Which statement describes a disadvantage of skylights for daylighting?

• A. Abundant natural light and aesthetics
• B. Potential heat gain/loss, glare, and moisture concerns
• C. Eliminates the need for artificial lighting
• D. Requires no maintenance

Answer: (B)

Skylights for daylighting bring in a lot of natural light and can enhance the look and feel of a space, but they also introduce challenges that can affect comfort and energy performance. The statement that describes a disadvantage points to three common issues: heat transfer, glare, and moisture. In hot weather, skylights can cause unwanted heat gain, increasing cooling loads; in cold weather they can contribute to heat loss if not well insulated. Direct sun through a skylight can create glare and uncomfortable hot spots, making it hard to see or work without shading or controls. Moisture concerns come from the potential for water leaks around the skylight flashing and seals, which can lead to dampness and mold if not properly designed and maintained. These drawbacks require thoughtful design choices—like higher-performance glazing, shading devices, and careful flashing and sealing—to offset the daylighting benefits. The other statements describe benefits (like abundant light and aesthetics), the possibility of reducing or nearly eliminating artificial lighting, or maintenance that’s not accurate, so they don’t reflect the disadvantages of skylights.