Skylights Ride The Green Wave by James and Morris Carey (NAPSA)—The popularity of skylights has literally soared in recent decades—not only in kitchens and bathroomsbut in nontraditional spots throughout the house, as well. What’s more, the green building movement promises to make them even more popular. Skylights and the , new tubular models bring more natural light and ventilation to virtually every room, including garages, workshops, Jamesand hallways and launMorris Carey dry rooms. Skylights Throughout History The origin of skylights can be traced back to ancient architects who devised openings and shafts into the inner chambers of the great pyramidsof Egypt. Skylights and roof windows became popular in the 1940s in Europe as a wayto light and ventilate tightly grouped structures in densely populated urban areas. Quality Means Dependability Leading skylight manufacturers have put to rest the No. 1 fear expressed by homeowners: “Will it leak?” Modern skylights feature highquality glass and are engineered and manufactured to standards equal to, or exceeding, vertical windows. Paired with watertight flashing systems designed specifically for different roofing materials, including shingles, tile or metal, quality units properly installed simply don’t leak. Green Can BeA Double-Edged Sword Asbuilders tighten up the inte- rior envelope of a home to save energy, more airborne pollutants are trapped. Studies indicate that, on average, the air in homesis twotofive times more polluted than the air outdoors. Health issues arise when combinations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are trapped in the home. Clearing The Air One solution to make homes “greener” and indoor air cleaner involves teaming skylights with Mother Nature to help clear the air. Venting skylights take advantage of heat that naturally rises to help remove trapped VOCs. While the natural “chimney/exhaust” effect of venting skylights removes room odors and stale air, it also reduces the hidden health threat of VOCs. Controlling The Light Using Energy Star™ rated traditional skylights with matched shades, blinds and awnings, plus tubular skylights, which admit passive light, provides homeowners with more heat gain andlight control solutions for today’s green homes. For more information, visit www.veluxusa.com or call (800) 283-2831. For government informa- tion on windowandskylight energy efficiency, visit www.energystar. gov, and for additional independent agency information, visit www.nfre.org or efficientwindows. org. The Carey Brothers, James and Morris, are nationally recognized experts on home building, remodeling and everyday household maintenance.
