_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Skylights
improvement in solar heat gain. Coordinating shade use during periods of extreme heat or cold further optimizes energy consumption throughout the home.
Thermal performance also improves through natural ventilation. Venting skylights can reduce reliance on mechanical AC by naturally refreshing and cooling a space, helping maintain more comfortable indoor temperatures. Likewise, daylighting reduces reliance on electric lights.
Three: Smart features are now standard in many new construction projects, boosting home value and marketability.
Premium skylights showcase the latest in smart home design, blending the convenience of technology with wellness and sustainable lifestyles. Homeowners can control skylight venting or shading through a remote control, smartphone app, or voice assistant. Advanced smart home systems can monitor and respond to conditions such as temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels in real time. And, automations can be set, such as opening the shade to wake you with natural light each morning.
For builders, this functionality adds value without added complexity. Smart skylights deliver wellness, sustainability, and connectivity in a single product. That means you can offer a high-perceived-value upgrade that differentiates your projects and aligns with code and buyer priorities.
A new era for builders
For builders, the evolving skylight category represents both an opportunity and a differentiator. Skylight automation, improved energy performance, and enhanced wellness benefits redefine how we think about daylight and air.
Just as importantly, modern skylights are engineered for streamlined installation. High-performance curb-mounted models with factory-integrated flashing eliminate onthe-job guesswork and install with the same weatherproof reliability as any standard roof penetration when properly installed. There is no wiring or need for an electrician, reducing coordination across trades and supporting faster, more predictable project timelines. For those building the homes of tomorrow, it’ s clear: natural light has never looked smarter. ■
Ross Vandermark www. veluxusa. com
Ross Vandermark is the national product manager for VELUX America. He led four years of research to develop and launch the VELUX Skylight Systems, a first-of-its-kind product designed for total light control, enhanced energy efficiency, and homeowner convenience, featuring a pre-installed, remote-controlled, solar-powered shade. VELUX has been producing skylights synonymous with quality and reliability for more than 80 years.
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