Key differences of roof windows, rooflight and skylights 

Your choice of windows can completely change the aesthetic and atmosphere of your loft conversion, and subsequently how you feel in it.

With different styles to choose from, you will be able to get an idea of how your windows will look from different brochures and plans that your builder and architect will give you, but it can all get a bit confusing, and it’s not just about looks. There are different practical aspects to get to know before you make that investment, so what’s the difference between roof windows, rooflights and skylights?  

Roof windows 

While roof windows and skylights may look similar, the roof window tends to be bigger, with the option to be open or closed, while skylights are fixed. 

There are some regulations and standards that need to be adhered to, when installing a roof window. You won’t need to worry about these, as your builder/installer should take care of everything, but it’s worth knowing. These standards include how the roof window aligns with the roof plane and the roof pitch, and how they are weatherproofed, to ensure they are safe to use.  They’ll also undergo some tests to check that they can withstand extremes in weather and check that they aren’t going to trap moisture. 

Rooflights

It may sometimes feel like you’re hearing interchangeable terms, but there are instances where rooflight can have different meanings, depending on where they are installed. They look a bit different in that they are available frameless and can sit flush to the roof – so they won’t protrude from the roof’s height. While it’s possible to fit rooflights on either flat or pitched roofs, they are a great option not only for a window, but if roof terrace access is needed. They also come as hinged, sliding and box rooflights. 

In terms of installation requirements, many weatherproofing system manufacturers require rooflights to be installed at a certain height for warranties to be upheld. Upstands and kerb systems help to weatherproof the area of a rooflight, and this will mean that these windows are raised from your roof tiles.

Skylights 

The main difference between skylights and roof lights are that that skylights will sit flush on a pitched roof and cannot be opened – they are fixed panes of glass designed to add natural light rather than ventilation. 

The other difference is Americans. Like we have bins and they have trash cans, we have lifts and they have elevators, Americans tend to prefer the term rooflight for skylight. 

If you would like to talk through your loft conversion and ensure that it has the right windows for you, please get in touch.