Skylights can be a beautiful addition to any home or commercial space, providing natural light and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, it is essential to be cautious when selecting skylight contractors for skylight installation or repair. Hiring an unqualified skylight contractor can lead to various problems and potential headaches. In this article, we will explore the risks associated with unqualified skylight contractors and emphasize the importance of choosing a reputable and experienced professional.
Improper Installation
Subpar Quality of Workmanship
Safety Concerns
Lack of Warranty and Guarantees
When hiring a skylight contractor, be sure to research their qualifications, certifications, and experience. Check for reviews and ask for references to verify their reputation and track record. By investing in a reputable and qualified skylight contractor, you can have peace of mind knowing that your skylight installation or repair will be performed to the highest standards, minimizing the risks and maximizing the benefits of natural light and aesthetics in your space.
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Your first step in having skylights installed is to consult with qualified skylight contractors. To do this, you will need to vet local contractors, paying attention to details like length of time in business, standing with your local Better Business Bureau, and whether the company is authorized by the skylight manufacturer that it represents. Authorization by the factory assures you that the contractor is aware of the device specifications and provides other benefits as we will see.
1. Factory Warranty Some skylight manufacturers insist on having their products installed by authorized skylight contractors. To this end, product warranties may depend on authorized installation to be effective, and any repairs should be made by authorized service technicians. Although skylights are designed to be trouble-free, conforming to warranty requirements provides a safeguard in the event that something should go wrong. 2. Professional Installation Additionally, factory authorization ensures professional work ethics, including things like customer courtesy, cleanliness, and more. Your contractors will arrive with the tools and experience to do the project as quickly as possible to minimize the inconvenience to you. If a contractor deviates from the factory specifications, your skylight may never seal properly, and could eventually lead to deterioration of interior ceiling, walls, and floors. 3. Product Awareness Authorized contractors know the details of your skylight specifications, allowing leak-free installation. Authorized installers are trained in factory specifications and procedure, and have an in-depth understanding of the systems they work with. For property owners, this means that the work crew can answer work-- and product-- related questions and explain the process in detail. 4. Quality Assurance When skylight installers have been vetted by the manufacturer, you know that they have precise training with the skylights you are receiving. Furthermore, the contractors are under pressure from the manufacturer to always put their best foot forward, follow schematics closely, and adhere to all industry best practices. You have a lot invested in your home renovation and deserve results that reflect exceptional workmanship. 5. Qualified Contractors Qualified skylight installers are licensed and insured, and will have an established track record in your area. In most states, only a licensed contractor can pull construction permits or schedule code enforcement inspections. This may seem like an inconvenience, but the idea is to provide better protection for property owners and communities by confining permitting to verified contractors. When installed by authorized contractors, skylights will give you many years of natural lighting. The benefits of natural light are well known, and include mental and physical health, energy conservation, and more. There are even specially designed skylights capable of channeling sunlight into areas of the home that have no direct connection to the outside environment. An excellent way to reduce energy costs and boost employee morale is to install commercial skylights in your workspaces. From warehouse skylights to translucent walls and light tunnels, there is a natural lighting solution for every circumstance. And when the time comes to install skylights, you may be surprised by the different types of skylights you have to choose from.
1. Glass Skylights Traditional curb-mounted skylights are simple and efficient. The curb mounting systems allow for easier, leak-proof installation that can be completed quickly. Unlike most skylight systems, this type uses actual glass to provide a long-lasting, crystal-clear view. 2. Structural Skylights Like glass unit skylights, structural skylights are mounted directly into the roof. They are sturdy and long-lasting, with a leak-free installation that is warranted for 10 years or more and a potential longevity of up to 20 years. Best of all, the structural nature of these units makes it easier to illuminate warehouse spaces, call centers, or other large rooms. 3. Tubular Skylights Tubular skylights channel light through tubelike "canisters" to direct natural light into specific locations. Tubular skylights can be used to position natural light into areas without access to direct sunlight and have options for dimming the light if necessary. Tubular skylights are well-suited for commercial spaces that have suspended ceilings. 4. Canopy Systems A canopy system uses an array of small skylights mounted to allow better sunlight access throughout a longer portion of the day. This can be coupled with techniques such as making the lower end of the shaft larger than the top to allow sunlight to disperse more widely into the room. This type of skylight is popular with architects and interior design professionals and is available in an assortment of styles and colors. 5. Dome Skylights Dome-style skylights are available in many different styles, including circular designs. They provide a solid dome opening that allows sunlight penetration for a longer portion of the day in a very low-maintenance configuration. Dome skylights are also sealed units, an efficient and affordable alternative to vented skylights. 6.Translucent Walls As the name implies, a translucent wall is a vertically mounted skylight. Built with adjustable interlocking panels, this type of skylight offers light dispersal along with UV protection and improved impact resistance. This is an effective and innovative way to manage natural light in an office environment. Commercial skylights include options that can help you get the most from your investment. Sun-tracking, sun tunnels, and automatic blinds increase the potential for sunlight, and there are many examples of how sunlight positively affects the workplace. Installing commercial skylights will make a huge difference in your company's bottom line. From reducing absenteeism to cutting back on energy costs, skylights have a lot to offer at an affordable price. But modern skylights are more than a window on the roof, too. To better illustrate that, let's take a quick look at the most common skylight options used by commercial businesses.
