Architectural detail: Skylight problems

[Cloud Studios via desire to inspire]

Thinking about yesterday's post about the lovely sound of rain on the skylight, I felt that I should point out the disadvantages of skylights too.

• The only skylight in our house is in the master bath, so we have to keep the door closed if we want to sleep in (especially now; during summer).  It's not a big deal; just a little inconvenient. 
• Since the light is shining all the time, I have to be sure to keep my perfume, cosmetics and everything hidden, since sunlight degrades all of it.
• Along the same lines, we have a Britta pitcher in the bathroom that is always growing algae since the sun is always on it.
• During winter, condensation will collect on the skylight and drip.  It's mostly an insulation problem that has gotten worse with age.
• Lastly, and most seriously, skylights are always prone to leak.  Skylights are installed with flashing, but it's easy for pieces to shift with age and then it leaks.  Which is exactly what has happened to us.