Skylights, roof windows, or high windows are all sections of glass placed on the roof or near the ceiling of your home. These high windows are used to let in more sunlight when the sun is highest in the sky. Skylights can also be a fun way to see what the weather is like in the morning or star gazing from the comfort of your home. With any window type, the right materials and insulation can make all the difference. Learn more about the benefits of these roof windows and how they can be incorporated into your home.
Comparing Roof Windows And Skylights
Roof windows are able to open like a traditional window, whereas skylights are typically secured on all four sides. Both options are considered skylights, while they provide different benefits and aesthetic appeal. Roof windows are used to increase fresh air and ventilation in a home, while skylights are installed for more natural light and aesthetic appeal.
Types Of Skylights
In addition to roof windows, there are multiple different types of skylights that can be implemented in a home. Here are the most common skylight types.
Fixed: Set into the roofline, fixed options don’t open like a traditional window. They may have a ventilation method, but they will not fully open.
Roof Windows: As mentioned above, these windows do completely open and may include a window screen. Some manufacturers refer to roof windows as venting skylights.
Solar Skylights: Solar-powered skylights have sensors that open and close your windows at certain times of the day. They can also detect different weather conditions and close the skylight when rain or snow is falling. These skylights provide the most control over how much light and heat enter the home.
Tubular: Also known as a light shaft, these windows have a bubble dome that sticks out from the roofline. These are best used in small rooms or hallways to let in natural light.
Walkable Skylight: A fixed window that is set within the roof line and doesn’t compromise floor space. Used on rooftops or suites, these skylights can be walked on and let natural light into the room below while also creating visual interest for those walking above.
Extra Daylight And Heat
Now that you know the different variants of skylights, let’s talk about how any type can benefit your home. The biggest reason to install high windows is to give you extra daylight in the home. Skylights can be placed in areas that don’t normally see any sunlight. Incorporating natural light will make these spaces appear larger, stay warmer, and reduce the need for more artificial light sources.
More Fresh Air
Ventilated skylights can provide better air circulation for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and second-floor bedrooms. In spaces where humidity and moisture are common, skylights are crucial. These windows can let out steam and humidity that could cause mold growth.
Energy Savings
Letting in natural light will limit your need to run your furnace and utilize overhead lighting. Roof windows can lower your energy bills by allowing more sunlight at the peak times of the day into the coldest areas of your home. By requiring less light during the early morning and evening you reduce electrical bills. Ventilation improvements and reduced heat loss decrease monthly energy bills.
Increased Home Value
Depending on the quality and design of your skylight, they could increase the resale value of your home. Well-insulated skylights designed by a professional glass company can make the home more appealing to future buyers. All of the benefits listed in this article are something that you and future homeowners can receive from a skylight or roof windows. The benefits can increase the functionality of a home, which in turn can make it worth more in monetary value.
Better Privacy
While lower windows are needed for interior visibility and a view to the outside world, they can often make you feel exposed to onlookers. Roof windows can provide you with natural light while protecting your privacy. This is often why skylights are used in bedrooms and bathrooms. The glass in a skylight can also be tinted or glazed to increase privacy.
Modern Window Solutions From Peak Windows
Peak Windows has been providing high-quality glass for many years. Our family has been in this business for generations and continues to work hard to serve our community with windows, doors, and other glass projects. We want all of our clients to know the benefits of quality windows and work with a professional to ensure that they last for years to come. Reach out to our team to learn about all the window options we can provide.