Bring More Natural Sunlight into Your Bay Area Home with Skylights

Enjoy Natural Light with Bay Area Skylights

Installing skylights is one of the best ways to brighten up any Bay Area home. Skylights allow abundant natural light to pour into interior spaces, creating an open, airy feeling and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. For homeowners in the Bay Area, skylights also provide the opportunity to enjoy blue skies and sunshine even while inside. When designed well, skylights can transform dark, enclosed rooms into bright, inviting spaces that feel connected to the outdoors.

Benefits of Adding Skylights in the Bay Area

There are many benefits to installing skylights in your Bay Area home:

• Bring more natural light indoors - Skylights maximize daylight, brightening up any room
• Save on electricity costs - Less need for lights during the day due to ample natural light
• Create an open, airy feeling - Skylights open up interior spaces, making them feel more expansive
• Enjoy views of the sky - Skylights provide a connection to the outdoors from within your home
• Adds architectural interest - A skylight can create a beautiful design focal point
• Increases properly value - Skylights are an attractive feature for potential homebuyers

The Bay Area is perfectly suited for skylights. With over 260 sunny days per year on average, homeowners can truly capitalize on our region's plentiful daylight through the strategic installation of skylights.

Choosing the Right Skylights

If you're considering installing skylights in your Bay Area home, there are a few key factors to take into account:

• Location - Pick rooms where you want to maximize daylight, such as living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms. Consider placing near darker interior corners.
• Size - Measure the room size to determine the right skylight dimensions. Bigger is not always better.
• Type of skylight - Fixed, ventilating, tubular, and sun tunnel skylights each have pros and cons.
• Materials - Durability and light transmission are affected by frame material and glazing.
• Energy efficiency - Consider solar powered or triple-glazed options for optimal efficiency.
• Aesthetics - Shape and finish should complement your home's architecture and design elements.

Working with a qualified local skylight installer is the best way ensure you get the right skylights tailored for your specific home.

Cost of Installing Skylights in Bay Area Homes

On average, skylight installation costs range from $800 to $1,800 per skylight unit in most Bay Area homes. Here is a breakdown of what impacts the overall installation cost:

• Skylight frame and glazing material
• Skylight dimensions and quantity of units
• Location and accessibility of roof space
• Need for structural enhancements or repairs during installation
• Type of skylight: fixed, venting or tubular
• Energy efficient upgrades or solar power integration
• Interior finish details: drywall, paint, trim

Keep in mind that for most homeowners, the long-term benefits of ample natural daylight and electricity savings outweigh the upfront installation costs of skylights. Many consider it a valuable upgrade that also enhances their home's aesthetics and market value.

Choosing a Bay Area Skylight Installation Company

Once you’ve decided to install skylights in your Bay Area property, it’s crucial to hire the right installation company. Replacing your roof or creating an opening for a skylight requires skill and precision. Here’s what to look for when researching contractors:

Check Credentials & Experience

Be sure any potential installer has the proper credentials, permits, and liability for working in your area. They should also have extensive skylight installation experience specifically—not just general roofing experience. Ask to see past project examples and check reviews as well.

Ensure Adequate Project Scope & Quote

A quality skylight company will offer a detailed project scope and quote after assessing your property in person. Get quotes from multiple installers and compare material choices, project timelines, warranties and exact costs.

Look for responsive communication

From the initial estimate to project completion, you want an installer who contacts you promptly to schedule visits, answers questions, and handles any construction issues. Lack of communication is a red flag.

Confirm Local Permit Handling

Your installer should pull all required permits for your city or town before starting work. This ensures your new skylights meet local codes. Be wary of any contractor asking you to pull the permits yourself.

Maintaining Your Bay Area Skylights

Once your new skylights are installed, be sure to take proper care of them. With occasional cleaning and basic maintenance, Bay Area skylights will provide abundant natural light for over 20 years.

Clean the Glass Regularly

Dirt, debris and water spots easily accumulate on both interior and exterior glass. Wipe down the glass 2-3 times per year using a gentle glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to allow maximum light transmission.

Inspect Flashings and Seals

Make sure all exterior rubber seals around the skylight remain intact. Re-apply exterior silicone caulk if any cracks appear. This prevents leaks.

Consider Re-Surfacing Every 7-10 Years

Over time in the intense Bay Area sun and weather, the exterior glass surfaces can erode, reducing light transmission. Speak to your installer about re-surfacing options to restore clarity and brightness.

With regular minor care, your skylights should provide decades of beautiful, natural illumination. But be sure to consult professional skylight installers if any major issues occur.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of installing skylights?

The main benefits of skylights are bringing more natural sunlight into rooms, reducing electricity usage since less artificial lighting is needed, creating a more open and airy feeling in interior spaces, providing views of skies and trees, and increasing property value.

How much does it cost to install skylights in the Bay Area?

On average, installing skylights costs $800 - $1,800 per skylight unit in Bay Area homes. The specific cost depends on skylight size, materials, accessibility, the need for roof repairs, and other custom factors.

Should I hire a specialized skylight installer?

Yes, it's highly recommended to hire an experienced skylight installation company rather than a general roofer or contractor. Skylight installers have expertise in properly cutting openings, flashed seals, integrating with roofing materials, and finishing interior spaces around new skylights.

How long do skylights last in the Bay Area?

With proper routine maintenance such as occasional cleaning and resealing, you can expect skylights to last over 20 years in Bay Area climates. Some materials like tempered glass may last even longer. Upgrading to newer technologies can also extend a skylight’s lifespan.