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posted
I am a cancer survivor. I had a type of bone cancer. I am great but have a new normal. My muscles, bones and nerves of my hip and leg was involved. Anyway, I am so good but I do have to rest several times a day in my bedroom. This bedroom has no window. I need natural life to help me feel better. My wall back up to other rooms. Can you suggest some kind of window I can put in that will give me natural light from other rooms but still provide privacy as well?
 
Posts: 3 | Location: Small town Texas | Registered: Aug 19, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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You might consider a decent skylight.
 
Posts: 687 | Location: Applachain | Registered: Feb 13, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Or a sky tube.
 
Posts: 6053 | Location: North MN & Northern AR | Registered: Oct 01, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of conrad
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I would also opt for a skylight window (or two) in the ceiling. The tubes are great for just ambient lighting in dark areas, but I would want to see the blue sky, clouds, stars/moon, storms building, birds flying and such.

However one needs to consider where to place it? I think perhaps not over the bed, but maybe over a recliner chair? The over the bed location may tend to keep you up on full moon phases, due to the extra light coming in. Of course there are horizontal shades that can be mounted too.
 
Posts: 8627 | Location: Plains & Mountains | Registered: Jun 08, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Thanks for your feedback. My husband is afraid the skylight would weaken the roof. He is worried about it leaking. Is he correct to worry?
 
Posts: 3 | Location: Small town Texas | Registered: Aug 19, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I have had two for 9 years and never developed any problems. Just make sure you get a good quality one Vellux,Pella and etc. with the correct flashing. Make sure it is installed correctly. No it will not weaken the roof if headers are used and the install is done with good building practices.
 
Posts: 687 | Location: Applachain | Registered: Feb 13, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of Sparky
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A well designed and properly installed sky light will not weaken the roof. Get one that fits between the roof rafters so you don't have to cut them off. If you have a truss roof you can't cut the trusses.

Roof Trusses http://www.onlinetips.org/install-roof-trusses


General Disclaimer

Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.

My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 
Posts: 6674 | Location: Cary, North Carolina | Registered: Sep 18, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of conrad
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Velux skylights are what we have on our 3 season porch for the past 15 or so years. Never an issue with them. They do fit between roof rafters, as Sparky said. If you have a flat ceiling, a skylight shaft will need to be built in the attic space and insulated on the sides, in the attic.
 
Posts: 8627 | Location: Plains & Mountains | Registered: Jun 08, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I suspect you were hoping for some kind of window in the wall that would bring in light?? The light just does not transfer through a room that well.

The skylight may be the best thing for you as you could see outside and that is always cheering but if you cannot convince your husband, despite reassurance that it does not harm the roof, than consider the skytube. It only takes an 8-10" hole in the roof and does provide a lot of light. He might buy that. Smile
 
Posts: 6053 | Location: North MN & Northern AR | Registered: Oct 01, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Thanks so much for your info. I would love to have a view of the sky. I'll try to convince him. I just thought there would be a easier solution.
 
Posts: 3 | Location: Small town Texas | Registered: Aug 19, 2012Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I worked around several skylights in my contracting days and if they are installed right, there should be no problem. Even simple ones. A simple one set on a 2x4 curb will work great and is easy to seal from the weather. The more expensive ones that open, etc are more complicated. They are water tight ok, but the operating mechanism may be difficult for you to operate.

A couple things you may not be aware of: The skylight should be tinted slightly - best if a light gray color. Otherwise bright sun directly overhear can be too much and can also be hot in the middle of the day. One solution is to mount a horizontal shade under it, one that you can control with a cord from the floor level. They make shades especially for skylights.

Be aware that medical people say sleeping in bright light is harmful. You need to either use eyeshades or do all your sleeping at night
 
Posts: 12119 | Location: Eagle, CO USA | Registered: Sep 18, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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