Sep 22 2005
In today's homes, many of which are on small lots with close-by neighbors, privacy is sometimes hard to find without closing the doors and covering the windows, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.
What's the answer? Simply look up.
With natural light from above, homeowners can have privacy plus more wall space for storage or decorating (where windows would normally be), added ventilation, and the health benefits that come with more natural light. Joe Patrick, product manager with VELUX America, says venting skylights provide those benefits and more.
"In bathrooms especially," Patrick says, "venting skylights reduce condensation build-up while providing a beautiful view of the sky above, without affording anyone the opportunity to see in. Plus you get the use of more wall space for decorating or other forms of space utilization such as additional cabinets or shelves."
According to research from American Standard, skylights are selected as the number one option in "dream bathrooms." And modern skylights offer as many, or more, features for managing light than standard windows. For the ultimate in convenience, electric venting skylights are available with remote control, blinds, shades, awnings, insect screening and automatic rain sensors.
There are even models available with glass that can be darkened by remote control to reduce light and solar gain without restricting the view of the sky.
"And," Patrick says, "while homeowners are considering skylights, they should remember that venting skylights in the kitchen can release hot air and odors while admitting more light for brighter days and for more pleasant cooking and dining."
Skylights also address important health considerations. One in five Americans suffers varying degrees of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition in which the symptoms can include depression and fatigue due to lack of sufficient daylight. Skylights can help by admitting abundant daylight while visually expanding rooms in any style or size home.
For skylight selection literature visit http://www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy
efficiency visit http://www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit http://www.nfrc.org. or http://www.efficientwindows.org.