Roof Light Windows: Choosing the Perfect Fit

Choosing the perfect roof light window can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available.

A roof light window can be installed in any room, but it's most effective in spaces that need more natural light, such as hallways, staircases, and bathrooms.

The size of the roof light window will depend on the amount of natural light you want to let in and the size of the room.

A larger roof light window can make a room feel more spacious, but it may also let in more heat and cold, which can be a concern in certain climates.

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The Loft Shop supplies a wide range of roof window options, including fixed roof windows, which are the most advanced and maintenance-free method of introducing daylight into lofts, roof spaces, and flat roofs.

You can choose from various brands like Velux, Fakro, and Keylite, each offering unique features and benefits. For example, Velux Integra is an electrically operated option, while Fakro roof windows provide unrivalled speed of installation and highly competitive pricing.

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Some roof windows, like Luctis, are available in 5 sizes in centre pivot and come with FREE next day delivery to trade customers. Others, like Optilight, offer a 24mm glazed unit with a toughened outer pane and high quality timber to make up the window frame, providing optimum light into your loft at a very competitive and low cost.

Roof light windows come in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Large roof windows, for example, provide the most advanced and maintenance-free method of introducing daylight into lofts, roof spaces, and flat roofs.

Skylights are windows installed in flat roofs, originating from ancient Rome and popularized in modern times. They offer a beautiful view of the daytime sky and the stars at nighttime, while also providing natural light and a sense of nature.

Roof windows, on the other hand, are covered under BS EN 14351-1:2010, which stipulates that they must be installed in the same orientation and 'in plane' with the surrounding roof. They are generally only available in standardised, smaller sizes compared to rooflights.

You can choose between fixed or open skylights and rooflights. Fixed skylights are great for extra daylight, while open or vented skylights and rooflights provide more benefits, including ventilation for better airflow and temperature control.

Here are some popular types of roof light windows:

It's worth noting that the term 'skylight' is often used generically, but can actually refer to different products with varying scales, functions, and applications. Rooflights, on the other hand, are typically installed on flat roofs, while roof windows are installed on pitched roofs.

Lanterns are a type of roof light that can add height to a room and flood it with natural daylight.

They're commonly used on flat roofs and can be designed to look like the roof of a conservatory.

Roof lanterns were actually first used by the Victorians, and you can still find them in older properties.

In a kitchen, a roof lantern is a great way to bring in more natural light and make the space feel brighter.

If you're adding a roof lantern to an existing flat roof, you'll need to check if you need planning permission due to its height.

A roof lantern must not be any higher than the highest point of the house, and if it protrudes more than 150mm from the existing roof plane, it'll need to be checked.

Choosing the right window for your roof light can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Solar control low-E glass can help regulate heat and reduce glare, but it's more expensive and may block some natural light.

Consider the durability of the glass, tempered glass is stronger than regular glass due to a heating and cooling process. Glass is more expensive than plastic, but much more durable.

Think about how your rooflight will open, a fixed option, vented skylight or egress skylight are all good choices, but make sure you can easily clean it.

The Loft Shop offers a wide range of roof windows that can bring in a huge amount of light into lofts and loft spaces.

Their selection includes fixed roof windows, which are ideal for conservation projects and flat roofs, and can be manufactured in ISO 9002 quality certified factories.

You can choose from a variety of options, including the Luctis roof windows, which are available in 5 sizes in centre pivot and come with FREE next day delivery to trade customers.

The Loft Shop also stocks the NEW Futuretherm Keylite fixed roof windows, which have an innovative design and insulation, and are available at highly competitive prices.

Fakro roof windows are another option, providing unrivalled speed of installation, highly competitive pricing, and guaranteed stock availability.

The Optilight roof window is a low-cost option that provides optimum light into your loft, comprising a 24mm glazed unit with a toughened outer pane and high-quality timber to make up the window frame.

The Loft Shop's roof windows are designed to be maintenance-free and provide the most advanced method of introducing daylight into lofts, roof spaces, and flat roofs.

You'll need to consider whether you have a flat roof or a pitched roof when deciding on the type of window to install.

For flat roofs, you have options like roof domes, sun tunnels, and skylights, which can provide excellent natural lighting and save on energy bills.

Skylights are perfect for properties with flat roofs that don't get much natural light from standard windows.

The term 'skylight' can be misleading, as it can refer to a variety of products, from small domestic units to larger bespoke units.

In some cases, the term 'skylight' is actually inaccurate according to Building Regulations.

Rooflights are commonly installed on flat roofs using an upstand or kerb system to support the product and ensure it remains watertight.

Roof windows, on the other hand, must be installed in the same orientation as the surrounding roof, typically at a minimum 15-degree pitch.

Roof windows are only available in standardised, smaller sizes compared to rooflights.

To ensure you're getting a high-quality roof window, look for one that's CE marked and comes with a declaration of performance (DOP) from the manufacturer.

If you're considering installing a skylight or a regular window, it's essential to understand the differences between the two. Skylights are windows installed in flat roofs, and they originated in ancient Rome.

Skylights have many unique benefits, including providing a beautiful view of the daytime sky and the stars at nighttime. They also allow you to have privacy while letting natural light in, which is especially beneficial in urban environments.

However, if you're lucky enough to have a pitched roof, you might not need a skylight. Pitched roof windows are practical and can be a good option for many homeowners.

Consider the type of glass you want for your skylight or window. Glass is more durable than plastic, but it's also more expensive. You can choose from different types of glass, such as tempered glass, which is stronger than regular glass, or laminated glass, which has a layer of plastic sandwiched between two panes of glass.

Solar control low-E glass can help with heat regulation, reducing glare and protecting from UV rays. However, this type of glass is more expensive than regular glass and can reduce the amount of natural light coming in.

Here's a quick comparison of skylights, rooflights, and roof windows:

When choosing between a skylight, rooflight, or roof window, consider how you will get to it to clean it. You can opt for self-cleaning glass, which is treated in a way that means the water dries quickly on it without streaking.

Roof windows are a popular choice for many builders, but they come with some limitations. They offer value for money and are available in standardised sizes and specifications.

Roof windows can be a bit inflexible when it comes to scale, particularly for larger sections of glazing. They usually have visible framework internally, which can add visual clutter to the view through the glass.

However, externally, roof windows are designed to sit flush with the roof plane, offering clean lines that can be aesthetically pleasing. This can be a big advantage over rooflights, which can struggle to match this look.

Rooflights, on the other hand, offer a much wider range of shapes, sizes, and specifications. They can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as retractable glass or safe access to terraces.

But, rooflights are often bespoke, which means they can have a lead time of several weeks and are usually more expensive than roof windows.