When it comes to enhancing your home with natural light, two popular options are skylights and roof windows. Both solutions brighten your space and add value to your home, but they serve different purposes and cater to different needs. Whether you’re looking to add more light to a dark room or improve ventilation, this guide will help you determine whether a skylight or roof window is the right choice for your home.
What Are Skylights?
Definition and Purpose
Skylights are windows installed directly into your roof, allowing natural light to flood into a room from above. Their primary function is to increase daylight exposure in spaces that lack sufficient vertical windows or are far from exterior walls. Skylights are typically fixed (non-operable), but many vented options are available that allow airflow in addition to light.
Skylights are ideal for rooms where you want to maximize light without losing privacy or wall space, such as bathrooms, hallways, and even attic spaces.
Types of Skylights:
At our store, we offer a wide variety of skylights to cater to different needs and home designs:
- Flat Roof Skylights: These are designed for modern homes or extensions with flat roofs, offering a sleek, low-profile look. Flat roof skylights are perfect for adding light to spaces like kitchens or dining rooms in homes with contemporary architectural designs.
- Pitched Roof Skylights: These skylights are designed for sloped roofs and can fit seamlessly into traditional homes. They’re often used in spaces like loft conversions or bedrooms where you want both natural light and a stylish feature.
- Electric Opening Skylights: These automated skylights are perfect for homeowners who want easy ventilation without manual effort. These are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or any room where you need more fresh air.
- Round Skylights: Round skylights add a unique design element while maximizing the amount of light entering the room. These are often used in small spaces like closets, hallways, or bathrooms.
- Solar Framed Skylights: An eco-friendly option, solar-powered skylights open and close automatically based on sunlight and temperature, offering energy savings and convenience.
- Triangular Skylights: For homeowners looking for a statement piece, triangular skylights provide a modern, angular aesthetic and work well in rooms where design is as important as function.
- Polycarbonate Dome Skylights: These durable skylights are often used in commercial or industrial settings but are gaining popularity in modern home designs for their excellent light diffusion and durability.
- Custom Skylights: For unique architectural designs, custom skylights can be tailored to your specific space and needs, giving you maximum flexibility.
What Are Roof Windows?
Definition and Purpose
Roof windows are operable windows installed in sloped roofs, providing both natural light and ventilation. Unlike skylights, roof windows can be opened, allowing fresh air to circulate through your space. This makes them ideal for rooms that require ventilation, such as converted lofts, attics, or kitchens.
Roof windows are generally larger than skylights and offer more interaction with the outdoors, giving you the ability to enjoy a view while also improving air quality and comfort in your home.
Types of Roof Windows:
We offer a range of roof windows that cater to different functional needs and architectural styles:
- Walk-On Roof Windows: These innovative windows are designed to be part of rooftop terraces, allowing light to enter the room below while being sturdy enough to walk on. They’re perfect for homes with rooftop spaces where you want both function and style.
- ROTO Windows: German-engineered for superior energy efficiency and durability, ROTO windows offer premium functionality. They’re great for loft conversions or spaces where energy efficiency is a priority.
- Roof Lanterns: Roof lanterns are a larger, dramatic option that adds grandeur and maximum daylight to spaces like extensions, orangeries, and conservatories. Their multi-paned design not only floods the room with light but also enhances the architectural beauty of your home.
Key Differences Between Skylights and Roof Windows
Now that we’ve defined skylights and roof windows, let’s look at the key differences between the two options to help you decide which is right for your home.
Light and Ventilation
- Skylights are primarily designed to bring in more natural light. They are perfect for spaces where light is the main concern, such as hallways, bathrooms, or any room where a traditional vertical window may not be an option. While some skylights are vented, they generally do not offer the same level of ventilation as roof windows.
- Roof Windows provide both light and ventilation. Their ability to open allows for improved airflow, making them ideal for rooms where fresh air is needed, such as kitchens, lofts, or attics. If you’re looking for more than just daylight, a roof window might be the better option for you.
Placement and Roof Type
- Flat Roofs: If you have a flat roof, skylights are typically the preferred option. Products like our Flat Roof Skylights and Roof Lanterns work best on these surfaces and provide excellent light diffusion.
- Pitched Roofs: For homes with sloped roofs, both skylights and roof windows can be installed. Pitched Roof Skylights blend seamlessly into angled roofs, while ROTO Windows and other roof window options provide an excellent balance of light and ventilation in these spaces.
Installation Complexity
- Skylights are generally easier and quicker to install, especially fixed options like Flat Roof Skylights or Round Skylights. These are often less intrusive and require fewer structural modifications.
- Roof Windows are more complex to install, as they typically require additional flashing and proper sealing to prevent leaks. However, they offer the advantage of ventilation and direct outdoor access.
Cost Considerations
- Skylights, especially fixed models, are usually more affordable than roof windows due to their simpler functionality and installation. For example, Polycarbonate Dome Skylights are cost-effective yet durable options for homeowners on a budget.