Sun Tunnels Sun Tunnels are a patented type of skylight created by Velux that redirect natural light into areas with reduced access-- or no external access at all. Sun Tunnels use reflecting surfaces to bounce light from the rooftop to any level of the building, even allowing natural sunlight to penetrate rooms without windows. If you would like to provide natural lighting for your office staff, Sun Tunnels may be the most appropriate solution. Fixed Skylights Fixed skylights are traditional commercial skylights. They are equivalent to windows mounted on the building's roof and do not directly block or redirect natural light. However, fixed skylights can be fitted with remote control shades and blinds that can be adjusted without climbing and alter the flow of light in a variety of ways. Modular Skylights Modular skylights are a more robust form of skylight installation. Modular systems may use combinations of skylight types and sizes, including fixed units, Sunt Tunnels, and more. Designed to be incorporated into buildings during the design phase, modular skylights are suitable for an impressive range of building types and applications. Fall Protection Skylights Designed to provide an extra layer of safety, commercial fall protection skylights are fixed skylights with an additional shock-resistant panel. This helps guard against damages from tree limbs or wind-blown debris and keeps the workplace safer by preventing maintenance crews or other employees from accidentally falling against the skylight and falling through. Roof Monitors A roof monitor, as the name implies, tracks the amount and direction of sunlight. A roof monitor can be used to adjust the intensity of incoming light, Roof monitors also eliminate annoying glare conditions, a feature that can be essential to design work, working with computers, and detail-oriented workshops that rely on controlled lighting conditions. Skylights give any space a more open and inviting appearance. In commercial applications, skylights have been shown to boost employee morale, improve productivity, and reduce visual errors. By using a variety of commercial skylights, even the darkest rooms in your building can be illuminated by bright, clear natural light. Every business owner is looking for ways to reduce costs and maximize production, but many overlook the option of installing commercial skylights. What they don't understand is that skylights will reduce energy consumption, improve employee health and morale, and help protect the corporate environment against harmful UV radiation. This might seem like a lot to expect from lights mounted in the roof of your building, but let's take a quick look at some important benefits of skylights that are frequently overlooked.
1. Reduced Energy Consumption Skylights reduce your dependence on internal light sources, which means that less electricity is required to provide adequate lighting. With a combination of skylights and light tunnels, the average business can reduce power consumption by 10 percent or more. There are even more savings when you install solar-powered fresh-air skylights from Velux 2. Employee Productivity Natural light has been shown to be a great motivator. People need natural light in order to function at their best, but they also need it to stay healthy and alert. When installed by licensed home contractors, skylights allow natural light to enter the room directly or indirectly when light tunnels are included. And because skylights do not provide a direct view of outside distractions your staff will be able to concentrate on the work at hand instead of being sidelined by butterflies and passersby. 3. Fresh Air Motorized solar-powered skylights are opened and closed without physically accessing the skylight, allowing fresh air to enter the room without the distractions associated with ordinary windows. With a built-in rain sensor, the skylight will automatically close to protect your business interior from falling rain. 4. UV Light Protection UV light causes carpeting and upholstery to fade, crack, and literally come apart at the seams. With skylights, you will get automatic UV protection by reducing the amount of UV light entering the working space of the business. You can even control the amount of light coming through your skylight with the addition of easily installed blinds. Reducing UV light penetration is even more important if your business includes staff that are sensitive to it or have medical conditions such as lupus. Hiring a qualified contractor is essential in getting the most out of skylights. Without the guarantee of quality installation, your skylights may leak and skylights with mechanical systems may not work properly. Before hiring a contractor, take a few minutes to assure yourself that you are hiring an authorized Velux installer who will stand behind their work and provide you with the all-important Velux skylight warranty. Installing skylights should not be left to amateurs and the best skylights are only available through specially selected Velux skylight contractors. Velux verifies their approved installers are licensed and insured, adhere to strict quality standards, and stand behind their work. Velux leads the field in skylight construction and only leaders in skylight installation are selected to install them.
