Wouldn’t it be great if we could enjoy warm sunshine and scenic views all year round? Unfortunately, for many of us living in the Northern hemisphere this is not always possible, especially in the winter.
During the colder months of the year, sitting outdoors in the sunshine isn’t always possible. Not only that, but as the weather is often worse during fall and winter, homes can become gloomy, dark, and depressing due to a lack of natural light.
For those looking to enjoy fantastic views outdoors, warmth from the sun, and more natural light in the home, sunrooms are fantastic. Sunrooms are additional rooms built onto a property that are often built primarily of glass to allow more sunshine and light into the home, while providing unobstructed views outside.
But how much does it cost to install skylights into a sunroom, and just how easy it is? Here’s a look at how much it may cost to fit a skylight in a sunroom, along with a few handy DIY tips.
What are Skylights?
In order to understand the average costs of a skylight installation in a sunroom, we first need to understand exactly what they are.
Skylights are basically windows that are fitted into the ceiling of room, which in this instance is a sunroom. They are usually made of glass, though some designs feature different materials.
As a skylight is basically a window installed in the ceiling, it allows more sunlight into the room below. On top of that, it also provides fantastic views up into the sky and is perfect for those looking to gaze at the clouds, or the stars at night, without leaving the home.
Some skylights are fixed whereas others open slightly and provide ventilation. This is great for keeping cool in the summer, for removing cooking smoke and odors, and for preventing mold, mildew, and condensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight in a Sunroom?
While we can’t provide a precise answer to this question because it will depend on a number of factors such as the size of the skylight, the size of the sunroom, and the materials used, we can give you a rough idea.
The average price of adding skylights to your sunroom can vary hugely, though typically it could be as low as $900, or as much as $3,000. On average however, as of this writing, the national average cost of installing a skylight in a sunroom is just over $1,900.
DIY Skylight Installation Tips for Sunrooms
A skylight is a fantastic feature in any room, especially a sunroom. It helps to allow more light in, provide better views, ventilation, and it can even help to add value to your property.
If you’re considering a DIY skylight installation for your sunroom, here are a few simple tips and ideas for you to mull over.
Decide Which Skylight Type You’d Prefer
In terms of skylight designs, you can choose all manner of different sizes, designs, and materials. With that said, there are three main types of skylight so you’ll have to decide which is best for your sunroom.
Ventilated skylights are the most popular. They open outwards slightly and can help to increase airflow and ventilation. If your sunroom is in close proximity to a bathroom or kitchen, a ventilated skylight is ideal as it will help to remove steam, smoke, and moisture.
Fixed skylights are basically windows in the ceiling. They don’t open so cannot provide ventilation. If your main objectives are natural light and better views, fixed skylights are ideal, and are usually cheaper.
Finally, for much smaller sunrooms, tubular skylights may be considered. They’re much easier to install and are adjustable, featuring a reflective tube design. Because of their size and ease of fitting, these are the cheapest option but are not suitable for most sunrooms.
Go for Energy Efficient Designs
Because of the advancements in manufacturing over the last decade or so, more and more skylights feature energy efficient designs than ever before.
Energy efficient skylights aren’t just beneficial for the environment, they’re also very economical as well. Energy efficient skylights help to keep the home warm in winter, and cool in the summer. This in turn will help keep heating and air conditioning costs down.
Look for skylights with double, or even triple-glazing as these will provide the most insulation.
Don’t Forget the Framing
To help get the most out of your new skylight installation, in terms of functionality and looks, make sure you focus on the framing as well.
A properly installed skylight frame will not only help to make the skylight look better, it will also help to keep moisture out, make the skylight watertight, and help to eliminate drafts.
Skylight frames come in a variety of different materials and designs, so find one that works best for your skylight and the sunroom it is installed in.
Think About Installing Moisture Sensors
Because of the advancements in modern technology, it is now possible to fit skylights with a variety of different features, including moisture sensors.
There’s nothing worse than opening a ventilated skylight to let some fresh air in, only to forget about it and walk into a soaking wet room the following morning when you discover it rained in the night. This is where moisture sensors are so useful.
Moisture sensors detect moisture, I.E rain, and automatically close the skylight to help prevent any water from getting into the home. The only real downside is the cost, though if your budget allows for them, moisture sensors are very useful indeed.
Consider The Direction Your Sunroom Faces
The direction that your sunroom faces should help to determine where your skylights are installed.
If for example, one of your main goals is to enjoy fabulous sunrises in the morning, east-facing skylights are ideal as the sun rises in the east. The downside is that they don’t enjoy as much sunshine after midday.
A west-facing skylight, however, will provide the most natural light and warmth in the afternoons into the evening. They’re also great for enjoying picturesque sunsets.
When adding skylights to your sunroom, figure out which direction your sunroom is facing, and work from there.