Skylights vs Roof Windows vs Attic Window – they seem to be different things… right?
It can be tricky to wrap your head around the different types of product names (or categories) especially when different businesses, suppliers or brands might call them different things.
Here at Roof Space Renovators, we use the term skylight and roof window interchangeably. But as you’ll read in this blog, there is a subtle difference.
We’ll also delve more into window skylights and attic windows – the benefits and why you’ll want to consider one for your attic!
The difference between Skylights vs Roof Windows
Here at Roof Space Renovators, we find the simplest way to explain the difference between the two is this…
A roof window is a type of skylight.
A roof window has out of reach applications and can be non-opening or opening (opened via an extendable pole, or electrically). They are also often called glass skylights or sky windows.
When looking at the broader Skylight product category, these tend to represent products such as tube light skylights, sun tunnels, domes, etc.
Each skylight type has a purpose related to placement (ie. Whether it’s best suited in a hallway, toilet, kitchen, or bathroom) and budget.
The way light and heat are dispersed in your home is also determined by the material used (Opal – also known as a diffuser; glass or acrylic materials are usually used) as well as the shape of your skylight.
Attic windows, like roof windows, are another type of skylight. But these have been designed and developed specifically for attics because they are usually within reach.
What are the benefits of window skylights?
When it comes to roof windows, the best roof windows come double-glazed to greatly reduce the heat leaving your home (for those cold winters) as well as condensation.
They’re great because not only do they let the natural light in, but their aesthetics and the ability to open them for increased ventilation are usually their most attractive features to liven up your home.
The best place to put roof windows are living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and dining areas.
So, what’s an attic window?
In attics, we usually recommend installing attic windows which are like roof window skylights however, because they are usually ‘within-reach’ they are designed with features that suit this application.
An example of an attic window feature would be the centre pivot mode in which you can flip the window around for easy cleaning from inside your attic. Clever, huh?
Ready to install your roof window, skylight or attic window?
We can help take the confusion out! Contact us at Roof Space Renovators to give you the best advice as to which option would best fit your needs.
