Everything You Need to Know Before Installing a Skylight

Have you ever considered the way skylights could transform your home? Most homeowners envision large-scale renovations that involve opening up walls, installing wider exterior doors, or vaulting their ceilings when they want to make a space feel bigger and brighter. Of course, not everyone has the space in their budget or schedule to take on such big plans. Adding a skylight is one of the most cost-effective and unobtrusive ways to “open up” a space. However, skylights don’t just make a room more beautiful by giving it that “wow” factor. Skylights are actually very practical. Homeowners who choose skylights enjoy:

• More natural light that brightens a room, makes the space seem bigger, and reduces daytime energy costs.
• The health and mood benefits of natural light. Did you know that studies have shown a lack of natural light in a home is linked to poor health? (Here in Chicago, winter is characterized by significant cloud cover, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy for an average of 57% of the time, and 59% in January).
• Skylights provide a strong return on investment (ROI)

Of course, the quality of the skylights you choose is highly important. Lang Home Exteriors takes pride in bringing the joy and value of skylights to homeowners. Are you thinking of putting skylights in your Chicago-area home? Here’s what you need to know to reap the benefits of natural light and increase your home’s value.

Is a new roof on your radar? Roof replacement is actually the ideal time for adding skylights. When you schedule a skylight addition with your roof replacement, you minimize the need for additional labor and structural work. In addition to reducing skylight installation costs, this strategy also provides better results because it offers a more seamless integration of roofing and skylight framing. The result is a strong seal that can protect against water intrusion and drafts.

Velux skylights will last 20-30 years, depending on their weather exposure. When replacing a roof, be sure to consider the age of your skylights. Old skylights can become more susceptible to brittle edges and cracking over time, especially when exposed to the Chicago elements. Be sure to have our Exteriors Specialists evaluate your skylights when it’s time for a new roof.

If you’ve been researching the best skylights for homes around Southwest Chicago, you’ve undoubtedly seen countless recommendations for a skylight brand called VELUX. Here at Lang Home Exteriors, we have extensive knowledge of VELUX skylights, as we offer this brand exclusively. VELUX’s unmatched quality and durability add value to homes. In addition, we appreciate the confidence we can offer our clients due to VELUX’s standard 10-year warranty and leak-free promise.

VELUX is one of the most versatile skylight manufacturers. Homeowners can choose from a variety of skylights, including traditional and Sun Tunnel skylights, to suit the architectural and practical needs of their homes. VELUX products also feature first-in-industry standard safety glass, which reduces road noise by as much as 25% compared to standard double-pane glass and 50% less noise compared to ordinary plastic skylights. Be sure that you choose VELUX skylights from Lang Home Exteriors.

When you inquire about getting new VELUX skylights at your Chicago home with Lang Home Exteriors, you’ll receive personalized attention from the start. We’re committed to offering you a competitive price for mounting a skylight backed by our superb workmanship.

As the most trusted roofing company serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, Lang Home Exteriors provides custom roofing solutions for homes of all sizes, architectural styles, and ages. That’s why we’re a top choice if you’re looking to add new skylights during your upcoming reroofing project. However, we can also mount your new VELUX skylights even if you plan to keep your existing roof. If you plan to install new skylights on an existing roof, it’s crucial to hire skilled carpenters who can cut into your existing roofing without causing damage as they frame out the opening for the skylight. Next comes the roofing professionals who install the appropriate flashing for leak protection. Lang Home Exteriors offers both new skylight installation and skylight replacement.

Whether you’re replacing new skylights with your new roof or undertaking a stand-alone skylight project, we’ll visit your home to provide a custom quote. Along the way, our team will be here to help you select the right skylight style and placement to ensure maximum satisfaction and the best return on investment possible. We’ll also guide you on how to choose the right VELUX skylight for your home, based on factors such as roof pitch and layout. Let our team help you decide between VELUX deck-mounted skylights, curb-mounted skylights, and self-flashed skylights. In general, VELUX skylight prices are based on the needed size, clearance, and daylight square feet.

Yes, Lang Home Exteriors offers VELUX skylight models that open to provide ventilation. These models are called venting skylights. These products can also lock from the inside to provide extra protection. VELUX is one of the few skylight brands to offer venting skylights that are available in electric, solar-powered, or manual models.

Velux offers two skylight models specifically designed to accommodate flat or low-pitch roofs. After inspecting your roof, the Lang Home Exteriors team can advise you on whether this is a suitable option for your home.

Yes! In fact, it’s highly recommended that you utilize a roofing contractor when replacing your skylights to ensure that proper flashing and leak protection are added. While the ideal time to get skylights installed is when you’re putting on a new roof, the pros at Lang Home Exteriors in Cook County are here to install skylights in an existing roof for you. While not all roofing companies offer skylights, Lang Home Exteriors has been mounting skylights for over 20 years.

VELUX produces some of the most energy-efficient skylights on the market today. Currently, more than 90% of VELUX products have earned ENERGY STAR ratings for all United States climate zones.

We are proud to be a well-known and top-notch VELUX skylight installer in Cook County and Will County, Illinois. Take a look at what real customers have to say after having quality custom skylights mounted by our team.

“I have known Lang Home exteriors for years now. And working with Chad was always great. This guy has the knowledge and expertise to get the job done with exceptional attention to detail. They did my Soffit, Facia, skylight and recently my beautiful misty shadow sidings. kudos also to Hugo and the rest of the crew. They are all amazing. I am looking forward for my future home project with Lang.”

— Ja Rue, via Google Reviews ★★★★★

“Happy with new roof and skylight!
Enjoying with open air and blind.
Compromised by neighbor for new roof. With Chad’s prompt, professional knowledge made life easier.
Thanks!”

— Jung S, via Google Reviews ★★★★★

“Lang Home Exteriors has been my go-to for multiple projects over the years, a new roof, new gutters, and new skylights. Excellent work at a fair price!”

— Sean Lindsay,via  Google Reviews ★★★★★

“They did a great job replacing the skylight in bathroom. On time, professional and a competitive price. Thanks George.”

— John Somers, via Google Reviews ★★★★★

“They were neat and professional. They were on time and workers installed skylights in 2-1/2 hours. Cleaned up. Perfect job on budget.”

— Rich Contreras, via Google Reviews ★★★★★

“Jorge was very professional and knowledgeable when he assessed for the quote for 2 skylights and the quote was very reasonable. As soon as the materials came in, he was in contact to schedule an installation. All went over smoothly and quickly and they kept everything very clean. Thanks!”

— Darya Mailhiot, via Google Reviews ★★★★★