The Best Skylights For 2023
And Beyond...
Skylight: A large opening in the roof that allows more natural light, circulates air, and even provides views while keeping water and weather out.
If you’re looking to add skylights or a sun tunnel to your home this year, or replacing old units when your house is getting a new roof…
We have compiled our list of The 6 Best Skylights For 2023 with fair comparisons, pro’s and con’s of each, and tons of other helpful information.
"Should I add a skylight to my home, or replace my old skylights?"
Frequently Asked Questions About Skylights:
"Is a Skylight just a big hole in my roof that will leak?"
We understand the concern and if you’re wondering this, you’re not entirely wrong. Anytime you have holes in a roof, or two different surfaces, then yes of course extra effort is required to maintain the area’s resistance to rain, snow, wind, and other forces of nature. A cheap skylight or even a good one, improperly installed has the chance to leak water into your home.
Fortunately modern skylights and the methods for installation have benefited from years of research and development. Additionally, today’s engineered materials have come leaps and bounds from the early days of skylights. This should give you some assurance that if properly installed and maintained, your skylights should work as expected for many years.
"Should I add or replace my Skylights when I have my home’s roof replaced?"
"Can I add skylights to my roof anytime?"
Yes! Many skylight options are available for both new construction and retrofitting into an existing roofing system. We will go into details about several types of skylights in this article, but a qualified roofing contractor in your area, such as Anytime Roofing, will be able to advise you on the best options for your specific application.
The reason most homeowners choose to replace their skylights at the same time as their roof, is the need to remove and replace several courses of shingles. Since the weather and weather shields need to be integrated, the old shingles cannot simply be replaced. While new shingles can be matched in product and color hue, no new shingles can be an exact match. The result is a patchwork effect around the skylights. Of course if the roof is hidden from view of the street, many homeowners will find this acceptable
"What Are My Options When Picking A Skylight?"
Before we discuss specific brands and models, let’s cover some of the most common styles of skylights used for residential homes.
The best skylight (for you) will depend on physical attributes (or angle) of your roof, the surrounding environment, local building codes, your budget, and personal preferences. There are many options such as Fixed Skylights, Operable Skylights, Surface or Curb Mounted, and even Tubular (“Sun Tunnels”) which isn’t even a skylight in the traditional sense. To help you decide, we are going to give you a crash course in picking the best skylight for your house in 2023 and beyond.
Pros & Cons: Vented, Fixed, and Tubular
Each of these skylight categories will come with some Pro’s and Con’s. These include choices of the glass used, moving components, privacy and insect screens, as well as exterior trim styles. Throughout this article we will include details about some of these specifics. At the bottom of the page, we will also include a glossary of terms and provide links in bold which jump to that info for your reference.
FYI:
Anytime Roofing is a licensed reseller of the skylight options we’re discussing here. It’s our intention to share information here rather than “sell” you on any specific product. In general, we wouldn’t suggest any product that we don’t also believe in, or would install on our own homes. You can also buy these products from other retailers and we have not been paid to promote one product over another.
I’m Just VENTING!
Vented Skylights:
Let’s start our reviews with Vented Skylights as these have become very popular with homeowners. Within this category we recommend a couple of versions and optional enhancements to discuss. To be honest, there are more Pros than Cons, but let’s dive in!
It's Getting Hot In Here!
We all know that hot air rises, and even here in the Pacific Northwest we have been experiencing major heat waves in the dog days of summer. Admittedly, there’s nothing like air conditioning when it comes to the record setting temperatures we saw in 2021 and 2022. Even so, Skylights that have the option to open can let a lot of that trapped heat out of your home. You would be surprised how much cooler your house will be when these units are open, especially in houses with vaulted ceilings.
Smart-Lights!
By now you are probably familiar with all types of smart-home gadgets. It seems like Alexa can run just about everything for us these days. But did you know that your skylight can also be smart?
Mechanical skylights can also be manually operated, Either by hand or with a special pole with a hook on the end. But if you love the modern conveniences, there are options to have your skylight operate autonomously, on a timer, or as part of your smart home system.
Powered skylights can be wired into your home’s electrical system, but many feature a small built-in solar panel that powers the opening mechanism. Additionally, they will usually have built in sensors to detect rain and high winds to auto-close in the case of inclement weather, regardless of timers or smart-home controls. These options are generally standard on the higher end models, but are well worth the comfort they provide along with worry free operation. If equipped with an internal temperature sensor, they can even be programmed to open automatically when the house gets too warm or a sensor detects excessive CO2 for added peace of mind!
That’s Illegal Sir!
