Fixed vs Opening Rooflights – What’s Best for Your Loft Conversion?
Are you planning to add roof lights to your loft conversion? Thousands of UK homeowners enhance their homes each year with roof windows to bring in more daylight. One common decision stands out: Should you choose fixed or opening roof lights?
This complete guide explains the pros and cons of each type, helps you make the right choice for your space, and answers today's most relevant questions — using expert insights, product comparisons, and practical tips.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Choose fixed rooflights for their sleek appearance, security, and low maintenance.
Opt for opening rooflights if you want ventilation, cooling, and fire escape features.
Your decision should be based on how you'll use the room, the roof's pitch, and your ventilation needs.
See detailed comparisons on cost, performance, and design below.
What's the Difference Between Fixed and Opening Rooflights?
Both fixed and opening rooflights allow daylight into your home, but their functions and benefits differ significantly:
| Feature | Fixed Rooflight | Opening Rooflight |
|---|---|---|
| Does it open for airflow? | No | Yes (manual or electric) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (due to hardware) |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Hinges/seals require occasional checks |
| Security | Very secure | Needs strong locks |
| Cleaning | May require external access | Some models pivot for internal cleaning |
| Use Case | Suited for natural light only | Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms |
| Compliance | May require separate ventilation | Helps meet Building Regs Part F |
| Fire Egress | No | Yes, if sized properly |
| Operation | Static | Manual crank, electric, or solar-powered |
When Should You Choose a Fixed Rooflight?
Best for:
Hallways, stairwells, and utility rooms.
Flat-roof extensions with other ventilation solutions.
Homeowners who prioritise design simplicity and value.
Pros:
Provides a sleek, minimal look, especially with frameless options.
Reduces mechanical failure risk due to fewer parts.
Keeps installation and long-term maintenance costs low.
Considerations:
Fails to support airflow or passive cooling.
Doesn't meet ventilation requirements in habitable rooms.
“Designers often use fixed skylights to create visual impact with little upkeep. They maximise light while maintaining a clean ceiling profile.”
— Tara Knight, Interior Designer, Houzz UK
Tip: Frameless fixed rooflights from Regal Glass Group offer a stunning all-glass design with uninterrupted views. Their minimal frames suit modern flat-roof projects and create a luxurious, contemporary finish.
When Should You Choose an Opening Rooflight?
Best for:
Kitchens and bathrooms that generate heat or moisture.
Bedrooms or lofts that require fresh air.
Any room that must meet the building regulation ventilation standards.
Pros:
Improves air quality and limits condensation.
Operates manually, remotely, or via solar controls.
It can function as a fire escape window when sized correctly.
Considerations:
Costs more and involves more upkeep.
Requires strategic positioning for accessibility.
Needs wiring or battery setup for electric models.
“Opening rooflights do more than let in light — they ventilate, comply with regs, and improve everyday comfort in liveable loft spaces.”
— Steve Green, Loft Conversion Specialist
Common Questions UK Homeowners Ask
They can, depending on glass type and roof orientation. Opt for solar-control glazing to reduce heat buildup.
Yes, especially in rooms where ventilation improves comfort and meets Building Regulations.
Opening models provide easy access and adequate airflow — ideal for high or sloped ceilings.
You can, but expect additional structural work and electrical upgrades. It’s often easier to plan for an opening model from the start.
Cost Comparison: Fixed vs Opening Rooflights
Here's a price overview based on UK averages:
| Rooflight Type | Product Cost | Installation Estimate | Total (incl. VAT) |
| Fixed | £350–£600 | £800–£1,000 | ~£1,150–£1,600 |
| Opening (manual) | £500–£800 | £1,000–£1,200 | ~£1,500–£2,000 |
| Opening (electric) | £800–£1,200+ | £1,200–£1,500 | ~£2,000–£3,000+ |
Note: Costs vary depending on brand, region, and structural requirements.
Quick Tip: Install roof lights while undertaking other work, like re-roofing or an extension, to reduce access and labour costs.
Real Use Case Examples
Sarah's Loft in Reading
Sarah added two opening rooflights to her bedroom and a fixed model in the hall. She noticed an immediate improvement in air circulation and wouldn't choose a fixed option again in a habitable space.
Jack's Kitchen Extension in Bristol
Jack selected the frameless fixed roof lights from Regal Glass Group for his new kitchen. The all-glass panels deliver impressive aesthetics and flood the room with daylight. He installed extractor fans to handle ventilation.
“We installed Regal Glass Group's frameless fixed rooflight. Its seamless glass edge added real polish to our extension.”
Energy Efficiency & Insulation
Modern rooflights offer excellent insulation and energy savings when you choose high-spec glazing:
Double or triple-glazed panels
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings
Argon gas fills
Thermally broken frames
U-Value Comparison
| Glazing Type | U-Value (Lower = Better) |
| Double glazed | ~1.2–1.6 W/m²K |
| Triple glazed | ~0.8–1.1 W/m²K |
Note: All new rooflights must meet Part L energy performance regulations.
Security & Safety
| Feature | Fixed | Opening |
| Lockable | Not needed | Yes (secure locking available) |
| Break-in risk | Extremely low | Low (with proper lock) |
| Escape route | No | Yes (if Building Regs compliant) |
Building Requirement: Opening roof lights used for emergency egress must measure at least 0.33m², have a clear height and width of 450mm, and be within 1.1m of the floor.
Planning & Building Regs
Avoid planning applications when rooflights remain under 150mm above the roofline (Permitted Development).
Notify Building Control if altering the roof structure or converting a loft into a habitable space.
Use upstands of at least 150mm for flat roofs and meet all insulation requirements.
Expert Reviews & Testimonials
“VELUX INTEGRA opening models offer intelligent automation with sensors and remote control — perfect for hard-to-reach loft windows.”
— Mark Bennet, SmartHome Builder UK
“Fakro and Keylite both offer solid products, but I find Fakro’s opening mechanisms slightly smoother and quieter.”
— Laura Hill, Architect
“Replacing our ageing skylight with a triple-glazed fixed model cut our winter heat loss noticeably.”
— Claire, Manchester homeowner
“The frameless skylight from Regal Glass Group transformed our flat roof project. It looks like a window into the sky.”
— Daniel & Louise, West London
Trusted Sources & References
Final Takeaways
Choose fixed rooflights for simplicity, minimal design, and secure lighting.
Choose opening rooflights when ventilation and compliance matter.
Let your room's use, airflow needs, and layout guide your decision.
Explore the Regal Glass Group range for elegant frameless designs.
Need help planning? Get a free quote or browse product options.
