5 Key Points to Consider When Buying Skylights

In the past eight years working at two different companies that sell and install skylights, I have learnt customers have 5 key points to consider when buying skylights:

• The function of the skylight
• The cost of the skylight and installation
• The skylight installation complexity and disruption
• The effect of the skylight on home thermal efficiency
• Keeping the home watertight and leakproof.

1. The Function of the Skylight

The most basic consideration is what is the function of the skylight? Well, we know always the basic purpose of a skylight is to let more light into the home. However, besides this practical purpose, is there an aesthetic consideration too?

If the purpose of the skylight is just the practical –“let there be light” – and if you want to light a room with a skylight that is energy efficient, economical, and less prone to leaks, then you should choose a tubular  skylight.

However, if you want the skylight to be a room feature with a beautiful roof window showing the sky and letting in light, then choose a traditional skylight.

2. The Cost of the Skylight & Installation (Sydney Prices)

For most customers the cost of the skylight and installation is a top consideration. These are the current skylight installation cost estimates for Sydney in Feb 2025:

From the skylight cost table we see that traditional skylights are  2 to nearly 3 times more expensive than tubular skylights. Many customers want the most light for their dollar. If that is case for you, I advise you to choose tubular skylights as you can install more for same cost as a single traditional skylight.

3. Skylight Installation Complexity and Disruption

This is another consideration customers can overlook. From the skylight cost table, the installation cost for a traditional sky skylight is $1,800 compared $220 for a tubular skylight. This reflects the complexity of each install process.

With a traditional install the homeowner can expect interruption to the household over a week or two.  The installation work itself with actual tradies in the home will only be 2 or 3 days in total. However, it involves the use of several different trades: builder/carpenter, plasterer, and painter. If you need to relocate any electrical circuits in the ceiling, you will also need an electrician.

In stark contrast a tubular skylight can be perfectly installed by a lone technician in 1-2 hours per skylight.

4. The Effect of the Skylight on Home Thermal Efficiency

This is a very important consideration when buying a skylight. In my experience customers significantly underestimate the effect a traditional skylight has on the thermal efficiency of the home.

There is an old building industry adage – don’t use windows as walls.  Why do they say this? Because glass is very good at letting in heat and cold, and traditional skylights are a big window acting as a thermal transmitter in the roof, beaming down heat or cold.

When I sold traditional skylights, I always advised customers to install a solar block out blind on them. One customer I consulted with wanted three traditional skylights for their large, combined living and dining room. I explained the poor thermal properties of the glass and the need to add the blinds.

Unfortunately, they thought it was a sales pitch for extra revenue. If they had purchased with the skylights the company would install the blinds free, saving $600. Three months later in mid-December they called and said the room was sweltering during the day. They had no choice except to spend an extra $2,100 to reclaim some thermal efficiency.

Condensation is a consideration too. As a traditional skylight cools down moisture can condense on the inside of the skylight. This can run down the walls of the shaft causing water staining on the paint finish and can help promote growth of mold and mildew.

A significant major benefit of tubular skylights, such the Australian made MaxLight, is they are efficient and transmit nearly no heat or cold into the room. Also, water condensation is not a problem.

5. Keeping the Home Watertight and Leakproof

Maintaining the structural integrity of your home is a major consideration when considering skylights. Cutting any opening into the roof is risky business, and water leakage into your home damages structures and finishes. It also promotes the growth of mould and mildew.

A traditional skylight cuts a big hole into the roof structure. This opening weakens the roof, and it needs to be framed up correctly by the builder to maintain the structural integrity. When the skylight is fitted it needs to have the flashings and sealant correctly installed, to make sure there are no leaks.

Conversely tube skylights like the MaxLight only need relatively small holes in the roof for installation and significantly reduce the risk of leaks. They are much easier to seal and make waterproof due to integrated leak proof flashings custom designed for Australian roofs.

I hope this blog has opened your eyes to the key points you need to consider when buying skylights. Since 2008 SolarBright has installed thousands of skylights. If you are looking at skylights and want to learn more about MaxLight skylights, book a free in-home visit with one of our skylight experts to discuss a skylight solution for your home.