A Homeowner’s Guide to Selecting the Perfect Skylight for Your Space
Skylights are one of the best ways to brighten your home with natural light, improve energy efficiency, and enhance overall comfort. But with so many options available — from fixed glass panels to tubular sun tunnels — choosing the right skylight for your home can feel overwhelming.
At Vancouver Skylights, we help homeowners make informed decisions by matching skylight types to specific needs, roof structures, and room functions. Here’s what to consider when choosing the best skylight for your home.
1. Understand Your Skylight Options
Fixed Skylights
These non-opening units are ideal for rooms where ventilation isn’t needed, like stairwells or hallways. They’re energy efficient, simple to install, and great for maximizing daylight.
Vented Skylights
These open either manually or with electric/smart control. Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere you want passive ventilation along with natural light.
Tubular Skylights (Sun Tunnels)
These are compact and affordable, making them ideal for small or interior rooms like closets, powder rooms, or hallways.
Custom Skylights
If your home has a unique roofline or design vision, custom skylights can be fabricated to fit your architectural needs.
2. Consider Roof Type & Pitch
Your roof design plays a major role in what skylight is right for you:
- Flat roofs require curb-mounted, fully sealed skylights to prevent leaks.
- Pitched roofs offer more flexibility for deck-mounted or vented units.
- Materials like metal, cedar, or tile may need specialized flashing and installation techniques.
3. Choose the Right Glazing
Modern skylights come with advanced glass options:
- Double or triple glazing for thermal efficiency
- Low-E coatings to block UV and reduce heat gain
- Laminated or tempered safety glass for durability and noise reduction
- Tinted or frosted finishes for privacy
Choosing the right glazing will help regulate temperature, protect your interior, and cut down on glare.
4. Think About Light Control
Many homeowners love the idea of skylights — until they wake up with sunlight blazing into their room. Look for features like:
- Built-in blinds or shades
- Remote control for venting
- Rain sensors on solar-powered skylights
These smart upgrades can make a big difference in daily comfort.
5. Match Your Skylight to the Room
- Kitchens & bathrooms: Choose vented skylights to reduce moisture
- Bedrooms: Consider models with blackout blinds
- Living rooms or hallways: Fixed skylights provide simple daylight enhancement
- Closets & laundry rooms: Sun tunnels deliver affordable, efficient light
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skylight means balancing aesthetics, performance, and practicality. At Vancouver Skylights, we guide you through every step — from design to installation — so you can enjoy lasting results with zero guesswork.
Get a free skylight consultation in Vancouver today.