How to Choose the Right Skylight for Your Climate

New Zealand’s diverse climate demands thoughtful choices when it comes to home improvements, especially skylights. From the chilly winters in Dunedin to the sunny subtropical warmth in Northland, choosing the right skylight can make all the difference in ensuring your home remains comfortable year-round. In this guide, we explore how to choose a skylight tailored to your climate, so you can enjoy natural light while keeping energy efficiency in mind.

1. Understanding Your Regional Climate

Before selecting a skylight, it’s important to understand the specific climate of your region in New Zealand. The country’s varied geography results in a wide range of weather conditions:

• Cold Climates (e.g., Dunedin, Queenstown): Winters can be harsh with significant cold snaps. Skylights must be well-insulated to prevent heat loss during colder months.
• Mild Temperate Climates (e.g., Wellington): Balanced seasons mean you need skylights that provide good thermal performance without extreme energy concerns.
• Warm Climates (e.g., Northland, Auckland): Hot summers and mild winters mean skylights should have features that minimise heat gain while still allowing ample natural light.

Knowing the climate will help you make decisions about glazing, coatings, and placement.

2. Skylight Insulation for Cold Regions

In colder climates like Dunedin or Queenstown, insulation is key to ensuring your home remains warm during winter. Poorly insulated skylights can lead to significant heat loss, affecting comfort and increasing energy bills.

• Double Glazing: Always opt for double-glazed skylights. The extra layer of glass and airspace acts as insulation, reducing heat transfer and keeping your home warmer.
• Low-E Coatings: Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings on skylights help reflect interior heat back into the room, making them particularly useful in maintaining warmth during colder months.
• Thermal Break Frames: Skylights with thermal break frames provide an additional barrier against heat loss, helping to minimise the escape of warmth through the skylight’s edges.

3. Minimising Heat Gain in Warmer Regions

For those living in warmer climates like Northland, the main concern is often keeping the home cool during summer. The right skylight can help minimise heat gain, reducing the need for air conditioning.

• Tinted Glazing: Consider skylights with tinted glazing, which reduces solar heat gain while still allowing natural light. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without relying on cooling systems.
• Ventilated Skylights: Skylights that can open are ideal in warmer regions as they allow hot air to escape, creating a natural cooling effect. Some models come with rain sensors, providing the convenience of closing automatically during adverse weather.
• Reflective Coatings: Skylights with reflective coatings help bounce away excess sunlight, ensuring that interiors stay cooler even during peak summer temperatures.

4. Balancing Light and Heat in Mild Climates

Mild climates, like Wellington’s, demand a balanced approach to skylight selection. Homes here require a good mix of insulation and heat control.

• Double or Triple Glazing: Double glazing is often sufficient, but in some areas where temperatures fluctuate significantly, triple glazing might provide added comfort and efficiency.
• Adjustable Shades: Installing skylights with built-in blinds or shades gives homeowners control over the amount of light and heat entering the room. This is particularly helpful in temperate climates where needs change frequently.
• Optimal Placement: Placing skylights on the southern side of your home provides softer, more consistent light throughout the day, which is ideal for milder climates without the risk of overheating.

5. Choosing the Right Glazing Option

The type of glazing used in skylights can dramatically affect thermal performance and energy efficiency.

• Tempered Glass: Stronger than regular glass, tempered glass is an excellent option for safety. It is designed to break into small, less harmful pieces if shattered, making it a great choice for areas prone to heavy weather.
• Laminated Glass: Laminated glass provides UV protection, helping prevent fading of furniture and flooring. It also adds a layer of security, as the glass remains intact even when broken.
• Acrylic and Polycarbonate: These materials are lightweight and impact-resistant, but they may not provide the same level of insulation as double-glazed glass, making them less suitable for colder regions.

6. Placement Strategies for Different Climates

Placement is crucial for maximising the benefits of skylights while minimising potential downsides.

• North-Facing Skylights: In New Zealand, north-facing skylights capture the most sunlight, which is ideal for colder climates where maximum heat gain is desirable.
• South-Facing Skylights: For regions with warmer temperatures, south-facing skylights provide consistent, softer light without excessive heat gain.
• Shading Considerations: In warmer regions, consider external shading elements such as eaves or pergolas to reduce the intensity of sunlight entering through the skylight, especially during peak summer months.

7. Professional Installation and Building Code Compliance

Regardless of climate, it’s essential that skylights are installed by professionals familiar with New Zealand’s Building Code. This ensures compliance with regulations regarding weatherproofing, insulation, and structural integrity. A properly installed skylight will minimise the risks of leaks, drafts, or structural issues, allowing you to enjoy natural light without compromise.

Conclusion

Choosing the right skylight for your climate is all about balancing insulation, heat control, and light. Whether you’re looking to keep your home toasty in Dunedin or cool in Northland, selecting a skylight that suits your region’s climate will enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and overall quality of life. A professionally installed skylight, tailored to your specific climate needs, can transform your home into a bright, comfortable sanctuary throughout the year.