Things to Know Before Installing a Skylight

Billy Leroy • January 10, 2025

Things to Consider Before Installing a Skylight 

A Man Installing a Skylight in a Residence in Chicago, IL

Skylight installation can dramatically improve the look and feel of your property. However, before committing to these investments, several key factors must be considered. To empower informed investments, NSS Exteriors is here to serve as your guide to residential and commercial skylight installation in Chicago, IL.

The Value of Standard & Flat Roof Skylight Installation

Skylights bring a transformative touch to your space, effortlessly infusing it with natural illumination while creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. Beyond their visual charm, skylights can play a vital role in enhancing energy efficiency and thermal performance. By allowing ample sunlight to enter, they reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, cutting down on electricity costs. Additionally, when strategically positioned and properly installed, skylights help regulate indoor temperatures, minimizing heat loss in colder months and reducing heat gain in warmer seasons.

Things to Know Before Installing a Skylight

Before cutting a hole into the roof of your property, there are several influential factors to be aware of. NSS Exteriors is here to eliminate the guesswork and guide your skylight selection. Let's explore key considerations to maximize the potential of your residential or commercial skylight installation.


Material Sustainability

The longevity of your investment relies on the sustainability of the skylight materials. To narrow down your selection, prioritize the following:

·      Material and skylight installation cost versus projected lifespan

·      Extended weather resistance

·      Waterproof sealants

·      Durable load-bearing components

·      Protective UV coatings

·      Ventilation capacity

·      Thermal performance and energy efficiency

·      Fading and scratch-resistance


Glass vs. Plastic Materials

Chicago is no stranger to harsh winters. It’s important to select a skylight crafted from weather-resistant materials, such as laminated or tempered glass. Those prioritizing economical value may be drawn to the acrylic or polycarbonate plastic skylight installation cost. However, these materials are less weather-resistant and prone to scratches and other forms of wear.


Location & Strategic Placement

The positioning of your skylight installation influences its long-term functionality and efficiency. Hiring a reputable contractor is important to ensure precise measurements and strategic placement. A contractor will be equipped to provide suitable recommendations based on your objectives and the consistency and direction of sunlight exposure your property receives.


Skylight Ventilation Needs

Not all skylights offer both lighting and ventilation. These installations can be solely used to improve natural lighting exposure. However, if you're seeking to enhance the airflow of your space, it's important to opt for a ventilated skylight design complete with a durable, waterproof sealant to avoid leaks.


Energy Expenditure & Cost-Savings

Contrary to popular belief, skylights can improve your property's energy efficiency. In addition to proper placement and seamless installation, certain skylight designs boast additional energy performance features, such as tinted window glass, low-E glass coatings, and double or triple glazing to reduce heat transfer and encourage sustainable thermal performance and cost-savings on utility bills.

Residential & Commercial Skylight Installation

Discover the highest standards of quality skylight products, complete with expert installation by NSS Exteriors. Defined by attentive guidance and unmatched expertise, our full-service approach streamlines your path toward high-value skylight installation. Partner with us for personalized recommendations, top-rated workmanship, and results that stand the test of time.

Secure a Skylight Installation Cost Estimate in Chicago, IL

Reconceptualize the form and function of your property with NSS Exteriors. From commercial applications to residential skylight installation, we are your source for high-quality results and years of uninterrupted value. Contact us today to get started with a personalized skylight installation cost estimate.

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NSS Exteriors is featured in the October 2025 BIG Benuzzi's Industrial Guide. Read the article below, or download the PDF.
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Safety First

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At NSS Exteriors, the safety and well-being of our employees is a top priority. We recognize that working on roofs and around open structures can be inherently dangerous, which is why our skilled installers are trained to be extremely cautious, taking every necessary precaution to ensure a safe work environment. Our crews are equipped with industry-standard Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including harnesses, lifelines, hard hats, and safety glasses. Additionally, we partner with a dedicated safety consultant who conducts regular safety trainings and performs routine job site inspections. This ensures that our teams are always up to date on best practices and that safety standards are consistently upheld. Each day, before any work begins on site, our foremen lead a daily toolbox talk to review specific safety protocols and address any concerns. Beyond this, we conduct more in-depth weekly Toolbox Talks that cover broader safety topics, keeping safety at the forefront of everything we do. But our commitment to safety doesn't end with our employees. We also take our customers' safety seriously. During any project, we make sure to properly secure and close off the work areas to protect anyone in or around the site. We also prioritize cleanliness and organization, ensuring the workspace remains hazard-free and safe for everyone involved. At NSS Exteriors, safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a core value that shapes how we operate. Whether it's our team members or our clients, we’re dedicated to creating a secure, clean, and professional environment on every job site.

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Reputation

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In the service industry, reputation is everything. Without it, success is impossible. At NSS Exteriors, owner Paul Mitoraj is determined to make us the leading Architectural Sheet Metal and Skylight company in the country. We're well on our way to achieving that goal by building a reputation that keeps clients coming back for future projects. Our stellar reputation is driven by our values: We do the job right the first time. We're always available to address any issues. We listen to our customers. We will never sell you something you don't need. We only take on jobs for which we are fully qualified. We refuse projects that compromise our integrity or cut corners. If we can’t stand behind the work, we won’t put our name on it. This commitment to quality is why manufacturers like VELUX, Kalwall, and Tremco repeatedly refer customers to us. It’s why general contractors, roofers, and even competitors recommend NSS as the company to get the job done right.

Why you shouldn’t trust your skylight to just anyone.

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Imagine you have a cut that requires stitches, and you're faced with a choice: you can either have a medical student who has stitched a few injuries, or you can opt for the highly experienced plastic surgeon with years of expertise. In most cases, people would understandably choose the specialist—the surgeon—who possesses the skills and knowledge to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. That's precisely the difference between most roofers and NSS Exteriors.  While many roofers may offer general roofing services, NSS Exteriors specializes in skylights. We are experts in our field, with a deep understanding of the intricacies and nuances involved in skylight installation, repair, and maintenance. Choosing NSS Exteriors means entrusting your skylight project to a team dedicated to excellence and backed by years of specialized experience and proficiency. With over 50 years in the business, rest assured that we'll continue to be here in the future to assist you should any issues arise.
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