Skylight Windows – Enhance Your Natural Light

Most homeowners recognize that windows can dramatically improve the interior and exterior look of a home. But few realize the role windows can play in improving their living atmosphere and quality of life. Daylighting — the effective use of natural light to illuminate an indoor space — can make an indoor environment more comfortable and energy-efficient, as well as affect overall personal well-being.

Examples of daylighting have been seen throughout history. Initially popularized by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, daylighting has now become an even more widespread design element — thanks to advancements in window technology.

“More than just a passing trend, designing with light has elevated windows and doors to become important architectural elements, affecting a home’s style and personality inside and out,” said Pat Meyer, director of product marketing at Pella Corporation. “Serving as focal points in new construction or remodeling projects, windows and doors bring the outdoors in, making indoor spaces feel larger.”

No longer just square frames with glass, windows are a form of personal expression available in a variety of shapes and sizes. A traditional “picture” window can be replaced with a charming bay window. A breakfast nook can be tucked into an existing kitchen by adding windows that curve in a graceful bow. French hinged doors with overhead transoms can take the place of a row of windows in a dining room. Skylights can be added to allow more natural lighting to bathrooms, bedrooms and other rooms where privacy is important. “The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing with Pella® windows and doors to increase the amount of natural light entering your home,” Meyer noted.

Daylighting also brings “to light” the life improvement benefits that windows and doors add to a home. “In addition to aesthetics and energy efficiency, enhanced personal well-being can be a result of effective daylighting,” Meyer said.

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, natural light is essential for the health and well-being of the human body, mind and spirit. Researchers within the mental health field have proved that the lack of physical connection with natural light can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — feelings of unhappiness or depression. Physiologically, sunlight aids metabolism and nutrient absorption and helps maintain proper hormone levels for maximum well-being.

“Other than being outdoors, windows are the best means of providing points of contact with the outside environment,” Meyer explained.

According to Meyer, advanced window technology, including new glazing options and improved window construction, has made it possible to use natural light to its fullest advantage.

“A decade ago, daylighting, with massive expanses of glass, would not have been practical or energy-efficient,” Meyer said. “The abundance of windows in today’s homes has been made possible by the development of innovations like high-performance, insulated glass, as well as clear low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that can filter out the specific type of sunlight that can fade carpet and furniture. Windows with two or more panes of glass filled with argon gas are also readily available and prevent heat from escaping in the wintertime or entering in the summertime.”

Effective daylighting — especially on a bright, sunny day — can potentially reduce the need for electric lights (which come at the expense of a nonrenewable resource). With more sunlight allowed in, even the use of dimmer switches — lowering the level of necessary artificial light — can save electricity.

In addition to advancements in window technology, product innovations such as Pella’s Rolscreen® retractable insect screen have provided homeowners craving natural light with more options when designing with windows. The Rolscreen® actually rolls up and out of sight when not in use, allowing in up to 40 percent more light than if a standard size casement window was covered by a traditional flat screen.

Author Notes:

Mary Kyra contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com.  Find everything you need to know about replacement windows, shutters, tinting, basement, fiberglass windows and more.