Roof Windows vs. Skylights: The Pros and Cons Explained

One thing that both roof windows and skylights have in common is their excellent ability to introduce a greater element of natural light into your home. They are also a brilliant design option for making the most of limited space and transforming the look and feel of a room at the same time.

There is sometimes an element of confusion as to when you should choose to install custom skylights and when roof windows might be the better option. To help you decide, here’s a look at the key differences between roof windows and skylights, plus a rundown of their main pros and cons.

The case for fitting skylights

Let’s start by looking at some of the main advantages attached to choosing skylights.

There’s a compelling case in favor of custom skylights when you consider how they can be made in any shape or size. That means they will give the freedom to choose an option that is the right architectural look and feel for your room.

It is also worth emphasizing how much more natural light you can enjoy with skylight windows. The fact that they are larger and better placed to capture as much natural light as possible helps ensure that it delivers as much natural lighting as possible.

Another positive point is that skylights tend to be more energy efficient than other window options. They help keep your home cooler during the summer months and warmer in winter, all thanks to their natural insulation properties.

The fundamental difference between a skylight and a roof window is that skylights are fixed shut and you can’t open them, whereas you can open a roof window. Having said that, you can get vented skylights which can be opened to deliver airflow into the room.

All about roof windows

You will only be able to use roof windows when your roof has a minimum fifteen degree pitch. However, a good number of homes meet that criteria so it should not be an issue for most homeowners.

Roof windows are great for providing ventilation in a room as you can open them right up to a 90-degree angle. They also have the ability to deliver an impressive amount of natural light, and can be adjusted so that you have an element of control over how direct sunlight comes into your room.

You can get roof windows with either a single or double pane of glass. The single pane provides a clearer view of the outside, whereas a double pane helps increase insulation levels. A notable downside attached to choosing roof windows is that you are more restricted with regard to specifications and building regulations compared to skylights.

Skylights tend to be the more versatile option and are more adaptable to different conditions, such as delivering light in more challenging environments, such as a condensed neighborhood setting.

Between the two options, you will find that there will be a solution that is just perfect for your home. Talk to a skylight installer and they will be able to guide you through your best options.