Skylights & roof vents: The options

After enjoying great popularity several decades ago then disappearing somewhat, skylights are making a comeback. Skylights that are made from white translucent acrylic offer about the best natural lighting it is possible to get, and are an excellent addition to any home. Like skylights, roof vents are a passive system of controlling the temperature and moisture in your house to maintain the best environment for you and for your home.

Skylights: What"s available?

Skylights come in three main styles, and a range of qualities. Ensure that your skylights are constructed from white translucent acrylic (which is known as a "Lambertian Diffuser" - it transmits and diffuses daylight perfectly over the interior of your home) and that they are made from two layers, not one, to prevent condensation dripping. The three main types are;

• Fixed skylights; a dome on the roof, that can"t be opened. These are the cheapest option, and work perfectly well
• Vented skylights allow the homeowner to open them like a conventional window, using a crank. This is the most expensive version
• Fixed and vented skylights are simply a combination - a fixed skylight with an opening vent

Another option for skylighting is the light tube. This is a thick tube that is embedded in your roof, transmitting light from the sky through a series of reflectors to shine into your home. They can be as efficient as skylights, and are easier to retro install into existing houses.

Skylights offer clear environmental advantages; there is rarely the need to turn on lights during the day if you have one. They are excellent for lighting internal areas such as hallways that have no exterior windows.

Roof vent: Options

Roof vents are another environmentally friendly way of keeping your home comfortable. As hot air rises, the space inside your roof tends to get very warm, which in summer makes cooling the house more difficult, and creates condensation that damages the internal structures of your roof and ceiling. Inbuilt vents naturally allow this temperature to balance, by allowing the hot air to escape and cooler air in to replace the air lost. They come in several types.

• Roof ridge vents sit on the highest part of the roof and therefore allow for maximum loss of hot air. They are great for above bathrooms and kitchens
• Roof dryer vents prevent water leaking into the roof from condensation
• There are many different types and styles of roof vents, but the most important thing is to ensure that the vents you choose have properly installed intake vents to allow fresh air in, and exhaust vents to get the hot air out
• Cross ventilation systems use intake and exhaust vents on opposite sides of the roof to ventilate the area effectively
• Conservatory roof vents are a flat "window" that can be raised or lowered on a hand crank
• Other vent types include the whirlybird (tall cylinder with a spinning fan), static, flat, dormer, and gable vent. These are all shape and style variations on the intake and exhaust combination

Whichever style you choose, vents are a valuable addition to your home.

Choosing vents and skylights

Roof vents and skylights are available in a range of styles and types, but as long as they have the basic requirements, any of these should be valuable additions. Both use passive technology to allow nature to light and cool your home, and are therefore worthwhile investments.