Licensed and Insured Skylight contractors need to be licensed in order to pull the necessary permits required for installation. Licensing is also a requirement for securing liability insurance. When top-rated skylights are being installed, the manufacturer requires workers to have insurance to guard against unexpected accidents and guarantee every customer receives an installation that conforms to manufacturer guidelines. 5 Star Quality Assurance Only top contractors receive a 5-star rating, and Velux only backs contractors who have it. From courteous employees to keeping the work area clean and organized, quality assurance means fewer problems, faster performance, and customer satisfaction when the installation is complete. Before they are certified to install Velux products, contractors are specially trained by manufacturer representatives who believe that every job should be completed using the best materials and first-class work ethics. Commitment to Service Details are important and Velux only accepts the most detail-oriented contractors. Commitment to service begins with workers who arrive at the customer's location clean and ready to work. It continues by thoroughly adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines without cutting corners or using inferior materials. And it means providing every customer with a job well done before leaving the location clean at the end of the day. Manufacturer's Certification The best skylights demand the best contractors who adhere to installation guidelines. With over 75 years of skylight manufacturing excellence, Velux provides selected contractors with complete training to assure customers they are receiving top-of-the-line skylights installed by top-of-the-line contractors. Velux skylights are designed with careful attention to style, safety, and performance, and those qualities can only be guaranteed when the products are installed by equally vetted contractors. From fixed skylights to units that can be vented by remote control, Velux products are leaders in skylight construction. Whether you are interested in light tunnels that provide natural light in rooms without windows, or skylights that brighten every living area, Velux products are leaders in quality and style. And because the best products deserve the best installations, Velux only authorizes contractors who have demonstrated their workmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to the excellence of the products they are working with. Commercial skylights have the potential to pay for themselves through better office morale and performance. Strategically placed skylights and light tunnels can channel natural sunlight anywhere you need it, including cubicle spaces, conference and reception areas, and private offices. Skylights can also reduce energy consumption in offices and warehouses by taking advantage of the sun's light and intensity.
Improved Employee Health Sunlight is healthy and commercial skylights can bring it into any room in the business. Among other benefits, it helps the human body produce vitamin D. Skylights also increase the movement of air throughout the room, a phenomenon related to natural heating and cooling cycles. This improved air circulation in turn helps office air stay fresh, promoting better breathing. This can be especially beneficial to those with moderate breathing disorders, including asthma. Mood Enhancement Performance and Productivity are directly affected by how well your staff is feeling. With skylights, sunlight reaches everyone in the workplace, creating a more friendly, open atmosphere. Not only is this great for your employees, but it also affects your customers and clients in a similar fashion. No one can promise you that skylights will net more income, but they can create a more pleasant environment that makes everyone more willing to be cooperative. Maintain Interior Privacy Having strangers constantly looking in on them while they work can be irritating for office employees. You could create more workplace privacy by adding tinted film to your existing windows but that would also modify the quality of light entering the area. Go ahead and tint your windows, but keep or improve the quality of light by adding skylights or light tunnels. Your staff will feel more comfortable going about their routine business and still reap the rewards of having natural sunlight in the workplace. With light tunnels, you can even redirect sunlight into rooms that would otherwise have no access to natural light. That allows the inner workings of your business to remain outside of public scrutiny while saving electricity and providing all of the benefits available from bringing outside light inside. Installing skylights will require creating new openings in your roof or the upper portions of your walls. For this reason, you should never trust skylight installation to contractors who are not authorized skylight contractors, as well as being licensed in your area and insured against liability claims. Reputable contractors will offer this information upfront in most cases, but all you have to do is ask and your home contractors will be happy to comply. One way to liven up your office space is to have commercial skylights installed. From reducing eye strain to making it possible for your employees to get more done, skylights have some great-- and perhaps unexpected-- benefits to bring to your office or workplace. As we will show you with this sampling of benefits related to skylights, there are some excellent reasons to give them serious consideration.