Let’s say you live next to a tall building or you have a flock of nosey birds in your yard. Skylight manufacturers have thought of your privacy too! Popular units come with options for mechanical shades which can draw closed once the sun sets, when the room is too warm, or automatically based on your settings.
We should probably mention that most opening skylights also come with a screen to keep those pesky pests outside where they belong. The result is more light in the daytime, less heat trapped in the house, and no need to worry about the birds and the bees buzzing around your room.
The Cons Of Opening Skylights:
There really aren’t many “Cons” that we’re aware with vented skylights. If we had to name a few they might be:
- These types of opening skylights tend to be more expensive than their fixed counterparts.
- Opening a skylight unattended without some type of rain sensor could result in unwanted water inside your home.
- High-end skylights are made so well now, that they may outlast the electric motors, solar charging systems, and components which operate them. The good news is that there are replacement parts to restore them to their original functionality if this happens. Otherwise they will revert to manual operation or become a “fixed” skylight.
The Fix is in! - Fixed Skylights:
Fixed skylights have been the standard for decades. With all the advancements in modern mechanically opening skylights, you might be wondering why anyone would choose this legacy option for a skylight in 2023? As popular as opening skylights are, their fixed counterparts do offer a few advantages for some buyers.
Pros: The three biggest reasons people opt for a fixed skylight are
- Lower cost compared to operable skylights
- Less maintenance with less moving parts
- To meet certain building requirements
Other than the fact that a fixed skylight doesn’t open, we can’t think of many Cons.
If you know of any, please let us know in the comments!
Fixed skylights are found in commercial buildings, but also in residential buildings and homes with a flat or low slope roof. Additionally it’s common to find a larger grouping of custom skylights to form a ‘glass ceiling’ of sorts above an atrium or lobby. As with other types of skylights, fixed skylights come as either flat or dome shaped. These fixed units can be surface mounted, but are more likely to be manufactured for curb mounted installations. Many fixed skylight units also come with a variety of materials for the glass used with a variety of trim kit options just like their venting cousins
Totally Tubular! - Tubular Skylights
Tubular skylights, also called Sun Tunnels, Light Tunnels, etc aren’t what usually comes to mind when the average person thinks of a skylight. That said, they’re a great way to bring light into windowless rooms of your home. You might even mistake a tubular skylight for an electric light, depending on the time of day. Light Tunnels can really brighten a space more than you might think.
Tubular skylights, also called Sun Tunnels, Light Tunnels, etc aren’t what usually comes to mind when the average person thinks of a skylight. That said, they’re a great way to bring light into windowless rooms of your home. You might even mistake a tubular skylight for an electric light, depending on the time of day. Light Tunnels can really brighten a space more than you might think.
Who Turned The Lights Out?
Sun Tunnels work great in the day, but what about after the sun goes down? Tubular skylights come with a frosted diffuser at the bottom end, which means you don’t look up at this reflective tube to see the sky. This opaque cover means it can hide solar powered lights that light the same frosted cover at night. Additionally in kitchen and bathroom applications, a venting fan can be added to create a dual purpose for the vertical tube so heat and gasses can also be pulled out of the room the tubular skylight terminates in.
Our picks for the Top 6 Skylights to buy in 2023!
Now that we’ve given some background info and context, we’re happy to present 6 great options when considering what skylight to buy in 2023. As mentioned earlier, we will add some additional reference information at the bottom of this page. If you see a word highlighted, you can click on that to jump down to see an explanation with more details.
#1
Velux Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylight
This Skylight has tons of options from Basic-Betty to all the Bells-&-Whistles. When it comes to the budget, size is going to be the biggest variable in the final price. This model comes in 8 different sizes (square and rectangular) from 22.5” to 46.5” which retail from around $1600-1900.
Some of the features that make this our top pick are:
- Low-E3 Glass to reduce thermal emissions and keep you cool in summer and warm in the winter
- Manual, Electrical, or Solar powered operation to bring in fresh air and vent heat
- Rain sensor that automatically closes for worry free operation
- Smart home automation enabled
- Bug Screen
- Optional sun shades remotely controlled
As with most skylights we would recommend, Velux has done a great job of creating this Low-E3 “super glass”. When combined with the ability to vent and optional sun shades, this really is the best of all worlds for letting light in, heat out in the summer, but also keeping heat inside in the winter. That sounds almost impossible, but no… it’s science!
#2
TAM Operable Acrylic Dome Skylight
This double domed operable skylight from TAM starts around $550 and is pretty impressive. It’s ideal for flat or low sloped roofs. Made with high grade UV-stabilized cell cast acrylic, so it will not yellow or fade in sunlight. In addition to having little visual distortion, the cast acrylic is 6 times stronger than glass which gives it an excellent impact rating. This meets the requirements for flat roofs and skylights for areas prone to high winds or storm damage.
