Replies

1. 
   woodguy99 | Apr 28, 2005 03:48am | #1

   Gail, just use a regular skylight, Velux is an excellent brand.  You can probably get by without the venting option.  Home-made skylights often leak, so it's best to stick with a reputable company.  They come with good instructions, not a bad advanced do-it-yourself project.

    

   Mike

1. 
   zilla | Apr 28, 2005 07:15am | #2

   I wasn't thinking of making it myself.  For sure it would leak!  Thanks for the answer.

1. 
   DANL | Apr 28, 2005 02:18pm | #3

   I agree with Mike--Velux makes good skylights.

1. 
   zilla | Apr 28, 2005 07:19pm | #4

   I will go take a look at Vellux on the internet.  I have heard of the company.  Just never needed the product before.

2. 
   Rayna | May 13, 2005 10:26pm | #5

   Why not consider one or two tubular skylights? Also called sunpipes, etc, these are installed between the beams of the roof and are supposedly VERY easy for even homeowners to install. I found a page listing a bunch of different companies...

   http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/US/byP/light/TubularSkylights/byN/byName.shtml

   I suggest checking out some web sites of various brands and then discuss it with a builder/roofer who is experienced in their installation. They probably have a favorite brand or two.

   Tubular skylights let in a LOT more light than you would imagine, and also cost far less than conventional skylights. They also are easier to maintain against leakage.

   My best to you!

   -rayna

1. 
   zilla | May 13, 2005 11:57pm | #6

   After I asked the question, I got to thinking the same thing, only why not just put it in the kitchen ceiling?  I thought it might be easer to put a skylight in the porch roof, but apparently it isn't.  My poor DH.  I am always thinking of something for him to do.

1. 
   Rayna | May 14, 2005 01:43am | #7

   That's the beauty of theose tubular skylights ... they only take a few hours to install! I'll bet one or even two of those would brighten your kitchen right up.

   -----------------------------------

   I have a regular skylight in my kitchen (PO installed) and we love it. Lots of very bright light; we still reach for the wall switch some days, yet we've lived here for 8 years. :) Yet we have to check the seal every year, and have had a tiny bit of leakage. We worry about when it finally gets really worn out.

   Unfortunately, the two POs also made additions to the house that leave our windows in shadow such as you are experiencing ... big porch blocks living room windows (which are floor length); a bumped out family room wall leaves one french door two steps down in a well, and one small end-wall window; and the kitchen and dining room are now in the center of the house due to a long bump-out we call the mud room and kitchen nook.

   I think that's why they added the skylight. It throws a fair amount of light toward the LR because of the interior wall cutout and peninsula, but you wouldn't believe how dark the rest is.

   After seeing how much light comes from tubular skylights, we plan several (DR, hall, porch) unfortunately it will be quite awhile before we can afford it :(

   As a "creative solution" we're leaving the family room dark and will outfit it as the media room!

   My best to you!

   -rayna

1. 
   zilla | May 14, 2005 07:39am | #8

   hmmm.....now I know what to do with our LR.  Call it a media room.

   We live in the desert, so brightly lit rooms are a mixed blessing.  I prefer light.  You can always run the cooler.