- Roof windows, particularly larger and more functional models like Walk-On Roof Windows or ROTO Windows, come at a higher price point due to their added benefits of ventilation and design complexity.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Home
Room Type and Purpose
Choosing between roof windows and skylights often comes down to the type of room and its specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of what works best for different rooms:
- Living Rooms and Open Areas: For larger spaces like living rooms, consider Roof Lanterns or large Framed Modular Skylights to create an impressive focal point while flooding the space with natural light. If ventilation is important, opt for Roof Windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Bedrooms: In bedrooms, comfort and light control are key. Electric Opening Skylights with blinds provide the best of both worlds, allowing natural light during the day and privacy at night. For sloped roofs, ROTO Windows offer both light and fresh air, which is especially beneficial in attic conversions or loft bedrooms.
- Bathrooms and Kitchens: Moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens require a balance between light and ventilation. Roof Windows are ideal here because they allow steam to escape, reducing condensation. If you’re focusing purely on bringing in natural light without ventilation, a Fixed Skylight or Polycarbonate Dome Skylight would work well.
- Hallways and Stairwells: These often-dark spaces benefit from smaller Round Skylights or Tubular Skylights that can be installed in tight spaces to bring in light without taking up valuable wall or ceiling space. These skylights work particularly well in narrow or compact areas that don’t require ventilation.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Energy efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when installing roof windows or skylights. Proper placement and product selection can help you reduce energy costs while improving comfort in your home.
- Solar Framed Skylights: These skylights are a fantastic option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy consumption. Solar-powered skylights open and close based on sunlight and temperature, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning.
- Low-E Coating and Glazing Options: Roof windows like ROTO Windows come with advanced glazing options such as Low-E (Low Emissivity) coatings, which improve insulation by blocking UV rays while allowing natural light to enter. This feature can help maintain the room’s temperature, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Insulation and Sealing: Skylights such as Flat Roof Skylights with proper insulation and sealing can prevent heat loss during the colder months and reduce unwanted heat gain in the summer. Look for skylights with high-performance glazing and thermal breaks to enhance energy efficiency.
- Placement: Strategic placement of your roof window or skylight can also impact energy efficiency. For example, skylights facing south can capture more sunlight in colder months, while north-facing skylights provide consistent, indirect light throughout the day without overheating the room. Find out more about the British Building Regulations for Skylights here.
Skylight and Roof Window Accessories
Choosing the right accessories can enhance the functionality and comfort of your skylight or roof window installation.
Skylight Blinds
Skylight blinds are essential for controlling light and temperature. Depending on your room’s needs, you can choose between different types of blinds:
- Blackout Blinds: Perfect for bedrooms or media rooms where complete darkness is necessary. Pair these with Electric Opening Skylights to create a customizable environment that adjusts with the touch of a button.
- Light-Filtering Blinds: Ideal for living rooms or kitchens where you want to diffuse light without completely blocking it. These blinds provide privacy while still allowing natural light to flow through.
Skylight Upstands
Skylight Upstands are frames that raise the skylight above the roof level, improving insulation and protecting against water pooling around the installation. They are especially useful in flat roof installations where water drainage is a concern. Proper upstands ensure a long-lasting, leak-free installation.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Proper installation and regular maintenance are critical to ensuring your skylights and roof windows function optimally and remain energy-efficient over the years. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) provides details about window and skylight performance standards.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
While some skylights, like Fixed Skylights or Tubular Skylights, can be installed as DIY projects, roof windows and larger or more complex skylights typically require professional installation.
- Professional Installation: Roof windows, particularly products like Walk-On Roof Windows or Roof Lanterns, need specialized skills and tools to ensure they are correctly integrated into the roof without leaks or structural issues. A professional installer will also ensure proper flashing and sealing around the installation to prevent water ingress.
- DIY Skylights: If you’re an experienced DIYer, some simpler installations, such as Round Skylights or smaller Fixed Skylights, can be tackled with the right tools. However, always follow manufacturer instructions and make sure your roof is compatible with the chosen product.
Maintenance Tips
To ensure your skylights and roof windows perform well over time, regular maintenance is essential. Here are a few key tips:
- Clean the Glass: Dirt, debris, and buildup on skylights can reduce their effectiveness in bringing in natural light. Clean the exterior glass with mild soap and water, especially after stormy seasons.
- Inspect Seals and Flashing: Regularly check the seals and flashing around your skylight or roof window for signs of wear or damage. Re-seal any gaps or cracks to prevent leaks.
- Lubricate Hinges: For operable skylights and roof windows, such as Electric Opening Skylights or ROTO Windows, lubricate the hinges and moving parts to keep them functioning smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Both skylights and roof windows offer unique advantages, but the right choice depends on your specific home design, room requirements, and budget. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Choose Skylights if your main goal is to increase natural light in areas like hallways, bathrooms, or other spaces that don’t require ventilation. Skylights such as Flat Roof Skylights, Round Skylights, or Polycarbonate Dome Skylights can transform these spaces with minimal installation requirements.
- Choose Roof Windows if you need both light and ventilation, especially in rooms like attics, kitchens, or lofts. Products like ROTO Windows offer the added benefit of airflow, making your space more comfortable and functional.
Regardless of your choice, be sure to explore our wide selection of Skylights, Roof Windows, and accessories like Skylight Blinds and Insulated Upstands to find the perfect solution for your home. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with personalized recommendations and installation guidance.
Find the Perfect Skylight for Your Home Today
Explore Our Collection of Skylights and Roof Windows: Visit our e-commerce site to browse our full range of skylight and roof window options, or contact us for personalized advice on finding the perfect solution for your home’s needs.