I’ve run into this exact issue a few times. Skylights are great for natural light, but they can be tricky in attics—especially if you’re trying to keep the space energy efficient. I’ve tried both skylights and sun tunnels, and honestly, sun tunnels seem to mess less with insulation since they don’t require as big of a cutout. Still, there’s always some compromise on R-value.
One thing I’m still not sure about is whether triple-glazed skylights actually make enough of a difference to justify the extra cost. Has anyone compared those to standard double-glazed? Also, has anyone experimented with interior light wells or reflective paint to bounce more daylight around without opening up the roof? Sometimes I wonder if we overthink it and just need better artificial lighting... but then again, nothing beats real sunlight for making a space feel livable.
Tried both double and triple-glazed skylights in my 1920s attic—honestly, the triple-glazed ones do cut down drafts and condensation, but I’m not convinced the energy savings ever catch up to the price tag, especially if you’re already insulating well around them. I’ve used reflective paint in a stairwell, and it helped a bit, but nothing dramatic. Ever looked into adding dormers instead? More work, but you get light and headroom without as much heat loss. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those in older homes...
Dormers are a solid move if you want more usable space and natural light, especially in older attics where headroom is tight. I’ve seen them work well in 1920s homes, but you’ve got to watch for weird rooflines and potential water issues—flashing is everything. Energy-wise, they’re usually better than skylights for heat loss, but the upfront cost and disruption can be a pain. If you’re already well-insulated, dormers might give you more bang for your buck than triple glazing. Just make sure the structure can handle it... some old rafters aren’t up for the extra load.
Honestly, dormers are like the mullet of home renos—business up front (more space), party in the back (all that light). But yeah, flashing is the unsung hero here. I’ve seen more than one “dream attic” turn into a leaky nightmare because someone cheaped out on it. And those old rafters? Sometimes they’re more decorative than structural... had to reinforce mine with enough lumber to build a small treehouse. Still, if you want a real bedroom up there, dormers beat crawling around like Gollum any day.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get excited about attic bedrooms, then hit a wall with headroom and insulation. Dormers are a game-changer for both, but yeah, if you skimp on flashing or don’t beef up those rafters, you’re just asking for trouble. I’ve had clients shocked at how much structural work is needed—nobody expects their “simple” reno to involve basically rebuilding half the roof. Still, nothing beats waking up to sunlight flooding in... unless it’s rainwater.
