
Natural lighting is something highly valued in buildings and the final decoration of environments. For this reason, professionals in the area are increasingly committed to using various resources to enhance the entry of sunlight into homes. We can mention two applied resources in different ways but with the same purpose: zenithal lighting and structures with transparent coverage. We have separated some tips and examples according to roofing Tacoma of use to apply this type of roof at home.
What Is Zenith Lighting?
We call zenith lighting all the light that comes from above and falls on the house’s interior. This feature is generally applied in darker spaces where we want to promote a more significant amount of light or places where placing windows to the outside is impossible. In the project above, the integrated space already had good natural lighting through the sliding glass doors. Still, an opening for zenith lighting runs along the entire length of the environment, creating a pleasant atmosphere through the light that spreads from the ceiling to the entire space.
Shapes Of Zenith Elements
There are several ways to apply for the zenith coverage according to Tacoma Roofer services, through skylights, domes, sheds, skylights, and atrium. Each of these elements varies according to the structure and the type of lighting it will promote. Skylights are the most used and promote more efficient lighting as they are applied flat and parallel to the building floor. The design of the living room did not include windows. Still, it was designed with an efficient artificial lighting system and a skylight in the corner of the wall that, in addition to illuminating the small inner garden, brings some light from the outside to space’s interior.
Types Of Closures
To close these zenith elements, we can use glass, acrylic, and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate and acrylic, in translucent or matte versions, are usually 30% cheaper than glass. It is a light material, and it works well with the aluminum structure, which can also lower its cost.
On the other hand, laminated glass and its structure mean a more significant investment but significantly result in acoustic insulation and valuable life. The materials mentioned can also contain sun protection or receive protective films in the case of glass. The design of this kitchen included, in addition to the window, two skylights for more intense natural lighting, eliminating artificial light during the day.
Installation Of The Zenith Elements
Generally, the zenith elements are designed together with the house’s structure and developed during the construction process, but depending on the structure of the house, there may be the possibility to include a zenith light source later. It is a process that must be well studied so as not to compromise the construction with infiltration and future damage to the structure.
This double-height building has glass walls and large windows to promote the entry of light; on the side of the wall where it was impossible to include windows, the solution was to include a zenithal shed-type element, where light penetrates through the installed glass upright.