If you Googled the term skylight, you’ll like come across roof light and roof window as well. Are they all the same thing? Not necessarily. Although similar, there are some differences worth noting between the terms.

Let’s take a look at what a skylight, roof light and roof window are and how they differ from each other. Once you know what they mean, you can then decide which is best suited for your home.

 

Skylight and Roof Light

First, let’s start with the skylight. A skylight is a window that is installed into the roof of your home. It can be any shape and size, as long as it set into the ceiling (or roof) at the same angle.

The purpose behind the skylight is to allow more natural light into the home. Skylights work best in small rooms, bathrooms, closets, or any other room that requires more light. They also add a unique element to the design of the room by adding a feature to the ceiling.

A roof light, on the other hand, is almost the same thing as a skylight. A roof light is an opening in the roof of your home that is covered by a translucent or transparent material. It serves the same purpose as a skylight – to allow more natural light into the area.

Is there a difference between the two? Not overly, besides the name of them. They both are meant for the same thing and can be made out of the same materials. Basically, you can use skylight and roof light interchangeably and still be talking about the same thing.

Roof Window

What you shouldn’t do, though, is say that a skylight and roof light is the same as a roof window. A roof window has special standards that they must adhere to, like being installed in the same orientation with the surrounding roof. They also need to be weatherproofed through a skirt or flashing.

Unlike skylights and roof lights that can come in different shapes and sizes, roof windows come in standardized shapes and sizes. They also tend to be smaller than skylights and roof lights.

For a roof window to be sold, it must have undergone tests to see how the window withstands to the outdoor elements. It should say how it holds up under heavy rainfall, increased air pressure, and if it can stop against leaks and a draft coming into the home.

Which is Better?

Now that we know that skylights and roof lights are relatively the same, but it is roof windows that differ, which one is better? That answer comes down to what you want the window for and what your house is like.

For pitched roof houses, a roof window works best. If you have a flat roof though, a skylight or window light may be the better option.

Let us help you decide which is the better option for your home, and to ensure you get the best product for you and your family.

How much natural light do you have in your home? If your answer is not a lot, you may want to change that.

There are tons of benefits to having natural light instead of artificial. For one, natural light is an excellent source of Vitamin D which will help boost your moods. Natural light will help to keep you more alert and feeling positive. On top of that, you’ll save money on your power bill. Instead of turning on every light, utilize natural light and save a few bucks each month.

How do you let in as much natural light as possible? There are a few easy ways to do so that you can do yourself.

 

Keep the Blinds Open

Although it’s nice to have the blinds closed for privacy, you’ll block out all the natural light by doing so. Depending on the room, try to keep the blinds open as much as possible. The natural light will brighten up the space, as well as keep the room warm during the cold months.

If you need blinds for privacy, avoid going with heavy fabrics. Go for linen or cotton to keep them light. That way, some natural light can still peak through and not be completely blocked out.

Use Mirrors

If you have a small room and not many windows, an easy trick to get more natural light it to hang mirrors around. Install a mirror opposite a window. One the light shines in, it will reflect off the mirror and disperse throughout the rest of the room. Basically, the more mirrors you have, the more natural light you’ll be able to reflect around the house.

Rearrange the Room

Your furniture can be a culprit of blocking natural light. Unless it’s translucent and plastic, the light won’t be able to go through the furniture. So, rearrange the room as to not block windows too much or glass doors.

Paint With Light Colours

A light colour on the wall will not only help make the room feel bigger, but it will also reflect the natural light more than a dark coloured wall. Try painting the walls with colours like cream, light blues and greys to give the natural light a boost in the house.

Keep Things Clean

If your windows and doors have lots of dirt and smudges on them, those will block the natural light from shining in. Not only that, but the light will actually make them look more obvious.

Have a cleaning routine in which you wipe down all of the windows and glass doors in the house. Keeping them clean will help to let the light shine in without anything blocking it.

Install a Skylight

Although this is something you’ll want to leave to the professionals, a skylight can make a huge difference for letting in natural light. Skylights work great for smaller rooms, closets, bathrooms, or other places that don’t have much space for windows. Skylights also allow light to shine in from a different angle, which increases the amount of natural light you’ll be able to enjoy.

 

Let Aluplex help you install a skylight into your home today to take advantage of all the natural light around.