In recent years, an increasing number of homeowners in Barrhaven have turned to skylights — and particularly to high-quality units from VELUX — as a sought-after upgrade. Whether renovating an older home or designing a new build, many are discovering that skylights deliver a unique combination of natural light, energy efficiency, comfort, and aesthetic appeal that few other renovations can match.
This blog explores the many reasons behind this growing trend: from climate and architecture to lifestyle needs and long-term value. If you’re a homeowner in Barrhaven considering a home improvement project, this guide will help you understand why skylights — and VELUX skylights in particular — may be one of the best investments you can make.
The Barrhaven Context: Why Skylights Make Sense Locally
Winter-heavy Climate & Short Daylight Hours
Barrhaven shares the same climate characteristics as the greater Ottawa area — long, cold winters and relatively short daylight periods. In many homes, especially multi-storey ones or homes with deep floor plans, natural light via windows alone isn’t always enough.
Skylights bring daylight from above, bypassing walls, landscaping, or neighbouring houses that might otherwise block light. This makes them particularly effective in Barrhaven’s weather, improving brightness even on overcast days and helping combat the grey of winter.
Growing Home Renovation and Smart-Home Trends
As Barrhaven grows, many homeowners invest in renovating older houses or modernizing interiors. Skylights have become a popular “upgrade” because they provide visible, immediate improvement in living spaces — a dramatic transformation compared to paint or décor alone.
Moreover, modern homebuyers are more conscious of energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and sustainable design. Skylights align well with these preferences, making them a forward-looking choice.
Diverse Home Styles — Room for Customization
Barrhaven’s housing stock ranges from compact townhomes to spacious detached houses. This diversity creates varied needs: small homes benefit from skylights to make rooms feel larger and more open; larger homes benefit from daylight distribution in long corridors, bathrooms, stairwells, and kitchens.
VELUX’s diverse product lineup — multiple sizes, models, and glazing options — allows homeowners to find the right skylight for their specific home design.
What Makes VELUX Skylights Stand Out
Not all skylights are created equal. VELUX has built a reputation for high quality, durability, and design versatility. Here are the key features that make their skylights a preferred choice for many in Barrhaven.
1. High-Quality Materials and Weather-Ready Construction
VELUX skylights are engineered for durability. Their frames, glazing, seals, and flashings are designed to withstand Canadian weather: heavy snow loads, freezing temperatures, rain, hail, and temperature fluctuations.
This reliability gives homeowners peace of mind. When properly installed, a well-built skylight should offer decades of performance with minimal maintenance — a crucial factor in homes exposed to Barrhaven winters.
2. Energy Efficiency & Insulation Performance
New-generation skylights from VELUX offer double- or triple-glazed options, low-emissivity coatings, and insulated frames. This means they help reduce heat loss in winter and minimize heat gain in summer, contributing to overall home energy efficiency.
During sunny winter days, a skylight can even add passive solar warmth — while in summer, modern glazing reduces glare and UV penetration. For homeowners who care about energy bills and comfort, skylights add value beyond aesthetics.
3. Natural Light that Transforms Interior Spaces
Nothing compares to the quality of natural light from the sky. Skylights:
- brighten interior rooms that lack exterior walls
- eliminate dark corners in hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and closets
- enhance colour, décor, and perceived room size
- contribute to a brighter, more welcoming home atmosphere
For families, better lighting can improve mood, productivity, and general well-being — especially during long winters.
4. Improved Ventilation & Indoor Airflow Options
Many VELUX skylights are vented or operable, allowing homeowners to open them to let hot air escape in summer, or assist with airing out moisture and odors in kitchens or bathrooms.
Better ventilation helps prevent condensation, mold buildup, and indoor air quality issues — a benefit especially relevant in tightly sealed modern homes, where air circulation can otherwise be problematic.
5. Variety of Options: Fixed, Vented, Solar, Blinds, and More
VELUX offers a versatile range:
- Fixed skylights — for maximum daylight where ventilation isn’t needed.
- Vented skylights — allow airflow, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or attic conversions.
- Solar-powered skylights & blinds — controlled with remote, offering ease and energy savings.
- Different sizes and shapes — suitable for low-slope roofs, multi-storey homes, or compact additions.
This flexibility allows Barrhaven homeowners to choose what fits their needs — whether a cozy bathroom vented skylight or a large living-room fixed skylight bathing the space in daylight.
6. Low-Maintenance Design and Long-Term Durability
High-quality seals, glazing, and robust flashings reduce maintenance needs. Unlike older skylights that leaked or fogged over time, modern VELUX units are built for longevity and come with warranties or long service life expectations.
This makes them a “set it and forget it” home upgrade — ideal for busy homeowners who want the benefits without frequent upkeep.