The curb mounted skylight has a robust flashing kit that features 4 weep holes on the exterior and a condensation gutter in the interior to virtually guarantee you won’t be getting any drops of water where they don’t belong. Both manual and electric operations are available with a rain sensor built in for the powered version.
As a local roofing contractor in the Seattle / Tacoma area, we like to support other PNW based businesses when possible. TAM has been making skylights right here in Seattle since 1970 and their commitment to quality is no joke! These folks are the Go-To people for anyone that needs custom skylights for both residential and commercial projects. Check them out and be sure to tell them Anytime Roofing sent you!
#3
Velux Sun Tunnels
These Tubular Skylights, or Light Tunnels aren’t sold as a single unit like the majority of other skylights, hence it makes it a bit more complicated to recommend one single model. This system really consists of 3 necessary components: The rooftop dome, the tunnel, and the diffuser mounted inside. Therefore the perfect solution for you will depend on several factors.
The two biggest variables when choosing a Sun Tunnel are usually; how far is it from the roof to the room, and is there a direct path through the attic and/or walls? We mentioned before that we’ve seen at least one application of a light tunnel bringing light from the roof to a basement. As mind blowing as that was, you can only redirect natural light so far before it becomes inefficient to the point that it’s not worth the effort. So if you have a 3 story house with a basement, we wouldn’t recommend this option over some other lighting choices.
With such a wide variety of options for these light tunnel systems, it’s hard to put any one price on them. That said, complete kits retail for anywhere from $400 on the low end to $1100 for the 10” & 14” residential versions.
In it For The Long Run!
When you need to get light to travel the longest distance, a straight line is usually the best path. Even if you don’t need to send the light very far to the room below, a rigid light tunnel will give you the best results. The tubes used in these rigid systems are highly reflective inside and that makes a big difference compared to their semi-flexible counterparts. When possible, you should opt for this rigid system.
It pays to be Flexible…
Most attic spaces are criss-crossed with pipes, wires, and HVAC systems. If there’s no direct path available between the room you’re trying to illuminate and a good place to mount a Sun Tunnel dome on the roof, then a flexible light tunnel is the best option for you. As stated above, you can only bend light so far before it’s lost to refraction, but the Velux Sun Tunnels will still work effectively with minor twists and turns.
Size Matters!
Velux Sun Tunnels come in 3 standard sizes. The 10 and 14 inch versions are ideal for most residential homes, while the 22 inch version is primarily used in commercial applications. Obviously the larger your light tunnel is, the more light will reach its final destination.
In addition to the diameter of the tube, there are several options for the roof mounted component. You can choose from a pitched or low profile dome, and a flat glass option is also available. The perfect combination of all these variables is something a certified installer like Anytime Roofing can help you to determine after making an onsite visit.
#4
TAM TAM Fixed Glass Skylight
Up to now we have covered a few options for operable and tubular skylights, as these are the most popular. While many consumers gravitate towards these options, there are times where they may not be ideal or even meet local requirements. Therefore in our #4 pick, TAM Skylights is back at the top of our list for fixed skylights starting around $250.
One of the reasons we would recommend these skylights over the many choices from Velux, Sun-Tek or all the others, is that TAM offers a skylight for almost any situation. TAM specializes in skylights that are custom made to meet your requirements. Admittedly this favors commercial installations where the architectural design of a building may include skylights either as a statement piece, like an atrium, or more functional applications.
TAM fixed skylights are produced locally in Seattle and feature double pane tempered safety glass with Low-E coatings and an argon gas filled core. The surfaces can be laminated to reduce outside sound and come in standard clear or a frosted look for softer lighting, which also adds privacy.
The surface and curb mounted versions have outer frames in either an anodized aluminum bronze or clear finish that offer exceptional maintenance free performance with natural corrosion prevention. The interior vinyl frame has fusion welded corners to boost the strength and prevent water leaking in. Overall we would say that the TAM fixed skylight series is a solid choice and won’t fall short of your expectations.
#5
Velux Fixed Skylights
For roof pitches of 0°- 60° the Velux curb mounted fixed skylight is an excellent choice, while the deck mounted version works well on slopes of 15°- 85°. Obviously that leaves some overlap where personal preference or other factors will help you decide which is right for you. Velux does a great job of giving you plenty of standard options and upgrades for most of their skylights. While every model will come with their Argon gas filled Low-E glass panels you can also choose from the following:
- Impact Glass – Tough glass that does exceptionally well in storm prone areas
- White Laminated Glass – Safety glass that also diffuses 100% of the light
- Snowload Glass – Perfect for areas that average high amounts of snow.
