Skylights have evolved through the years

Using natural light to illuminate a room via skylights is hardly a new concept. Even the ancient Romans used roof openings to add drama to their architecture, such as the Pantheon.

But technological advances have made modern skylights much more adaptable and interesting than their predecessors. Today's skylights use glass to keep the weather out, come in all shapes and sizes and have several wonderful options like remote-controlled blinds, solar-powered vents and tinted glass similar to that used in automobiles.

Chicago Skylight Pros of Rolling Meadows opened in January 2016 as a division of Home Services Direct LLC and as a sister company to Build-Outs USA, which handles commercial work.

It installs and replaces conventional skylights and whole house fans, as well as tubular skylights, which have the appearance of a large can light but which fill a room with directed natural daylight instead of artificial light, said Katy Radcliff, Product Manager for Chicago Skylights Pros.

That is why the tubular skylights are often referred to as "daylight lighting devices," she said.

The most popular rooms for skylights are bathrooms, hallways, vaulted ceilings in family rooms and kitchens (if there is access to the roof), Radcliff added.

Chicago Skylight Pros serves homeowners all over the Chicago area and plans to soon expand into commercial work, as well.

"The majority of our work so far has been the replacement of aging skylights because they don't last forever," she said. "Besides, the newer skylights are more energy-efficient and come with a number of wonderful options."

The tubular daylight tubes, she continued, come with a solar panel that charges during the day and then powers a soft night light when the sun goes down.

"Homeowners often replace their skylights when they get a new roof. And if they purchase one of the energy-efficient versions, they can apply for a 30 percent federal tax credit," Radcliff said.

Chicago Skylight Pros installs Wasco skylights, Solatube tubular skylights and QuietCool whole house fans and it only employs certified skylight installers.

In addition, it offers a warranty program that guarantees its installed skylights for the life of the home's roof. "If the homeowner has any problem or issue with the skylight or the tubular daylighting device, they can call us and we will go out there to troubleshoot, repair or replace the conventional or tubular skylight," Radcliff said.

For more information, call (847) 201-6045 or visit www.chicagoskylightpros.com.