Daklichten

Daklichten are roof openings in Dutch architecture that are glazed to bring daylight into a building. They are installed in pitched and flat roofs and can be fixed or operable. Fixed daklichten provide daylight only, while operable variants, commonly called dakramen in Dutch, allow ventilation. Tubular skylights are also used to channel daylight through small roof areas.

Materials and glazing: Daklichten use glass or polycarbonate glazing. Modern units often feature double or triple glazing, low-emissivity coatings and insulated frames in aluminum, wood, or uPVC. The choice of glazing affects heat transfer, glare, UV transmission and durability. Location, size and orientation influence daylight quality and potential solar gain.

Installation and maintenance: Proper installation requires a watertight flashing system and reliable sealing to prevent leaks. Roof penetrations must be correctly flashed and integrated with roofing membranes. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the glazing, inspecting seals, and checking for condensation or leaks after storms or heavy snow.

Applications and considerations: Daklichten improve natural illumination and can reduce artificial lighting costs. In some climates they enable passive solar gains, but they may also increase heat loss in winter or cause glare. Privacy, safety and roof aesthetics influence design choices; opaque or frosted glazing and shading can mitigate visibility and glare.

Regulatory context: Building regulations govern daylight and energy performance in rooms with daklichten and may specify safety glazing requirements for higher installations. In practice, standards vary by country and region.