Operable skylight installed on the roof.

As energy costs continue to rise, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to cut down on their monthly expenses. One of the latest trends is installing ventilating skylights, which can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.

And not only does a vented skylight offer temperature regulation, but it also helps to keep your home well-ventilated.  Improved indoor air quality is perhaps the most important benefit of having a home with proper ventilation, as it can help reduce or eliminate a wide range of contaminants including carbon dioxide, dust, pollen, mould, and other airborne chemicals. 

One of the most popular types of vented skylight is the operable model. Operable skylights can be opened and closed to control the amount of fresh air and natural light in a room. There are many benefits to using operable skylights, including energy savings, daylighting, and improved ventilation. 

Skylights with a controllable opening are an energy-efficient way to improve the comfort of your home and can be used in both new construction and retrofit projects. If you are looking to invest in your home’s comfort and aesthetic appeal, you can never go wrong with skylights.

The Rising Popularity of Ventilating Skylights

Operable skylight on tiled roof
Ventilating skylights work by drawing fresh air into the room through a small opening at the bottom of the skylight. The hot air and moisture in the room are then able to escape through an opening at the top of the skylight.

As the weather gets warmer, people are looking for ways to cool their homes without cranking up the air conditioning. Ventilating skylights are a great way to do this.

Ventilating skylights are becoming more popular because they help to regulate the temperature in your home and keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And by allowing fresh air into the home, they can help to remove stale, stuffy air that can often build up indoors. They are typically mounted in the ceiling of a room and open outward from the bottom. 

Ventilating skylights work by drawing fresh air into the room through a small opening at the bottom of the skylight. The hot air and moisture in the room are then able to escape through an opening at the top of the skylight. This ventilation process helps to improve the air quality in your home and makes it more comfortable to live in.

The most popular type of ventilating skylight among homeowners is the operable skylight. Not only do operable skylights add aesthetic appeal to a room and increase the value of your home, but they also allow you to enjoy natural light and fresh air without sacrificing control and privacy.

Ventilating skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home, regulate indoor temperature, and improve ventilation. If you’re considering adding a skylight to your home, be sure to choose an operable model so you can take advantage of all these benefits.

What Is Ventilating Skylight?

A ventilating skylight on the roof.
Ventilating skylights work by drawing air in from the outside and circulating it throughout the home.

A ventilating skylight is designed to provide airflow for a home. It is often installed in homes with little or no natural ventilation, such as apartments. Ventilating skylights work by drawing air in from the outside and circulating it throughout the home. This can help reduce the risk of mould and mildew growth, as well as improve indoor air quality.

There are two types of ventilating skylights: passive and operable. Passive ventilating skylights are permanently opened, so they are always allowing fresh air into your home. This can help reduce allergens and pollutants in the air, as well as excess moisture. However, because they are always open, this type of skylight can also let in dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. They are also more vulnerable to leaks and drafts.

Operable skylights, on the other hand, can be opened and closed as needed. They can also be used to regulate temperature, providing energy savings in both heating and cooling costs. Perhaps most importantly, operable skylights provide privacy. When closed, they can prevent people outside from seeing into the home.

Passive skylights are typically used in warm climates where ventilation is desired but the risk of rain or snow is low. Operable skylights can be used in any climate since they can be closed when inclement weather is expected. 

Passive skylights might cost less to install, but operable skylights offer more flexibility in terms of when and how much ventilation is desired.

Which Skylights Have Ventilation?

There are many types of skylights, but not all of them have ventilation. Some skylights are fixed, meaning they can’t be opened. Others are vented, which means they can be opened to allow for airflow. So, which skylights have ventilation?

Vivid Skylights sells both fixed and operable skylights. But operable skylights might be the better investment for homeowners who want to control the amount of light and ventilation in their homes. Fixed skylights are great for letting in extra light and require little maintenance, but sometimes you just want a little bit of light – and operable skylights let you do that.

Plus, if the room is feeling a little stuffy, you can easily open up the skylight with a mere press of a button and let some fresh air in. Having the option to open or close your skylight is a great investment for any home.

What Is the Difference Between a Ventilating and a Fixed Skylight?

A ventilating skylight can be opened to allow fresh air into the home, while a fixed skylight is sealed and does not open. Ventilating skylights are often used in bathrooms and kitchens to help improve ventilation and reduce odours. Fixed skylights are more common in living areas and bedrooms, where they provide natural light.

Vivid Skylights’ fixed and operable skylights use laminated glass for added durability.  We offer a wide range of customisation options to create the perfect skylight for any need.

The Benefits of Ventilating Skylights

Ventilating skylights offer a multifaceted approach to home improvement. Not only do they introduce ample sunlight into living spaces, enhancing mood and visibility, but they also promote better air circulation, helping to reduce indoor pollutants and prevent moisture buildup. By merging the perks of natural lighting with effective ventilation, these skylights contribute significantly to a healthier and more pleasant indoor environment.

Ventilating Skylight in a Kitchen or Bathroom

Modern kitchen with elegant benchtop, beautifully illuminated by ceiling-installed skylights.
A skylight in the kitchen helps remove odours and keep the air fresh.

