BATHROOM SKYLIGHTS

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FITTING
SKYLIGHTS IN YOUR BATHROOM

BATHROOM SKYLIGHTS - EVERYTHING TO KNOW

Installing bathroom skylights may be one of the best renovation decisions you ever make.

Bathroom skylights offer so many benefits ranging from bringing in lots of natural lighting, improving ventilation, reducing condensation and mould growth, to increasing your home’s resale value.

Should I put a skylight in my bathroom?

Nearly every bathroom can benefit from a skylight.

Most bathrooms, especially in older houses, tend to be relegated to the shady side of the house or in the centre of the building. The result is usually a dark, often dingy bathroom.

Yet, the bathroom is a special place where we spend time getting ready to face the world. And you deserve better. You deserve a bright, light-filled space where you will feel uplifted.

WHY IS NATURAL LIGHTING IMPORTANT IN BATHROOMS

Natural lighting is a real plus for any bathroom. Research shows that natural light helps elevate and support positive feelings.

The bright light from electric sources can be excessive and harsh. Using natural light can highlight bathroom surfaces and wall features or textures in beautifully creative ways.

An abundance of natural lighting reduces your reliance on electric lighting and reduces power bills. And bathroom skylights keep on giving pleasure even at night time.

Just imagine the exquisite pleasure of luxuriating in a hot bath with the light of the moon and stars shining through the skylight.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PUT A SKYLIGHT?

Think about what you want to achieve with your bathroom skylight. Placing the skylight in a central position in your bathroom ceiling might seem to be the obvious choice.

But you may get better results by being a little more adventurous. You can use the skylight to enhance unusual wall features or room design such as angles or textured surfaces.

Placing a skylight directly above your bath or shower or to bring more light to bathroom vanities and mirrors is also a good idea.

Just moving a skylight even a little bit can be beneficial if privacy from neighbouring higher level neighbours is an issue.

If you want to install a non-opening skylight you’ll probably want to avoid placing it on the sunny side of a roof as you may find the room gets too hot in summer.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON SIZED BATHROOM SKYLIGHT?

And how long is a piece of string? We supply an enormous range of skylight sizes and shapes; round, square, rectangular.

The ideal sized skylight for your bathroom will depend on many aspects including, roof construction type, bathroom size, and how you intend to use the skylight.

Installing a number of smaller skylights is a popular way to increase the surface area of your skylights without needing to make major structural changes in your roof.

Smaller skylights can be perfect for tight shower cubicles.

Below is a selection of standard-sized skylights sizes:

  • 550 x 700 mm
  • 550 x 980 mm
  • 550 X 1180 mm
  • 550 x 1400 mm
  • 780 x 980 mm
  • 780 x 1180 mm
  • 780 x 1400 mm
  • 1140 x 700 mm
  • 1140 x 1180 mm

HOW DO I STOP CONDENSATION ON MY BATHROOM SKYLIGHT?

Condensation forms on glass windows and skylights when there is a high-temperature differential between outside and inside.

In other words, if it’s cold outside and warm inside you’re more likely to get condensation forming. The high humidity from steamy showers and baths makes the problem even worse.

Double-glazed and even triple-glazed skylights significantly reduce condensation.

Installing skylights with a gas such as argon between the panes will largely eliminate condensation too.

If you see condensation forming on new double skylights it may be a sign that the seal between the panes is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Choose an opening skylight for increased ventilation and open the skylight when showering to eliminate steam.

The addition of moisture-loving pot plants such as a Peace Lilly or Orchid can help reduce condensation as well as add real beauty to your bathroom.

ARE SOLAR TUBES BETTER THAN SKYLIGHTS?

Not necessarily. Solar tubes serve a slightly different function.

Solar tubes bring light to dark rooms and they are perfect for rooms on lower levels in a house where it’s not possible to use a skylight.

Solar tubes won’t aid ventilation or reduce condensation but they are a highly effective option for enhancing the light in a dark bathroom.

Light diffusers in the solar tubes spread the light over a wide area for a really effective natural lighting solution.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PUT A SKYLIGHT IN A BATHROOM?

Again the cost will depend on your particular situation and choices.

Prices for the skylights will range from around $300 for a flat roof fixed skylight up to $2,500 for a large electric opening skylight.

You then need to factor in the cost of blinds, opening options and of course, installation costs.

Factors such as council consent requirements (if necessary) and additional roof structural work will significantly impact the cost of installation.

DIY installation may be an option for skilled handy folk where the installation is relatively straightforward.

But remember, you are creating a penetration in your roof and it’s critical that it is properly installed and sealed.

The cost of using a qualified professional may vary between $200 and $4,000 depending on the complexity of the job.

See Skylight Pricing here.

DO ROOFERS INSTALL SKYLIGHTS?

Yes, roofers can install skylights (and flashings) and we have a number of skilled skylight installers in your area.

You’ll enjoy a stress-free project and all work is covered by warranty and insurance for your peace of mind.

MY BATHROOM SPACE IS TOO SMALL FOR A SKYLIGHT, DO I HAVE OPTIONS?

Yes, we supply a range of solar tunnels and solar tubes to bring light into the smallest and most challenging spaces.

Solar tubes can be installed in multilevel buildings and on a wide range of roof pitches using either rigid or flexible tubing.

The flexible tubing enables solar tube installation where there are particular challenging obstacles in the roof cavity.

ARE THERE OPTIONS TO ADD A BLIND TO MY SKYLIGHT

Yes, we offer a range of skylight blind types including: blackout, light-filtering, honeycomb, and insect screens.

We also offer a choice of blind operating methods such as manual or electric.

Installation is incredibly simple.

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