YESTERDAY I HEARD a suggestion that venting skylights be installed in the sanctuary. This idea has great potential, so I have been mulling it over.
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| For illustration purposes only |
Timing is critical. Because the roof membrane (surface) is slated to be re-covered relatively soon—summer 2025—this idea warrants immediate attention. If it were to be implemented at all, the skylights would need to be installed as the new membrane is applied.
To make that happen timely, someone would need to jump on this project right away.
Below the jump, this post briefly explores the venting skylight idea.…
Proper design of the curb (housing) should aim to maximize the potential advantages and minimize the disadvantages.
Potential advantages
• Increased daylight for daytime events
• Release of hot air on warm days (increased thermal comfort and reduced A/C bills)
• Improved natural ventilation, even in the basement/ Social Hall
Potential disadvantages
• Compromised structural integrity.
• Curved roof presents a special challenge to the curb design (custom installation).
• Increased solar heat gain on warm days.
• Increased heat loss on cold days (decreased thermal comfort and increased heating bills).
• Distracting/uncomfortable direct sunlight cast on the seating area below.
• Potential for leaks if not installed correctly.
• Will need eventual servicing and replacement = commitment to future costs.
Considerations include…
• Solar-powered varieties with automatic closure during rainfall are available.
• How to determine the optimal configuration (number, size, placement, cost)? Which experts would need to be consulted?
• How to make the appearance compatible with the historic architecture of the hall?
• Would the City Architect be amenable, with regard to the visual impact on the historic ceiling?
The biggest consideration of all is: who would champion this project, to get it going and see it through?
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