Roof Window vs. Skylight Windows: What’s the Difference?

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September 17, 2021

If you’re looking into skylight windows or roof windows for your home, you may be wondering the difference between the two. Marco Skylights offers various types of roof skylights for your home at the highest quality, so you can be sure that you’re getting the perfect fit. Before purchasing a skylight or roof window for your roof, you need to know the types of products that you are looking at. Here are some key similarities and differences between roof windows and skylights that will help you determine which is best for you and that you should know before making a purchase.

What Makes Skylights and Roof Windows Different?

Despite sharing many traits, skylights and roof windows do have some key differences. Though both serve the purpose of letting light into a room, there is a difference in the installation process.

Whereas a window skylight can be mounted to a curb, roof windows need to be installed in the same orientation and plane as the surrounding roof at a minimum of 15 degrees pitch. Roof windows can also open to allow for air flow into the room and access to the roof. Before sale, manufacturers must CE mark roof windows, meaning that the window needs to have a declaration of performance for customers that outlines how the unit performs under rigorous conditions.

Skylights typically do not open, though some specific types that will be covered in this article do open. However, if one of your goals is to be able to do roof work, a roof window is ideal for better access.

What Are the Similarities Between Skylights and Roof Windows?

Both skylights and roof windows have the purpose of letting natural light into the room. They can help you save on energy costs, and sometimes come in similar shapes and sizes. Though they share the same purpose, they cannot be considered the same.

When to Use a Window Roof

A window in the roof is perfect when you need to access the roof. In this situation, a roof window is preferable over a skylight. Though both skylights and roof windows offer light, a roof window is ideal if you want to increase the air flow into your room. Roof windows can easily allow for more ventilation, whereas skylights cannot do this. Roof windows may be larger than skylights, so if you’re looking to have more light entering the room, a roof window is perfect. The primary purpose of roof windows, aside from letting in sun and light, is to insulate from noise pollution.

When to Use a Skylight for a Roof

Roof skylights offer more versatility in terms of shapes and types than roof windows do. If air flow and accessing the roof is not a primary concern, you may consider installing a skylight over a roof window. Skylight windows come in shapes and types such as:

The various options offered by skylights makes it a very popular choice among customers.

Types of Skylight and Roof Window Types

There are different types of skylights and roof windows that you should consider before installing. Aside from the obvious shape differences between skylights, there are other factors that you should be aware of before choosing a skylight.

Fixed-Unit Skylight

Fixed-unit skylights do not offer ventilation, differentiating themselves from roof windows. These skylights are made of glazed glass or plastic.

Open Skylight

Open skylights are structural frames without glass or plastic but with a single hole that allows for air ventilation.

Operable Skylight or Roof Window

Operable skylights are another term for roof windows. These windows can be opened and closed like a typical window could be, allowing for ventilation.

Retractable Skylight

Retractable skylights open by using a remote control that rolls on or off of a track. Glass can go all the way off of the frame for a full opening, unlike other types of skylights.

Tubular Skylight

The tubular skylight is designed to capture sunlight and block harmful UV rays. It brings natural light indoors without the dangers of harming your skin. It also reduces energy costs.

Roof Window Installation

Roof windows and skylights are installed in similar ways. When installing, you need to consider the sun’s path so you know whether or not you will get direct sunlight. To begin the installation process, you need to cut the frame and opening of the window in the roof. After this, you must attach the skylight to the cut out area. Next, put in the underlayment and install the bottom and step flashing. Finally, install the solid flashing pieces. Though it is possible to do this installation on your own, it is recommended that a professional helps you.

Remember that before going ahead and installing a skylight or roof window, you need to know the differences between the two. Once you’ve made a decision on which is better suited for your needs, look to Marco Skylights to find the best fit for you. Marco Skylights offers a wide variety of options, ensuring that you will find the perfect skylight or window that you are looking for.