Determining the right number of VELUX skylights for your space is essential for achieving the perfect balance of natural light and temperature control in your home. Too many skylights can lead to overheating and excessive brightness, while too few might leave your rooms lacking the benefits of natural illumination.
Whether you're considering a single skylight or envisioning multiple ones, it's crucial to balance design preferences with the right amount of natural light. Consulting with your installer or architect will help determine the optimal number for your space.
In this article, we'll explore how to measure your home for a skylight and provide essential tips for installing multiple skylights to ensure your home is perfectly lit.
VELUX Skylight Orientation
Where a VELUX skylight is placed on your roof relative to the sun is an important factor in determining exactly how many you may need for your space. Let’s take a look at how the orientation of your skylight affects the natural light that enters a room.
South-facing skylights
South-facing skylights provide the most direct sunlight throughout the day. A full day of direct sunlight is great for solar-powered skylights and if you live in a cold environment. But, if you live in a warmer climate, you may want to consider a single skylight rather than multiple.
North-facing skylights
North-facing skylights provide the most consistent amount of sunlight without creating a harsh glare or heat. Ideal for multiple skylights as they will not overheat your space.
East-facing skylights
East-facing skylights will get you direct sunlight in the morning as the sun is rising. With the sun being softer in the morning, multiple skylights can work for east-facing spaces.
West-facing skylights
West-facing skylights are similar to south-facing skylights as they bring in sunlight from the hottest time of the day, making them not the best option for multiple skylights as they may overheat your space.
How to measure for a VELUX Skylight
Measuring your space for a skylight is a great way to maximize the benefits of natural light.
The industry standard for a new in-home skylight is typically 5% of your floor space for rooms that already have a lot of windows and 15% of your floor space for rooms that do not have many windows. Abiding by these measurements helps keep your space as energy-efficient as possible while enabling you to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air that skylights offer. Here is an example of how to measure for a skylight:
- Using a tape measurer, calculate the square footage of your floor by multiplying the length and width.
- If your room is dark with few windows, multiply the square footage of your floor by .15 (15%) and if it has plenty of windows multiply by .05 (5%).
The final number is the approximate square footage of your skylight project should be for that space. Knowing that a typical skylight is 4 feet by 2 feet in size will help you determine exactly how many you need for your space.
Select the Right VELUX Skylight for Your Home
VELUX offers a wide range of skylight options for your home. From solar-powered “Fresh Air” venting skylights to fixed skylight options, we have the perfect solution to suit your needs. Our skylight experts can help you choose the best option for your home and budget. Receive a free virtual one-on-one consultation with our team of Trusted Advisors to determine which rooms could benefit from skylights. They can also help you choose accessories to personalize your skylight and answer any questions you may have about the installation process and proper skylight maintenance. Connect with a Trusted Advisor today and get personalized project support.
