Daylighting simply means lighting an interior space using natural light. It’s a huge consideration whenever a homeowner gets new windows or a window replacement because daylighting also involves a level of control. The daylighting needs of a space differs from those of another space, so in architecture, the focus of daylighting is bringing natural light into the space in the best way possible for that particular area.
Windows offer the best way to introduce daylighting into your home or office. However, careful planning is crucial so only the right amount of daylighting enters the space where the window is located. Although daylighting sounds simple enough, it can also be complex, depending on the situation.
Factors to Consider
While planning a composite window replacement, for example, a homeowner should consider several factors first instead of just choosing a window and then installing it. Some of the factors you have to take into account are:
- Sources of natural light
- Your area’s climate
- How much heat gain should be allowed
- How much heat loss the new window will lead to
- The building’s occupancy
- The room’s primary purpose
- How light can be controlled
Solutions
Not all windows function the same way because not all situations in which they are used are the same. Here are some of the solutions used to make daylighting possible but not problematic:
- Specialized glazing
- Glass coatings
- Window film or tint
- The use of shades
- The use of light-reflecting surfaces
- The use of light-diffusing surfaces
- Controls for reducing natural light entry as required
Techniques
Fortunately for homeowners, introducing natural light into a home is not very difficult. Building codes often require adding a window or several windows to every room. Even simply adding clerestory windows to the upper parts of walls can let more daylight in and bounce it off the ceiling for more illumination. If a room is large enough, a skylight is a great option for adding more light.
Things to remember when adding daylighting to a home include:
- How much light is needed
- How much heat a window can add to the room
- The area’s climate
- How much a window adds to energy efficiency
- Quality of the windows and their ability to reflect light or reduce UV rays
It’s also very important to hire a reputable window company for your fiberglass window replacement to ensure quality and daylighting effectiveness, as well as energy efficiency and comfort. Get in touch with Skyline Windows of Richmond for more information on how windows can help you maximize daylighting and energy efficiency. Call us today at (804) 270-4008 or leave a message here.
