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DISCOUNTED ROOFING LLC posted an update 1 day, 2 hours ago
Why Modern Roof Windows Are Not a Liability
There is a persistent myth in the construction world that “there are two types of skylights: those that leak, and those that will leak.” DISCOUNTED ROOFING LLC is here to dismantle that outdated way of thinking. The skylights of the 1980s—those cheap acrylic bubbles that cracked and dripped—have poisoned the well for too long. Today’s skylights are sophisticated architectural glass units that, when installed correctly, are as watertight as the roof itself. Rejecting natural light based on thirty-year-old anecdotes is a mistake that leaves your home in the dark.
The argument against SKYLIGHT INSTALLATION Philadelphia residents often hear centers on heat loss and water intrusion. Let’s tackle water first. Leaks are almost never the fault of the skylight unit; they are the fault of the installer. A general handyman relying on a tube of caulk is setting you up for failure. A professional uses a factory-engineered flashing kit that interweaves with the shingles or membrane, creating a mechanical seal that sheds water.
It is a system, not a patch. When done right, the risk is negligible.
Now, let’s talk energy. The old single-pane units were indeed energy sieves. But modern units utilize Low-E (low emissivity), argon-filled, double-pane glass. They provide insulation values comparable to high-end vertical windows. In fact, a properly placed skylight can save energy. It reduces the need for electric lighting during the day and, if it’s a venting model, acts as a passive cooling chimney in the summer, exhausting hot air and lowering AC loads. The narrative that skylights waste energy is factually incorrect with current technology.
We also challenge the idea that historic homes shouldn’t be altered. Bringing light into a dark Victorian row home doesn’t destroy its character; it reveals it. It highlights the plaster moldings, the hardwood floors, and the architectural details that are lost in the shadows. It makes a historic home livable for modern standards of wellness and comfort.
Stop letting fear of the past dictate the potential of your home. Challenge the skepticism. Demand modern technology and expert installation, and you will find that a skylight is an asset, not a liability.
To explore the modern truth about roof windows, contact DISCOUNTED ROOFING LLC.