GET EXPERT SKYLIGHT SERVICES FOR YOUR PITTSBURGH HOME

Velux Skylights - Not many conversations about skylights exclude Velux. The 80-year-old company has been an industry leader in skylight products since its inception. Velux sets the standard for "roof windows', and its sharp focus on one product has produced decades of advancements in manufacturing, production and technological advancements of skylights market wide. Other window manufacturers have followed suit and produce highly efficient, customizable and beautiful skylight products for residential and commercial homes. FAKRO, Wasco and Bristolite are some other top-tier skylight brands and have offerings that would suit almost any home or business.
Whatever skylight brand you prefer, S&L Remodeling can source and install your roof window to ensure that it is efficient and leak free for years to come.

OPERABLE AND INOPERABLE SKYLIGHTS
Non-Operable Fixed Skylights – Fixed skylights are a non-opening windowpane. They provide consistent natural light into your space. They require minimum maintenance and offer energy efficiency that compliments almost any room.

Operable Skylights – Operable skylights open. They can be operated by hand or by electronic control. Modern skylights can be operated by solar power, eliminating the need for electrical work or the added expense of electricity to run. Operable skylights open and close, allowing air to flow through the home when needed.

MOUNTING OPTIONS
Curb Mounted - Curb mounted is the most popular type of mount and requires a structure for the window to rest on. The window sits like a top on a box. When you install a skylight, you must flash the area around the opening to ensure water does not enter the home. Having the skylight sit on a flashed “box” as opposed to sitting directly on the roof means you can replace the skylight later without having to reflash the area around the skylight each time. It basically creates a watertight “skylight base” for your window to sit on.

Deck Mounted - Deck mounted is where the skylight is installed without a base directly to the roof. While you do have to re-flash the roof each time you replace a Deck Mounted skylight, Deck Mounting provides a lower profile and increases energy efficiency since it is installed closer to the roof. If budget is a consideration, Deck Mounting is also more economical than Curb Mounting.

SKYLIGHT SHAPES
Flat Skylights – Flat skylights are laid flat on the roof and follow the pitch of the roof. Flat skylights can be either curb mounted or deck mounted.

Round Skylights – Round skylights are flat round skylights that lay flat on the roof. Round skylights can be curb or deck mounted.

Tubular Skylights – They can be used to create a direct funnel of light into an area but generally tubular skylights are used to create a skylight in an area that is not directly below the roof… for example a room with a crawl space in between the roof and ceiling of the area to be lit, or where there is any area between the roof and ceiling such as a bulkhead or drop ceiling.

Dome Skylights – Commonly acrylic, inoperable and shaped like a dome, these skylights are exceptionally resistant to harsh weather conditions like hail and wind.

Pyramid Skylights – Pyramid skylights can be single squares, but generally are used to create larger skylights. The shape can be extended using metal frames and supports and offer a solid structure for larger skylight openings.

SKYLIGHT FUNCTION AND OPTIONS
Manual Operation – Manual skylights can open with a control rod, crank handle or push open to allow airflow. Integrated blind or light filters operate by hand also.

Electric Operation – And Electric Operation Skylight requires electric run to the fixture and the functions of skylights are fully automated and operate from a remote control or switch.

Solar Powered Skylights – Solar Skylights are powered from solar energy collected to recharge the battery and power the operator and control system. The battery stores power to use when the sun is down or on overcast days. Current products have an integral blind that opens and closes automatically depending on the amount of sun, allowing the same amount of brightness in the room throughout the day. Installing Solar Powered Skylights is so efficient, the government offers a tax credit for each one installed. Programs change. See current details of the Solar Powered Skylight Tax Credit here: Windows & Skylights Tax Credit | ENERGY STAR