- Tempered Glass (Curb Mounted) – Safe glass similar to auto glass.
- Pre-installed Sun Shades – Manual or Solar powered operation to control light
- Copper Clad exterior finish resistant to corrosion and stain grade wood trim interior
Velux fixed skylights have been around forever and their commitment to providing a balance between cost and performance is hard to match. Currently these skylights average around $500 with the trim kits included, but size, glass choice, and option upgrades will affect the final price.
We have replaced these skylights with the updated models for years now, but rarely do we replace them because a unit has failed or leaked. If there is a leaking skylight, it’s usually because of some damage it’s received or because a leak has formed in the roofing around it. More often than not, we swap out old units for new ones at the time a roof is being replaced so the homeowners can keep enjoying their naturally lit homes for years more to come.
#6
Velux Flat Roof Skylights
Conventional wisdom says that flat roofs and skylights don’t mix. While that was a good rule of thumb decades ago, manufacturers like Velux have spent a good deal of effort perfecting things like curved glass technology. This particular skylight also has the option of a polycarbonate dome to shed water and snow even more effectively than the curved glass. Either option is available in 5 or 6 sizes and is ideal for 0°- 15° roofing systems. As with other skylights we have reviewed from Velux, you also have optional upgrades and pricing is similar with Velux’s line of fixed skylights.
There were other notable skylights that didn’t make our list. We have tried to cover the more popular options that a majority of potential skylight buyers would be looking for. We opted not to cover operable skylights that offer egress to a flat roof deck for example. While we have seen these used for top floor apartments in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, most people won’t be looking to add a stairway to their roof.
In Conclusion:
Truth be told, this was a hard list to narrow down. Deciding on the perfect skylight to buy in 2023 will depend on your roof, your budget, and your needs or preferences. In our experience, the majority of buyers will gravitate to something like the Velux operable skylight that can self operate in conjunction with their smart home system or companion app. Those models with all the options do not come cheap, but this is something that you’re only going to buy once in 20-30 years. WIth all the advancements in glass technology and weatherproofing, demand for skylights has increased exponentially.
Designers and Architects have recognized the appeal of a home with natural lighting and many plans for remodels or new construction offer to make use of this. Our honest recommendation would be to have a budget in mind, then schedule a visit from a certified installer such as Anytime Roofing. This way you will get an expert opinion based on your roof and the rooms you would like to light up.
While that might sound like a shameless self promotion to some (guilty as charged), it is important that you have a professional install your skylights if you want to take advantage of any manufacturer’s warranty. Most reputable contractors that are licensed, bonded, and insured will also offer their own warranty on the work performed. For example, here at Anytime Roofing, we offer a 10 year promise on almost all new installations of roofs and skylights.
Appendix: Glossary of Technical Jargon
Flat Roof 0°- 15°
Low Pitch Roof 0°- 60°
Pitched Roof 15°- 85°
Trim Kit: Interior trim either in stain grade wood or vinyl. Exterior trim and flashing kits are typically not included. This can add anywhere from 5-20% to the overall price of the skylight. Exterior trim kits are specific to each skylight, the mounting style, and desired appearance.
Glass Options:
By “Glass” we are also referring to polycarbonate skylights as well.
Low E refers to Low-emissivity. Glass is highly thermally emissive by nature. Low-E glass and proprietary Low-E3 has a dual pane with Argon Gas sealed between the panels. Additional options to have coatings applied to both inside and out can boost the attributes of reduced thermal emissions, noise, glare, or increased strength.
Deck Mounted: This type of skylight or light tunnel dome is mounted closer to the roofs surface than the curb mounted alternative. Deck mounted skylights are generally recommended for installations with a steeper pitch which sheds water faster on a properly maintained roof.
Curb Mounted: Skylights that are curb mounted require a frame (typically wood) to be built up on the roof’s surface which protrudes approx 3-4” on average. Some curb mounted skylights can be installed on a “well” which may extend several feet from the surface of the roof. Something like this is fairly uncommon, but might be found with a skylight that opens to allow egress to the rooftop deck.
Light well: A light well is not the same as a light tunnel because a light tunnel is made of reflective metal which typically can’t be seen when looking up through the frosted light diffuser in the ceiling.
When skylights are installed above a room without a vaulted ceiling, a finished space must be created to extend the drywall from the room to the skylight. A contractor would frame the area in accordance with local building codes, then finish it with drywall, paint, and finally any trim needed to match the rest of the home.
