Windows play a vital role in residential and commercial buildings, allowing natural light to flood in and connecting the indoors and outdoors.
Among the various types of windows available, roof and Skylight windows are particularly noteworthy for their ability to bring abundant natural light into the upper levels of a structure.
At JJ Roofing, a trusted provider of top-quality windows, understanding the difference between pitched roof windows and skylight windows is essential to making an informed choice for your space.
This blog will explore the key differences between a pitched roof window and skylight windows and delve into each type's unique features and benefits. By understanding the characteristics, installation considerations, and design options of roof and skylight windows, you will be better equipped to make an educated decision for your building project or renovation.
What is a Pitched Roof Window?
Roof windows can be used singly or as part of a set to create a full display on a pitched roof and are available in a host of opening styles. Most can be opened, though non-opening roof windows are also available for rooms where ventilation isn't a key consideration.
One of the most popular roof windows is those that open with a centre pivot, so the top half swings inward while the bottom half swings outward.
These are ideal when the furniture needs to be placed beneath the window and doesn't allow too much access for children to climb out.
Top-hung windows are hinged at the top, so the entire window swings open from the bottom, usually with a handle on the bottom side. They are ideal for getting a clear view from the roof without glazing.
The next level after these is the balcony-style roof windows that allow complete access to a balcony area outside the roof or partial access with a top opening half of the window and a stationary lower half.
Types of Pitched Roof Windows
When it comes to roof windows, several types are available, each with unique features and benefits. However, here are some common types of roof windows:
Fixed Roof Windows: Fixed roof windows are stationary windows that do not open or provide ventilation. They are designed primarily to allow natural light to enter a space and offer unobstructed sky views.
Vented Roof Windows: Vented roof windows, also known as pivot or top-hung windows, can be opened at an angle from the top. This design allows for ventilation and helps to remove excess heat, moisture, and odours from a room.
Electric Roof Windows: Electric roof windows are operated using a motor or remote control system. They offer the convenience of opening and closing the windows with just a touch of a button. Electric roof windows are especially beneficial for windows out of reach or on high ceilings.
Solar-Powered Roof Windows: Solar-powered roof windows harness energy from the sun to operate the window functions, such as opening, closing, and adjusting blinds. They are an eco-friendly option that reduces the reliance on electrical power.
What is a Skylight?
A skylight is a window or opening in a roof or ceiling that allows natural light to enter a building from above.
It is designed to bring in daylight and provide illumination to interior spaces that may not have direct access to windows or receive sufficient natural light.
Skylights are typically made of transparent or translucent materials, allowing light to pass through while maintaining a barrier against the elements. They are often installed on flat roofs or low-pitched roofs.
Types of Skylights
Domed Skylights: Domed skylights feature a curved, dome-shaped design that helps to distribute natural light evenly throughout a space.
The curved shape enhances the structural strength of the Skylight, making it resistant to harsh weather conditions such as wind, snow, and hail.
Domed skylights are often made of acrylic or polycarbonate, which offer durability and UV protection.
Vented Skylights: Vented skylights, also known as operable skylights, are designed to provide natural light and ventilation.
These skylights can be manually or electronically opened to allow fresh air to circulate into the space. Vented skylights are particularly beneficial in areas where additional airflow is desired, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or living spaces.
Electric Skylights: Electric skylights are operated using an electric motor or remote control system.
They offer the convenience of easy operation, allowing you to open and close the Skylight with the touch of a button. Electric skylights often have sensors that automatically close the Skylight in rain or inclement weather.
Pitched Roof window vs Skylight
Roof windows and skylights are both types of windows installed on the roof of a building, but they differ in their purpose, installation location, and impact on the interior space. Here are the critical differences between roof windows and skylights:
Loft use
The ultimate decision between a roof light and a skylight may be independent of what you like or look good, but rather what the room will be used for. For example, if the loft space will be used for storage and only visited occasionally, then skylights or non-opening roof windows are usually the best options.
However, if you plan to use the loft conversion as a normal part of the house, say a bedroom or home office, then under fire safety regulations, an escape window will need to be in place. This means a roof window must be at least 450mm high and wide and no more than 1.1 metres above the floor. Non-opening roof windows are typically not permitted for such use.
Installation Location
Roof windows are typically installed on the plane of the roof parallel to the slope. They are integrated into the roof structure and often require additional considerations for waterproofing and insulation. Skylights, however, are installed on the ceiling or directly above it, typically on a flat or low-pitched roof. They may require a curb or well to be built to accommodate the Skylight.
Impact on Interior Design
Roof windows can provide natural light and a view of the surrounding sky and landscape. They are often larger and may have a more prominent impact on the interior design. On the other hand, skylights focus primarily on introducing natural light from above, creating an open and bright atmosphere. They are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing creative design possibilities.
External appearance
Both roof windows and skylights come in frameless varieties, so when viewed from inside the building, all that is visible is glass. But from the outside, roof windows and skylights appear entirely different. Roof windows provide aesthetically pleasing, clean lines that skylights sometimes struggle to match because they are designed to rest flush with the plane of the roof.
Range of windows
Roof windows are a go-to choice for many home builders and owners looking to create low-, high-value designs. With standard sizes and specifications often available 'off the shelf', roof windows offer reliable solutions that can meet most of your glazing needs - with some limitations regarding larger sections or scale.
Skylights typically come in various forms, sizes, features, and functions. Due to their bespoke nature, they are generally more expensive than roof windows, and since they are typically manufactured to order, there will be a lead time of several weeks.
Do I need permission to install a skylight?
In most cases, fitting skylights or roof windows will only require building control after the work is done. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and if in doubt, check with the local authorities or online before beginning the work. The exceptions include the following:
- If the window protrudes more than 150mm from the plane of the roof slope
- If the window is higher than the highest part of the roof
- If you live in a designated location such as a conservation area or national park, or if the house is listed
In addition, the stipulation is that if the window is on a side elevation roof slope, it must have either obscure-glazed glass in it or be non-opening pitched roof windows or be more than 1.7 metres above the floor level in the room. So consider the above if you opt for opening or non-opening roof windows.
Conclusion
Whether a skylight or a roof window, either opening or non-opening, is the right choice for your space, the quality of today's products often means the homeowner can fit them quickly. The house's loft will be bathed in natural sunlight and warmth, regardless of whether you opt for a skylight or open or non-opening roof windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are skylights cheaper than pitched roof windows?
Skylights may not be the most economical choice for a window specialist's budget. They require unique materials and intricate installation, resulting in a higher cost to purchase and install than regular roof windows.
How much does a roof window cost in the UK?
Top-hung and centre-pivot roof windows are common alternatives, and their prices typically range from £80 to over £1000, depending on size, glazing choices, and frame materials. Additionally, you might pay extra for added options like electric windows. Browse our range of roof windows uk to find the perfect fit for your home.
Can skylights and roof windows be installed on any roof?
Skylights and roof windows can be installed on various roofs, including sloped tops, flat roofs, and low-pitched roofs. However, compatibility and installation requirements may vary depending on the product and roof structure.
Do skylights and roof windows require maintenance?
Like any window, skylights and roof windows require regular maintenance to keep them clean, ensure proper operation, and prevent potential issues. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines for specific maintenance recommendations.
