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Can You Open A Skylight? & Facts You Need To Know

Posted on February 10, 2023

Estimated Reading Time : 5 Min.

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Can You Open A Skylight? & Facts You Need To Know

Skylights are an excellent addition to any home or office for bringing natural light and fresh air inside. However, many people are unaware of the secure process of opening them. In this blog, we’ll address whether you can open a skylight, and explain the step-by-step procedures to open or close them when needed. 

We’ll also provide information about the types of skylights that are available for buildings and explain the opening procedure for all of them. Read our comprehensive guide to prevent your skylights from accidental damage. 

Can You Open A Skylight?

The answer to the question can you open a skylight, is yes. However, it depends on the type of skylight you have installed in your home or office. 

A. Operable Skylights

Operable skylights are a type of skylight that can be opened and closed, typically using a manual or motorized mechanism. The ability to open a skylight depends on several factors, including the design of the skylight, the type of mechanism used to open it, and the location of the skylight in the building. Some skylights can only be opened manually, while others can be opened using a remote, switch, or smartphone app. 

B. Advantages Of Having An Operable Skylight

Having an operable skylight comes with many advantages. Improved air circulation and ventilation, reduced indoor air pollutants, and an increase in natural light are just a few of the benefits. Furthermore, it provides access to fresh air and a view of the sky, creating a brighter and more enjoyable atmosphere. 

On warm days, opening a skylight can also reduce the need for artificial cooling, leading to energy savings and improved comfort. In conclusion, an operable skylight can greatly enhance the quality of life in a space, delivering practical benefits in addition to aesthetic appeal.

Types Of Skylights

There are many types of skylights, such as fixed, ventilated, motorized, or remote-controlled skylights. Read our blog on how much a skylight costs depending on its size and style. 

A. Fixed Skylights

Fixed skylights offer homeowners a cost-effective and convenient way to bring natural light into their living spaces. These skylights are simple to install and are ideal for adding brightness and warmth to areas such as hallways and closets. In addition, fixed skylights can significantly enhance the overall atmosphere of a space by allowing in an ample amount of natural light. 

Whether you are looking to brighten up a room, or create a more inviting environment, fixed skylights are definitely worth considering as an affordable solution. 

However, it is important to remember that fixed skylights do not provide ventilation. Consequently, they are not ideal for areas that require fresh air, such as bathrooms and kitchens. 

B. Ventilated Skylights

Ventilated skylights offer a unique solution for homeowners looking to add natural light and fresh air to their living spaces. Not only do these skylights allow for ample illumination, but they can also be opened manually or through motorization to allow for air circulation. 

This is particularly important in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms where fresh air is a necessity. By reducing the buildup of moisture and other pollutants, ventilated skylights provide both functional and aesthetic benefits to a space. They create a brighter and more open atmosphere while improving air quality. 

Ultimately, ventilated skylights are a versatile and effective option for those seeking to add both natural light and ventilation to their home.

C. Motorized Skylights

Motorized or remote-controlled skylights offer a comfortable and effortless operation system to open them. You can open a motorized skylight while sitting on a couch, or with a switch.
Additionally, motorized skylights are equipped with sensors that provide you easy access to open or close them, either by a remote or a mobile phone application. 

These skylights are perfect for areas where you need ample light and a fresh atmosphere. By keeping your space bright and full of fresh air by expelling the indoor or humid air outside, motorized skylights create a ventilated environment. Additionally, they are a great feature on a ceiling or at an angle on a wall. 

For more information about skylights, read our blog on how long skylights last based on each type.

Methods For Opening Skylights

Depending on the type of skylight installed, you can open and close them according to the guidelines we’ve laid out below. Read the following guide to prevent any future damage.

A. Manually Opening Skylights 

Opening a skylight is an easy task that requires less effort than you may think. However, you must consider the height of the skylight installed. If your skylight is on the ceiling you must place a ladder below the skylight on a stable surface to access it. 

Once you’ve reached your skylight, locate the lever on the skylight, and rotate it in the instructed direction, clockwise or anticlockwise. But remember, rotating it in the direction opposite to the instructions increases the probability of breaking the glass. 

Next, push the skylight in the direction it opens to push it out. Some skylights come with a locking mechanism or a latch that holds the skylight in place and prevent it from opening and closing on its own. The locking mechanism holds the skylights open or closed to a desired degree, so ensure you’re using the lock on your skylight if it’s available to hold the skylight open.

B. Opening Motorized Skylights

The procedure for opening motorized skylights differs from manually opening skylights. To open a motorized skylight, start by turning on the power supply. You can turn on the power supply by plugging it into an electrical outlet or by turning on a switch. 

Next, depending on the motorization system installed on the skylight, use the remote control, switch, or smartphone app, to open and close the skylight to a desired level of ventilation. Additionally, some motorized skylights have multiple settings that allow you to adjust the airflow entering the room.

Safety Considerations

When opening skylights, it is important to consider your safety to prevent any damage from happening. You should also read the manufacturer’s instructions before taking action with skylights to avoid any damage or cracking of the glass.  

A. Precautions To Take 

While opening a skylight, ensure the opening space is free from obstacles and that you have applied only the required amount of force and pressure. If you apply more force than required for opening a skylight it may become damaged. 

Also, make sure that when you open any type of skylight, the weather outside is normal and there are no high winds blowing or rain coming that may get through your skylight. 

If you have installed remote-controlled or motorized skylights, keep the skylight remotes and switches away from children to prevent accidents or damage to the skylight. 

Maintaining And Repairing Skylights

Regularly maintaining and inspecting skylights ensures their longevity and durability. To extend the lifespan of your skylights, maintain and clean your skylights regularly

Additionally, if you see any cracks, spots, or damage on your skylight, you should call a professional for a skylight repair or replacement.

Skylight Installation

Get Your Skylight Repaired Or Replaced By Professionals 

We hope that this blog has answered your question can you open a skylight, and has shown you the easy and effective ways to open and close different types. 

If you see any damage or cracks on your skylight, or along the flashing used to prevent water from entering through it, you should contact the team at Northkit Roofing today at (973)-396-7416 for skylight repair or replacement. Our professional team will be glad to help you with anything you need!

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