Reduced Energy Costs Office skylights will reduce your office energy costs in a couple of important ways. Allowing natural light into your work areas equates to needing less artificial lighting, and that has the potential to be large energy savings. Additionally, sunlight provides heat, and that can reduce your office heating costs as well. Combined, you could see anywhere from 5 to 20 percent reduction in your electricity usage. Health Benefits Sunlight is a necessary component of a healthy life. Adding skylights will also reduce the stress level in your office environment, contributing to a happier, more upbeat staff. Research shows that we need sunlight to perform at our best, and while skylights cannot provide all of the light exposure people need, they can contribute to an improved quality of life. Increased Productivity Because of the positive effects provided by natural light, skylights have also been shown to increase the productivity of those who work in areas beneath them. No one can promise you that your employees will get more done, but introducing natural light into the work environment will certainly be a step in the right direction. Higher Morale Workplace morale plays a critical role in keeping your office operating efficiently. As a result, the mood-enhancing qualities of natural sunlight coming through your skylights could reduce conflicts and improve teamwork. The idea is that people who are in a more satisfied state of mind are also more likely to be diplomatic and play a productive role in team projects. Environmentally Friendly Because skylights reduce energy consumption, they reduce carbon emissions. And since skylights do not emit any harmful chemicals this beneficial trait will continue throughout the life of the skylights. Installing skylights is not going to stop a changing climate, but it is one way business owners can make a small step in the right direction. Commercial Skylight contractors can introduce you to a variety of skylight styles, ranging from traditional skylights to light tunnels. Each type was developed to meet specific functions, and some installations can be completed in as little as a day. For the expected return on the investment, it is easy to see why office skylights are a popular part of many commercial remodels. There are some excellent reasons to consider scheduling an appointment with licensed skylight contractors. From creating a more aesthetically pleasing interior to boosting the resale value of your home, skylights offer benefits in some surprising ways, as you will see in this sampling of reasons to have a skylight.
Increase Natural Lighting Electric light isn't the same color as natural light, and skylight contractors are quick to point out that artificial light can cause eye strain, headaches, and a general feeling of discomfort. Natural light coming in through skylights literally allows you to bring the sun's rays directly into your home. In essence, skylights are a healthier way to illuminate your home's interior. Increased Home Value Skylights are popular with homebuyers, and installing a skylight now can be a huge boon when it comes time to put your home on the market. It is difficult to put a value on the increase in home value because skylights work indirectly to create a more open, inviting area, and that can mean a lot to homebuyers. Privacy Concerns Installing windows means that your neighbors have a better view of what you are doing inside, but a skylight provides the benefits of a window without sacrificing your privacy. If you are the type of person who wants to stroll through your house wearing anything you want, a skylight can protect your modesty without stifling your freedom. Save Energy Bringing in some sunlight saves energy by reducing the amount of electric light needed to illuminate the home. Additionally, skylights reduce heating bills by permitting the sun to contribute to warming the home. And just in case you thought that skylights could only work for the room directly below them, this is a good time to bring up modern skylights called light tunnels. Channel Light Channeling natural light is done via a type of skylight known as a light tunnel. Through strategically placed openings in the roof and reflective apparatus, light isn't confined to line-of-sight distribution anymore. Instead, light can be channeled through walls or attics to reach interior locations that would otherwise be devoid of natural light. Not every skylight contractor is experienced in installing light tunnels, so choose your contractors carefully. Skylights can make a room seem larger and more friendly, they can reduce your energy consumption, and they can contribute to an overall better mood for the whole family. If you have been looking for ways to make your family room more inviting, and create enough light for sensitive projects, it may be time to look into putting the power of skylights to work for you. With 2022 on the horizon, it’s time to start putting together your New Year’s resolutions. Aside from the ever popular going to the gym or writing a book, have you thought about your home? If home is where the heart is, it’s worth dedicating a resolution to working with home remodeling and skylight contractors for a project—minor or major. The smallest changes can make a big difference.
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