Complete Skylight Installations
At Canberra Metal Roofers, we have over ten years of experience transforming local homes with custom skylight installations. If you want to flood your space with natural sunlight, increase ventilation or install something beautiful, this comprehensive guide explores your options. Read on to discover how skylights could reinvigorate your home!
What Types of Skylights Exist?
With advances in materials and design, today's skylights offer exceptional durability, efficiency and aesthetics. The four main types include:
Fixed Skylights: As the most common variety, these stationary skylights are available in sleek, low profile or eye-catching domed styles. They brighten rooms with constant natural light.
Opening Skylights: Also called roof windows, these hinged units allow fresh air exchange, stargazing views, and roof access. Motorised versions offer a one-touch opening.
Tubular Skylights: This unique skylight variety utilises reflective tubes to funnel sunlight from your roof to interior ceilings—an intelligent space-saving option.
Ventilation Skylights: Along with expansive sky views, these skylights integrate fans to circulate air actively. They help regulate indoor temperatures.
Benefits of Installing Skylights From lighting up gloomy rooms to enhancing natural breezes, our Canberra clients install skylights to enjoy:
- Bright, mood-boosting natural light without city noise intrusion
- Reduced electricity costs by minimising daytime lighting needs
- A beautiful architectural focal point adding height and space
- Fresh ventilation and air circulation on demand
- Unobstructed views across stunning ACT sunsets and night skies
- Increased potential resale value from an enhanced living space
What to Consider Before Installing Skylights
Climate Conditions
Canberra experiences extreme temperatures, from frigid winters to blazing summers. Please carefully choose durable, insulated skylight models that can withstand hail, howling winds and snow buildup without leaking.
Bushfire Resistance
Given the ACT's bushland geography, the building code mandates using non-combustible roofing. While skylights pose less bushfire vulnerability than glazed windows, we recommend styles with fire-resistant frames, insulation and protective exterior mesh screens.
Roof Type and Angle
Whether your home has a flat or sloped roof, we'll assess the structure to advise suitable styles and positions for an aesthetically pleasing, watertight installation. Skylights come designed for virtually every roof from 0 to 60-degree angles.
Council Regulations
Development approval is mandatory for skylight installations in Canberra. Our team submits the required paperwork, so your project proceeds smoothly from permits to final inspections. We stay current on all codes concerning weatherproofing, materials, bushfire standards and more.
How to Choose the Best Skylight Type for Your Property
Successful skylight projects start by considering a few key factors:
Location and Sizing: Will your skylight brighten your kitchen, living room or bath? When deciding on placement, consider the room's size, ceiling height, and existing light levels. Northern-facing rooms receive the most natural light. Also, account for future furnishings blocking potential views or sunlight beams.
Usage and Functionality
Determine your ideal skylight operation. Do you require fixed lighting, rain-protected ventilation or unobstructed outdoor views? I'd like you to reflect on how operability would enhance room usage before selecting manual vs electronic models.
Budget
Keep costs reasonable by accurately measuring your available ceiling space to avoid oversizing. Essential fixed acrylic skylights cost around $800 supply only. More oversized premium electric roof windows run $5500 or more installed. We'll recommend options that suit your exact needs and budget.
The 6-Step Skylight Installation Process
Upon selecting your preferred skylight solutions, our technicians methodically handle the entire hassle-free installation process:
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Free In-Home Consultation An initial site visit lets us digitally map your rooms and suggest optimal placement. When providing accurate quotes, we'll consider all spatial, functional, and aesthetic factors.
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Streamlined Approvals
After you select your perfect skylights, we smoothly handle all required council permits so you avoid headaches. Our submissions integrate years of local building department insights. -
Precision Installation
Backed by decades of expertise, our crews have specialised in skylight placement, flashing, and sealing down to an art. We expertly integrate your lights into existing roofing for long-lasting weatherproofing. -
Electrical Coordination
We coordinate licensed electricians to neatly run wiring to desired user controls for ventilated and automated systems. Lighting scenes, blackout blinds and opening functions may be programmed. -
Careful Finishing Touches We complete interior and exterior trim details like effective drainage integration, insulation, mouldings and screens with carpentry expertise for seamless visual appeal.
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Handover and Enjoy! After final quality testing, we provide a comprehensive tutorial so you can immediately enjoy operating your new skylights. And our work is backed by an unbeatable 10-year installation warranty.
Discover how our made-to-order skylights could transform your home with sunshine, scenery and fresh breezes flowing freely.
Caring for Your Skylights
To enhance enjoyment and longevity of your new skylights for years to come, be sure to:
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Clean glass 2-4 times annually using a soft cloth and mild glass cleaner to maintain optimal light transmission. Never use abrasive chemicals or scrubbers that could scratch glass.
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Inspect units after severe storms and annually before fire season for any damage. Quickly address any cracked glass, loose screws or missing exterior screens.
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For opening and ventilating skylights, test the operation of hinges, blind functions, and fans monthly to ensure smooth mechanical operation. Lubricate moving parts as required.
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Clear debris like leaves, dirt, and snow buildup from skylight frames and surrounding roof areas to prevent potential seals from breaking or water damage.
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Prune overgrown trees obstructing sunlight or interfering with opening mechanisms. Unchecked growth could void warranties.
Special Canberra Skylight Care Considerations
Due to Canberra's variable climate, also ensure your skylights stand the test of time by:
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Inspecting annually for leaks, fire damage, or insulation gaps before summer and installing protective exterior mesh screens.
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Frequently clearing snow buildup in winter could impede ventilation models or leak through seals.
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We apply additional sealant around skylight flanges before forecasted hailstorms to absorb impact.
Advanced Skylight Features to Consider
Along with providing stunning daylight, today's technologically advanced skylight models offer conveniences like:
- Rain Sensors – Detect precipitation and automatically close ventilation skylights to prevent indoor water damage.
- Remote Operation – Electronically control hard-to-reach units via smartphone apps or wall switches.
- Motion Sensors – Skylights close automatically when sensors are triggered for extra security. Reopen quickly with remotes.
- Automated Blinds – Electronically tint or block sunlight and room views at the touch of a button for privacy.
- Smart Home Integration – Sync lighting scenes and modes with other connected devices in your home automation ecosystem.
These clever features ensure your new skylights boost natural light and maximise comfort, privacy and peace of mind.
Skylight Myth Busting
- Over our 10+ years installing Canberra skylights, we've heard common misconceptions. Let's set the record straight!
- Myth: Skylights always leak. Fact: Only if incorrectly installed! We properly flash and seal your units fully integrated with existing waterproof roof membranes.
- Myth: Opening skylights makes break-ins easier—fact: Tempered glass and robust locking mechanisms keep out intruders. Optional steel bars add further security.
- Myth: Skylights will make my house hotter. Fact: Properly positioned skylights have minimal heat impact, especially with shades drawn to block midday summer sunlight as needed.
- Myth: Skylights are too expensive. Fact: While premium systems with all the bells and whistles don't come cheap, we offer entry-level fixed models.
Bring Natural Light In With Canberra's Top Skylight Installers
Leave gloom and darkness behind! Canberra Metal Roofers' custom skylight installations brighten any home while accentuating architectural beauty. With satisfied local customers and specialist expertise spanning 10 years, trust us to handle your project from permits to flawless execution.
Contact us today at 048 4900 507 for prompt complimentary site visits to select your ideal skylights. Or email [email protected] with any questions.