Skylights and rooflights are incorporated into the ceiling of your property and they are covered with glass, allowing natural light to flow into the room and illuminate the interior space. These lighting options are becoming increasingly popular, and are ideal for buildings which lack plenty of natural light. They can either be installed during the construction of a building or after it has been built, and can even be incorporated into older properties. They have a number of benefits, and could even save you money in the long run – especially if you are used to using electric lights during the day because of a lack of sunlight. Here is a skylights and rooflights measuring guide, with tips on how to measure for these lights if you wish to install them into your property.
1. Measuring the length of the room
You will need to start by measuring the width and length of the room that you want to install the skylights or rooflights in. You may want to use a simple tape measuring device, although this will depend on the size of the room. You will then need to work out the largest amount of space in the room that can be taken up by skylights. Multiply the length and width of the room to find out the total area of the room and then multiply this number again by 0.05 – 0.15 to ascertain how much space you will need. The size of your rooflights or skylights will depend on how much natural light already flows through that room. For example, you may have smaller windows on the wall, or may lack any natural sunlight at all.
2. Choose a skylight or rooflight
There are a wide range of different skylights and rooflights to choose from, and you will need to do your research to find the best products in your particular circumstances. Using a price comparison website can help you to find the best products on the market, and you will be able to compare criteria such as price and product specification. Remember – a flat skylight will need to be installed into a hole in the roof, whilst other types of skylight can be built outside of the roof. Choose which item is best for you, and comprise a budget when looking for these items.
3. Measuring the roof
If you have decided to install a skylight from the outside of the roof, you will also need to measure the area on the roof that you are planning on installing the light. Remember – always enlist the services of a trained professional and don’t climb onto your roof by yourself as this can be extremely dangerous. Instead, a trained professional will be able to measure the area for you and give you the correct dimensions. Use these dimensions and compare them with different products on the market, and try and work out how much space the light will take once it has been fully installed. You will then be able to submit these measurements to the company that is manufacturing the light.