Selecting The Right Contractor For Skylight Installation
- Insurance
Liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance are the two types of insurance that a skylight installation contractor should carry. Insurance is required of all contractors, regardless of their employment designation. This insurance is not intended to protect them; it protects you, the homeowner.
Always get confirmation of insurance from a roofing or skylight contractor before employing them to install skylights in your house.
- Local
Always hire a contractor that is conveniently placed near you. This is not a discussion about trip time. The professional must have regional expertise. Not only will they be familiar with the weather in your area, but they will also very certainly have been employed before by someone you know. This makes it simple to determine how well they do and to interact with them.
- Cost
Never, ever pick a contractor only based on the quote they provide. While staying within your budget is critical, you must remember that bidding for the lowest price has many dangers. Low-wage labour entails a lack of enthusiasm and expertise — as well as the certainty of future issues. Second, you will wind up spending twice or triple the cost of repairing the damage created by the poor work.
- Agreement
Always obtain written confirmation of job details. Even if you know the roofer who will personally install your skylight, you will still require a contract that binds both parties legally. The contract enables you to maintain control of the situation by outlining everything from the project’s estimated time to the cost of supplies, labour, and warranty.
- Cooperation and communication
Communication is critical in every connection, regardless of the nature of the partnership. You want to work with a skylight installer that responds to your queries, returns your calls, delivers paperwork, and goes slightly above and beyond what you may expect. Additionally, how are you treated? Choose someone polite, kind, and considerate of your time.
What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Skylight
- The widespread belief that all skylights leak
Skylights have a poor reputation for leaking all the time. Because many installers fail to follow the installation instructions, they have earned this reputation.
Your skylight will not leak as long as your roofing contractor follows the manufacturer’s installation recommendations and the materials will last (up to 20 years). If your new skylight survives the first rain without leaking, you’ll know it was correctly fitted.
- Hire someone who has experience installing skylights.
Remember that your skylight is leak-free; your installer must follow the manufacturer’s installation recommendations. Wouldn’t it make sense to pick an installation with a track record of adhering to these guidelines?
Finding a local contractor with skylight installation knowledge is critical when purchasing a skylight. The largest skylight producer, VELUX, certifies contractors they believe will install their goods.
- How long will your skylight be free of leaks?
Remember that a correctly built skylight will remain leak-free for as long as the materials last. But how long will it be until the materials in your skylight fail?
VELUX is the industry leader in skylights. You will get a 10-year No Leak guarantee when you purchase a VELUX skylight.
- Determine when to replace your skylight
Replacing your skylights at the appropriate time will help you avoid a costly leak. If your skylights are more than 20 years old, the materials will eventually collapse.
Even if they aren’t leaking currently, I suggest repairing your aged skylights at the same time as you replace your roof. If your skylights were installed within the last two to five years, they should not need to be changed.
Benefits Of Having Skylight In Your Home
- Adding natural light (as well as solar heating) in your areas
The most significant advantage of skylights is that they let natural light into your room. Solar heat is produced as a result of light. What difference does it make to you? Natural light has been shown to increase mood and even performance in the office. In addition, heating your house with sunshine might help you save money on heating bills during the colder months.
- Allowing more fresh air in and improving ventilation
Skylight windows may be opened to let in the fresh air. This improves cross circulation in congested areas, freshens the air, and cools your living spaces without using the air conditioner.
- Energy cost savings (electric and heating)
As previously said, sunlight may heat up your interiors as cross-ventilation can cool them down. Each may help you save money on electricity (just be sure to build a leak-proof skylight with laminated glass!)
- Aesthetic improvements increase the resale value
Skylights, for example, may add wealth to your house by increasing its market value and providing a beautiful, natural light environment in select spaces.
- Natural light and “creating space” in a room
Skylights, like mirrors on the walls, skylights may make a space “feel larger” and more expansive. You may also enjoy a view of the night sky or outdoors during the day.
