If you're searching for a way to open up your home to more natural light there's a pretty good chance you've encountered the terms "skylight" and "rooflight" quite a bit. And, if you're like most people, you probably have questions about the two and whether they are the same thing. In this brief guide, the experts at Skylights Rooflight will clarify the difference between the two so you can make an informed decision about which is best for your home.

What is a Rooflight?

"Rooflight" is often used as a catch-all term to define any window installed on a roof. But that's not an accurate description. More specifically a rooflight is a type of roof window that's bonded into a frame and is primarily designed for flat or low-pitched roofs.

What is a Skylight?

Whereas a rooflight is designed for flat or nearly flat roofs the skylight is designed primarily for pitched roofs. Most skylights are rectangular in shape and do not usually rise above the established roof line. Some skylights will open to optimise ventilation and the opening mechanism may be manual or motorised.

Benefits of the Rooflight

Rooflights are often quite large and are used to flood the area underneath with as much natural light as possible. They are usually quite visible from the street and add an air of sophistication to a home. The fact that they allow so much natural light in also means you'll likely enjoy a significant break on your energy bill.

Benefits of Skylights

Skylights bring light into places that typically do not have enough flat wall area for standard windows. This is one reason they are such a popular choice for loft conversions where the roof may be pitched from floor to ceiling. Because skylights often open they can greatly enhance the ventilation in a home, which enables the homeowner to enjoy a break on the cost of air conditioning in the summer. Like rooflights, skylights will also result in a significant boost in kerb appeal for your home.

Contact Skylights Rooflight

The differences between rooflights and skylights mostly have to do with their physical size and whether they are designed to be installed on flat or pitched roofs. Simply put, if you want a roof window for a flat portion of your roof, choose a rooflight. If you want a roof window for a pitched area of your roof choose a skylight. To learn more call Skylights Rooflight today on 02036332196.