Australians value daylight and fresh air in their homes, yet many perceptions of skylights are still shaped by products like acrylic domes from decades ago, not by what’s available today.

Kristy Ryan, Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand and Japan at VELUX, says skylights have evolved significantly over the past 20 years, but public understanding hasn’t always kept pace. “Many people still picture the skylights they remember from the seventies or eighties,” Ryan says. “Today’s products are engineered, tested and designed for Australian conditions – they’re in a completely different category.”

Rather than being a single sheet of plastic in the roof, modern skylights and roof windows are precision-built systems that integrate advanced glazing, insulation and weather protection to support comfort, safety and wellbeing.

Myth 1: ‘Skylights leak and are not built for extreme conditions like rain and hail’

This misconception dates back to older designs that relied heavily on sealants and basic installation methods. Modern skylights are engineered as complete roofing systems, with purpose-built flashing designed to direct water away from the opening and integrate seamlessly with contemporary roofs. Not all skylights are built equally. For example, VELUX skylights are tested against extreme weather, including hail testing that simulates impacts from hailstones the size of tennis balls. They are almost impossible to smash, and in the unlikely event of a crack a layer of laminated safety glass ensures structural integrity.

Myth 2: ‘Skylights cause fading and damage interiors’

Some homeowners worry that installing a skylight will lead to faded flooring, furniture or artwork over time. This perception is largely based on older skylight designs that offered little control over light quality.

Modern skylights use advanced glazing technology designed to manage UV exposure while still delivering high levels of natural daylight. High-performance skylight glazing can block up to 99 per cent of harmful UV rays, helping protect interior finishes while maintaining bright, comfortable living spaces. In many cases, this level of UV protection exceeds that of standard windows found in older homes.

Myth 3: ‘Skylights are expensive’

Many renovators assume skylights sit at the premium end of the market, but modern options are available across a wide range of budgets.

Fixed skylights are available from around $400, making them accessible for homeowners looking to introduce natural light without a major renovation. The final installed cost for a skylight can start from approximately $5,000, depending on the product selected, roof requirements. structure and installation

“People are often surprised when they discover how accessible skylights have become,” Ryan says. “When you consider the impact natural light can have on a space, and the value it can add to a home, skylights are increasingly seen as a smart investment.”

Myth 4: ‘Skylights make rooms too hot in summer or too cold in winter’

Older skylight designs offered little thermal control, but modern skylights are engineered to support year-round comfort and more efficient temperature management. High-performance glazing helps reduce unwanted heat transfer, while operable skylights can be opened to release hot air that naturally rises, particularly in summer. This passive ventilation can reduce reliance on air-conditioning during warmer months.

In cooler conditions, insulated glazing helps retain warmth, supporting more stable indoor temperatures and reducing the need for continuous heating. When used as part of a considered home design, skylights can contribute to lower energy demand and improved comfort across the season.

Myth 5: ‘Skylights let in too much light’

Light levels can be easily managed through thoughtful placement and integrated accessories. Rather than overwhelming a space, well-designed skylights distribute daylight more evenly, reducing glare and minimising dark corners.

Options such as blinds, including smart, sensor driven systems, allow homeowners to adjust light levels throughout the day, maintaining comfort while staying connected to the outdoors.

Bringing the outdoors in

Ryan encourages Australians to rethink their assumptions about skylights, as many of the perceived downsides are no longer relevant.

“We spend approximately 90 per cent of our lives indoors. In Europe, a third of people live in homes with unsafe air quality, an issue that also affects Australian houses. So, it’s vital that our homes don’t lose their connection to natural light and clean air from outside.

“Once homeowners experience the difference skylights can make, they understand why they are becoming a non-negotiable in renovations and new builds,” Ryan says. “Beyond bringing in daylight, modern skylights support wellbeing through improved light and fresh air, help reduce reliance on heating and air-conditioning, and open up new possibilities in how homes are designed and lived in.”

For more information about VELUX and its range of products, visit velux.com.au.

Architecture & Design Team

VELUX (Australia)

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