electrochromic glass that can be darkened or lightened by remote control without blocking the view to the sky,” he points out.
And venting models are extremely effective at exhausting stale air from rooms, heat and cooking odors from kitchens, and humidity from bathrooms and laundry areas.
“And,” Patrick says, “even before accessories are added, skylight glazings are among the best in the window and door industry. Quality units employ double-pane construction with argon gas between low-E coated panes for control of heat gain or loss. These glazings control up to 83 percent of the sun’s fade-causing rays and resist condensation so well that a home can contain up to 50 percent more humidity before condensation will occur. “
Patrick adds that quality units contain tempered and laminated panes for safety and maximum protection against fading. “There are even impact glass models available that meet the strictest code requirements for wind-borne debris protections in hurricane-prone and other high-wind areas,” he says.
And now is a particularly good time to consider upgrading existing skylights or adding new units to qualify for a tax credit of up to $200 under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. Details are available at www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.
For information on skylight selection and the benefits of natural light call 1-800-283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.
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