What Barrhaven Homeowners Use Skylights For
Understanding how skylights are typically used helps illustrate their value. Here are common applications in Barrhaven homes:
Brightening Interior Spaces Without Exterior Walls
- Bathrooms with no window
- Interior hallways
- Closets and walk-ins
- Laundry rooms
- Staircases and landings
Skylights make these otherwise dark areas feel open and inviting.
Improving Living Spaces with Natural Light
- Living rooms
- Dining areas
- Kitchens
- Home offices
Natural light makes these primary living areas more comfortable and enhances home ambiance.
Adding Ventilation in Moisture-Prone Areas
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens with frequent cooking
- Laundry rooms
Fresh air helps reduce humidity, prevent mold, and improve indoor air quality.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Home Value
Because skylights improve both light and thermal performance, they appeal strongly to homebuyers looking for energy efficiency, comfort, and modern design.
How to Ensure a Good Skylight Installation in Barrhaven
A skylight’s performance and longevity depend heavily on how well it’s installed. For homeowners considering the upgrade, here are critical considerations:
1. Roof Structure, Pitch, and Load Capacity
Ensure that the roof framing can support snow load and that the skylight matches the roof’s pitch and shape. Some roof styles may require custom flashing or additional support.
2. Proper Flashing and Waterproof Seals
Waterproof flashing and high-grade seals are essential, especially in climates with heavy snow and freezing rain. Poor flashing is often the cause when leaks occur after installation.
3. Correct Glazing and Insulation for Energy Efficiency
Choose glass and frame combinations that offer high insulation and low thermal transfer — especially important for long Barrhaven winters and hot summer months.
4. Ventilation Options if Needed
For rooms that require ventilation, select vented skylights or consider integrating ventilation ducts. This is especially useful in bathrooms or kitchens.
5. Professional Installation or Experienced Installer
Installation quality matters at least as much as product quality. A well-built skylight with poor installation can become a source of leaks or drafts. Ensure installer understands local weather conditions and building codes.
6. Thoughtful Placement and Light Planning
Consider where the sun moves throughout the day and how light will enter. Placement affects glare, heat gain, and distribution of light. A well-positioned skylight can maximize benefits while minimizing drawbacks.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Skylight Performance
After installation, regular maintenance ensures the skylight continues to perform well. Recommended actions:
- inspect seals and flashing annually (especially after winter)
- clear away snow buildup carefully if needed
- clean glass and check for cracks or leaks after storms
- check attic and roof for signs of moisture or condensation
- monitor indoor humidity and ensure proper ventilation
Routine maintenance helps prevent leaks, preserves energy efficiency, and extends the lifecycle of the skylight.
Addressing Common Concerns & Misconceptions
Many homeowners hesitate to install skylights because of common concerns. Here’s how VELUX skylights address them:
“Won’t skylights leak or cause drafts in winter?”
High-quality skylights, properly sealed and flashed, are designed to withstand snow, freezing temperatures, and rain. Modern glazing and insulated frames prevent drafts and maintain energy efficiency.
“Will they make rooms too hot in summer?”
With energy-efficient glass, proper orientation, and optional blinds or shades, overheating is minimized. Venting options help release hot air as needed.
“Are they hard to maintain?”
Not at all. Skylights from quality manufacturers require little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and annual inspection.
“Do they create glare or too much light?”
Many skylight models come with built-in blinds, diffusers, or shades to control brightness. Also, proper placement helps avoid direct glare.
“Is installation expensive?”
While skylights are more costly than simple windows, they typically cost less than major structural window additions, and their benefits (light, energy efficiency, home value) often offset the initial investment.
Why the Trend Is Growing — And Why It Matters for Barrhaven Homeowners
The rise in popularity of skylights in Barrhaven reflects larger shifts in homeowner values and needs:
- Desire for energy-efficient, cost-effective upgrades
- Renovations aimed at improving comfort and indoor environment
- Growing appreciation for natural light and its health benefits
- Demand for modern aesthetics and open, bright interiors
- Interest in home value increases and long-term return on investment
For many families, skylights offer an upgrade that’s as much about quality of living as it is about functionality.
Conclusion: Evaluating the Value of a Skylight Upgrade
For Barrhaven homeowners seeking to transform their living spaces, improve comfort, and increase home value, skylights — especially from high-quality providers — offer a remarkable blend of benefits:
- abundant natural light even in winter months
- improved energy efficiency and lower utility costs
- enhanced aesthetics and more spacious-feeling interiors
- better ventilation and improved air quality when needed
- low maintenance and long-term durability
- increased property value and resale appeal
When chosen and installed correctly, a skylight becomes more than just an architectural feature — it becomes a lasting investment.
If you’re considering a home upgrade in Barrhaven, especially one that enhances daily living comfort and long-term value, a skylight may be one of the smartest choices you make.