Ventilating skylights are a great way to improve the air quality in your home, and they’re especially beneficial in the kitchen and bathroom. 

A kitchen without proper ventilation can quickly turn into an unhealthy, dangerous place. Fumes from cooking can cause problems for people with respiratory issues, and the build-up of grease and smoke can lead to fires. A skylight in the kitchen helps remove odours and keep the air fresh.

The bathroom is another place where poor ventilation can lead to problems. Moisture from showers and baths can cause mould and mildew to grow. Having a ventilating skylight in the bathroom will remove that excess moisture and keep your bathroom clean and healthy. Plus, they can easily make your bathroom look more spacious and open.

The Benefits of a Skylight Vent

Installing a skylight vent is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to improve the ventilation in your home. A skylight with a vent can also help reduce condensation and mould growth in your home. 

Homeowners prefer Vivid Skylight’s operable vented skylights since they allow for more privacy and temperature control. You can open and close them as you please, which means you can let in as much or as little light and fresh air as you want.

If it’s a hot day, you can open your operable skylight to ventilate your home without cooling it down too much. And if you want complete privacy, you can close your operable skylight.

Vivid Skylights’ operable skylights also give you the option to install shades or blinds, which further increases your level of control.

What is a Passive Ventilation Skylight?

A passive ventilation skylight is designed to allow air circulation permanently. This type of skylight is easy to install and requires little to no maintenance. 

However, there are several drawbacks when it comes to a passive ventilation skylight. One potential downside is that they can let in too much heat during the summer months, making your home uncomfortably warm. And because they rely on natural airflow, they can be susceptible to drafts and other outside elements.

Operable skylights are a greater alternative to passive ventilation skylights. They can be opened to release heat build-up in your home, making them more energy-efficient. You also get to control the amount of light and ventilation coming into your home. You can open them on bright days to let in natural light and fresh air, and close them on hot days or when it’s raining.

Are Vented Skylights Worth It?

Homeowners who have installed vented skylights are generally very satisfied with the investment, as they can help reduce your energy bill and make homes more comfortable.

However, if you want to get the benefits of vented skylights without sacrificing privacy and temperature control, you may want to get operable skylights instead. Operable skylights can be opened and closed as needed, so you can let in fresh air and natural light while still maintaining your privacy and controlling the temperature in your home.

Vivid Skylights’ openable skylights are made of high-quality materials such as laminated glass and aluminium frames and come with a 5-year warranty. Our durable skylights are designed to let in natural light and fresh air, while still providing protection from the elements. 

The Health Benefits of Skylight Ventilation

Living room that installed skylights on the ceiling.
By merging the perks of natural lighting with effective ventilation, these skylights contribute significantly to a healthier and more pleasant indoor environment.

Operable skylights are a great way to improve the ventilation in your home and enjoy the many health benefits that come with them. Here are just a few of the benefits of better skylight ventilation:

  • Improved air quality: Ventilation helps to remove pollutants and stale air from your home, resulting in improved air quality. This is especially important for people with allergies or asthma, as fresh air can help to relieve symptoms.
  • Reduced moisture levels: Moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth, which can cause respiratory problems. By installing skylights where air can pass through an opening, you can help to reduce moisture levels and prevent these health hazards.
  • Warmer in winter, cooler in summer: When you can open your skylight, you can effortlessly regulate the temperature in your room during the summer and winter months while decreasing your energy costs at the same time.

Ventilating Skylight FAQ

Considering a vented skylight for your home? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about skylights with an opening.

What is a Mechanically Vented Skylight?

Mechanically vented skylights are designed to open and close manually or via remote control. Also known as operable skylights, they can help improve indoor air quality by allowing fresh air into the home and preventing pollutants from building up inside. 

This type of skylight is typically installed in homes with poor natural ventilation or in homes that are located in hot climates.

Do Venting Skylights Leak?

Venting skylights don’t leak as long as they are professionally installed. Waterproofing and flashing must be done correctly to keep your skylight leak-free. This means properly applying a water-resistant barrier between the skylight and the rest of the roof. Any gaps or cracks around the skylight must be tightly sealed with caulk or sealant.

Hiring a professional to install your venting skylights is the best way to ensure that they will be installed correctly and will not leak. Make sure to do your research and hire a reputable company or individual with experience installing skylights. 

Vivid Skylights Operable Skylights

Vivid Skylights is a trusted name when it comes to quality operable skylights. Our skylights are made with laminated glass for added safety and come with a 5-year warranty. They also come with a strong aluminium frame with a black powder-coated finish.

In addition to selling operable skylights, we also offer fixed skylights. Fixed skylights are a great option if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require maintenance or upkeep. And, if you’re worried about heat or light coming in through your skylight, you can always opt to buy our durable skylight blinds as well.

Purchase Openable Skylights (Skylights That Open)

Looking for skylights that open? Vivid Skylights has you covered. We offer openable skylights available in various sizes to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for skylights with ventilation or simply want to let in more natural light, we have what you’re looking for. 

Visit our skylight store today and see for yourself!