Why Skylights Are Perfect for Philadelphia Rowhomes

Wiki Article

The Rowhome Solution: Why Skylights are Essential in Philly

Philadelphia skylights and rowhomes are a match made in architectural heaven. The classic Philadelphia rowhome—narrow, deep, and attached on both sides—is charming but presents a specific challenge: the lack of natural light in the center of the house.

Solving the "Middle Room" Problem

In a typical rowhome layout, there are windows at the front (living room) and the back (kitchen/yard), but the dining room or middle hallway is often a "dead zone" for light.

• The Skylight Fix: Installing a skylight above the stairwell or the central room floods the core of the house with daylight. Because light from above is three times brighter than light from a vertical window, even a small skylight can illuminate the entire ground floor if the stairwell is open.

Improving Ventilation in Tight Spaces

Rowhomes can suffer from poor air circulation because there are no side windows to create a cross-breeze.

• The Chimney Effect: A vented skylight at the top of the stairs acts as a thermal chimney. When opened, it lets the hot, stale air that accumulates on the second or third floor escape. This creates negative pressure that pulls fresh air in from the front door or back windows, naturally cooling the entire house.

Privacy in Dense Neighborhoods

In neighborhoods like Fishtown, Point Breeze, or Francisville, houses are packed tightly together.

• The Issue: Adding a window often means staring directly into your neighbor's wall—or worse, their window.
• The Solution: Skylights provide a view of the sky and clouds, offering total privacy. You can flood your bathroom or bedroom with light without worrying about who is looking in.

Preserving Historic Facades

Many Philadelphia rowhomes have protected historic facades. The Philadelphia Historical Commission restricts changes to the front of the house.

• The Workaround: Skylights are typically installed on the flat roof or the rear slope, making them invisible from the street. This allows owners to modernize their interiors and get the light they crave without violating historic preservation codes.

Case Example: A South Philly Kitchen

Consider a typical South Philly extension. The kitchen is often in the rear, sometimes shadowed by the neighbor's extension. A tubular skylight or a flat glass roof window can transform this space from a gloomy cooking area into a bright, cheerful culinary hub.

Conclusion

For Philadelphia’s rowhome owners, skylights are not just a luxury; they are a practical necessity for solving the unique lighting and ventilation challenges of city living.