Transforming a Dreary Bathroom with Light
One of the brightest ways to transform a plain bathroom into a bathing beauty is with light. Without a doubt, almost every bathroom that you have admired in decorating books and magazines shimmers with light, both the natural and artificial kind. The right kind of light makes a room appear bigger. Even better, the appropriate combination of artificial and natural light makes us feel better and look better.
Natural Light
Windows
Types of windows A pretty fanlight unit alone, or paired with another style, brings a classic element to the bath. Another replacement option is the greenhouse window. This unit can act as a solar collector and make a wonderful spot for plants. All these window types are available in a number of standard sizes and are easy to install within the structural frame of an existing window. Of course, today energy efficiency is an important priority. So look for windows with a Low-E glass rating and vinyl-clad wood frames. Consider buying windows with double or triple glazing for extra protection from both heat and cold. Just remember that proper sizing and installation are important. Location, Location, Location Remember that natural light varies by the time of day, the seasonal orientation of the sun, and by the architecture of the space. For the greatest amount and the best control of sunlight year-round, orient a window to the south, says Nick Geragi, CKD, CBD, and director of education for the NKBA. From this vantage point, the room stands to gain maximum heat and light in winter, and minimal solar heat in the summer. One note of caution: If you plan on using a lot of glass in the bathroom, a southern exposure may create a greenhouse effect in a room that does not have proper cooling and ventilation equipment. A northern exposure, on the other hand, is the least appropriate room for a great deal of glass because it never admits direct sunlight. If your bathroom is adjacent to an outdoor spa or hot tub, pool, garden, deck, private courtyard, consider installing glass or French doors. These glazed units will provide access to the outdoors and preserve the view.
A Room with a View
Glass Block
Skylights For optimum advantage, the NKBA recommends that the size of a skylight equal at least 15 percent of the bathroom's total wall surface. But the dimensions of the shaft will affect light gain, too. Don Boico, CKD, CR, of Classic Kitchen & Bath Center in Roslyn, NY, suggests installing a shaft that flares out toward the bottom to extend the pool of sunlight that fills the room. "You could begin with a 4 ft. by 4 ft. skylight at the roof, for example. At the bathroom's ceiling level, extend the shaft's opening to measure 6 ft. by 6 ft., and you will increase the amount of light that enters the room." There are 3 basic types of skylight to consider: fixed, venting, and roof windows. Fixed skylights cannot be opened, so they are not always practical for a bathroom where moisture build-up is a problem. "A fixed skylight is fine," explains Boico, "as long as there is a good exhaust system in the bathroom that is vented directly to the outdoors." On the other hand, a venting skylight opens to let in air and let out moisture, operating via a crank (or sometimes a motor). A roof window is the most expensive skylight, but probably the most convenient one. It not only provides greater ventilation, but the 180-degree pivoting action around the frame permits cleaning the outside face of the unit from the he inside. Skylights have been known to leak, but if the flashing around them is installed correctly, and the joints are tightly sealed with caulk, it should perform well. The NKBA warns however, that there must be a minimum distance of 5 ft. between the unit and any waste vent, or else sewer gases can be drawn into the house through an open skylight. Again, the energy efficiency of the model (check the R-rating) must be considered or else condensation will form on the window. This is a special concern for fixed units that sometimes feature a plastic dome instead of glass. Since plastic holds moisture, proper use of an exhaust system is important.
Written by Kathie Robitz
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