Homeowners Breathe Easier With Modern Skylights

    FORT MILL, SC, July 10, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- One of the most efficient and effective methods available to homeowners for bringing more and better natural light into a home is seldom the first one that comes to mind. But when paired with windows and exterior doors, the primary sources of natural light in most homes, skylights are equal partners in the mix.

And, through their chimney effect, venting skylights silently provide passive ventilation, with cost-free operation, as they exhaust volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and stale air from throughout the home, heat and cooking odors from kitchens, and humidity from bathrooms and laundry areas.

According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, the number one concern homeowners used to express about skylights was a fear of leaks. "That was a valid concern with some older, poorly installed skylights," Patrick says, "but modern, ENERGY STAR qualified skylights with matched flashing systems from leading manufacturers, just like quality windows and exterior doors, are totally dependable when properly installed.

Anytime a hole is cut in the frame or roof of a home, the potential for air or moisture entering exists. But proper installation techniques and materials can take care of those concerns."

Other points many homeowners are not aware of, Patrick says, is that fixed or venting skylights offer as many or more ways to control heat and light as do vertical windows.

"Venetian blinds are available to adjust light, cellular shades to diffuse light, lightblock shades to totally or partially block light, and exterior heatblock awnings to block heat before it enters the room. There is even high-tech electrochromic glass available which can be darkened or lightened by remote control without blocking the view to the sky," he points out.

"And," Patrick says, "even before accessories are added, skylight glazings are among the best in the window and door industry. Quality units employ dual pane construction with argon gas-injected low-E coated panes for control of heat gain or loss. These glazings control up to 83 percent of the sun's fade-causing rays and resist condensation so well that a home can contain up to 50 percent more humidity before condensation will occur."

Patrick adds that quality units contain tempered and laminated panes for safety and maximum protection against fading. "There are even impact glass models available that meet the strictest code requirements for wind-borne debris protections in hurricane-prone and other high-wind areas," he says.

For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call 1-800-283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.

Image/s caption - Modern Skylights Offer Dependability and Energy Efficiency While Providing Healthful Natural Light and Ventilation.

VELUX America Feature Series No. 25/08/F - Homeowners Breathe Easier With Modern Skylights - Apx. 450 Words

Media Contact:
Keith Hobbs - Business Services Associates, Inc. - 9413 Greenfield Drive -
Raleigh, NC 27615-2306 - Phone - 919.844.0064 - E-mail - [email protected]

For quick access to natural light feature material, daylighting case histories and background information, news releases, press kits and high-resolution images visit www.veluxusa.com and, from the Home page, go to the News Media section under "Professionals."

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