A skylight not only brings more daylight into your home but often also provides extra ventilation and a sense of space. Yet, some homeowners consider removing them. While it may seem smart at first, it comes with many drawbacks. This article explains why removing a skylight is usually not a good idea.

What does a skylight do and why is it useful?

A skylight is a transparent or semi-transparent skylight in a flat roof. It primarily lets in more daylight, but that's not all:

• They improve the incidence of light in dark areas such as hallways, bathrooms or kitchens.
• They contribute to better ventilation, especially in versions that can be opened.
• They create a feeling of space, because daylight makes the room appear larger.

Removing a skylight therefore automatically means compromising on natural light and living comfort.

Reasons Why People Want to Remove a Skylight

There are several reasons homeowners use to remove their skylight:
The dome is outdated or damaged.

• There is heat loss in winter or overheating in summer.
• There are problems with leaks around the connection.
• Maintenance is perceived as difficult.

Although these reasons are understandable, completely removing the skylight is often not the right solution.

Why Removing a Skylight Is a Bad Idea

Less daylight

Removing a skylight will immediately darken your home. The natural light that normally comes in disappears, making the rooms feel less inviting. This can affect your mood and how comfortable you feel about your home.

Loss of ventilation

Many skylights can be opened, providing fresh air into the home. Removing the skylight eliminates this ventilation option. This can negatively impact indoor air quality and make the home feel more stuffy, especially during warmer months.

Lower home value

Homes with plenty of natural light are more attractive to buyers and usually worth more. Removing a skylight can make your home less attractive on the market, potentially lowering its resale value.

Higher energy costs

Without the extra light from a skylight, you're more likely to rely on artificial lighting. This means higher electricity costs. Over time, these can add up significantly, and you'll notice the impact on your energy bill.

Better alternative: replace skylight

Short of completely removing your skylight, there are often better solutions. Sometimes a simple repair is enough to solve the problem and maintain the light. If that's not enough, replacement the skylight ensures that your home remains pleasantly and well lit.

Want to know the best solution for your situation? Contact De Dakvensterinstallateur for personalized advice and let us help you develop the ideal approach for your roof dome.

Maintenance tips for a longer lifespan

A well-maintained skylight lasts much longer and prevents costly repairs or replacement. With a few simple steps, you can significantly extend the life of your skylight and prevent problems like leaks or heat loss.

• Clean the dome regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
• Check the seals for cracks or wear at least once a year.
• Remove leaves, branches and other debris from around the skylight to allow water to drain properly.
• Inspect the mechanism of an opening dome and lubricate the hinges if necessary.

Are you unsure or is there damage? Always have a professional take a look to prevent bigger problems. Contact De Dakvensterinstallateur for tailor-made advice and certainty.

Keeping is better than removing

Removing or loosening a skylight might sound like a quick fix for problems like drafts or leaks, but in reality, you're removing a valuable element from your home. The loss of light, ventilation, and quality of life almost never outweighs the benefits of retaining or replacing it. Therefore, choose repair or replacement over permanent removal.