Lighting...how about skylights???

[ablebaker]

Don't know if this fits here or elsewhere but it does have to do with lighting.
I'm giving some thought to incorporating one or two skylights in the roof of my new 22'x20' garage, I will have scissor trusses on 16" centers so it will be a straight shot thru the roof, no attic or anything, just insulation.
Anyone think of a good reason not to do this???

Thanks

 

[mooman]

I can't think of a good reason not to do it. In fact, I'm thinking of it myslef right now....

 

[HoosierBuddy]

When we built our garage addition, we had to rework the roof angle on part of the house in order to connect the garage. That meant that 2 of my skylights in the house had to go away.

We put them in the garage addition. However, I used engineered trusses in order to have a bonus room above the garage, so the skylights don't provide light to the garage itself, but rather to the bonus room.

It turned out really nice. I've got 3 dormers facing the street, windows on each end of the bonus room facing the neighbors and the skylights facing backwards, opposite the outside dormers. It makes it feel like a treehouse up there.

Phil

 

[kbs2244]

Do it.

You will not be sorry.

 

[TONE]

Free light is about as good as it gets!

I also would do it, if it was possible in my space (which it isnt).

 

[Nostraquedeo]

Yeah, I would do it too. Natural light is a lot better than artificial light.

 

[tdkkart]

The only issue I have with skylights is leakage. Apparently they are impossible to keep from leaking. I like them, but every time I look at one that has any age on it at all there is evidence of leakage.

 

[kbs2244]

Sky lights leaking is a matter of good installation.
If it is done right there is no problem.
I have a 30 year old install on my 3 season room that is bone dry.

I have seen a number of “leaking” sky light problems that turned out to be condensation problems.
Real common in kitchens with the sky light up into a shaft between the ceiling and roof.
The moist air would get up into the light shaft and condense on the cool surface.

My boy bought a house with this problem.
After we fixed the drywall we installed little fans from a computer in the shaft.
Just enough air movement to keep things from getting too damp.

I am a big believer in keeping the air moving.
You avoid rust and mold problems in a shop, garage, or home setting.

 

[rockchucker]

100% ^


I have installed a plethora of Skylights. It is all about how the Installer Flashes or Finishes around the Skylight for leakage. If you buy a good quality Skylight then there should be no issue whatsoever with the installation. Just make sure the Installer knows what they are doing. +1 on keeping the air moving around the Skylight. Since there is no Attic Space then it shouldn't be an issue. If it starts to condensate the throw some circulation at it.

 

[bobadame]

I used 14" diameter light tubes, 5 of them. The maker claims light equivalent to 500 watts incadescent per fixture on a clear day. I am glad I did it, wish I had used maybe one more. It lights 2500 sq. ft. nicely.

 

[ddawg16]

I installed a Velux in the roof of my garage....and since my upstairs is a usable space, it's great....besides free lighting, it does a great job of venting out heat....

AND....I can open it enough to climb out on the roof.....a lot easier than using a ladder.

As for leaking....I agree that most problems are improper installation and condensation.
I used the flashing kit made for the skylight....I really don't see how I'll have a leaking problem.

 

[TejasBimmer]

In one of the houses I help reno with my in-laws, we installed one of those Solatube in a very dark kitchen (no direct sunlight).
http://www.solatube.com/index.php

During the mornings, we did not need to use any power.
I plan to install 2 or 3 into my garage.

 

[JOEY K]

I have very glad that I put sklights in my pole barn plenty light even on winter days.

 

[Gary S]

Do you get hail? Skylights are a great way to pile ice on your vehicles and tools.