Add Light, Ventilation, and Privacy in Your Bathroom

FORT MILL, SC, November 25, 2010 (Press-News.org) Light, ventilation, and privacy. What else is needed in the bathroom? Well, lots of things actually, but those three are critical to one of the most used rooms in any home - not to mention one of the most humid and damp rooms (during bath time), and certainly a location that cries out for privacy. And what product can provide all three while addressing green building or remodeling considerations for indoor air quality and energy efficiency? An ENERGY STAR qualified venting skylight.

According to Joe Patrick, who heads national product management for VELUX America, "In bathrooms especially, venting skylights reduce condensation build-up while providing a view of the sky above, without giving anyone the opportunity to see in. And you get the use of wall space, where a window isn't necessary, for decorating or other forms of space utilization."

Builders and remodelers say that many of their clients opt for a combination of fixed and venting skylights once they understand the features and benefits, especially if they are into green building or remodeling, or are simply serious about making their homes more energy efficient.

Venting skylights can be equipped with moisture sensors to close them automatically in case of rain and they can be controlled manually or by remote control.

And in homes with smaller bathrooms or half-baths that won't accommodate, or don't need a traditional skylight, but do need more natural light, a VELUX SUN TUNNEL skylight may be the answer. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and energy efficient. While they don't admit outside air, these units are also ENERGY STAR qualified and provide passive light (light without the heat emitted by electrical sources) during the day and, with a light kit, light at night as well. Some "super efficient" models meet the federal government's energy efficiency criteria, qualifying them for federal tax credits of up to 30 percent of the purchase and installation cost.

Patrick adds that modern skylights make one of the biggest concerns of homeowners - the fear of leaks - a thing of the past. "Quality units offer matched, pre-engineered flashing kits for shingles, tile or metal roofing materials," he says. "They are designed and engineered to prevent leaks over the full life of a roof and, properly installed, simply don't leak." In fact, Patrick's company has introduced a new ENERGY STAR qualified product line, marketing it as the No Leak Skylight. "These units offer many new energy saving features plus three layers of water protection and are fully warranted," he says. "They also carry an industry-first ten-year installation warranty in addition to product coverage."

Patrick says that the growing availability of trained and certified skylight installation specialists also adds to the dependability of modern skylights.

And he points out that today's skylights contribute to energy efficiency with light and heat control as much as with ventilation by offering easily installed accessories to adjust and control light, as do vertical windows. "Venetian blinds are available to adjust light, as are roller blinds to diffuse light and blackout blinds to block light," he says. Solar blinds are also available that qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

For skylight selection or installation information visit www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.

Media Contact:
Keith Hobbs - Business Services Associates, Inc. - 9413 Greenfield Drive - Raleigh, NC 27615-2306 - Phone - 919.844.0064 - E-mail - khobbs@nc.rr.com