Whether you’re extending, converting, or renovating, rooflights are a fantastic way of getting light into your home. The higher the light source, the brighter the room will be. Putting in a roof window is a relatively easy job and can bring in up to 40 per cent more light than the alternative form of window.
There are a number of options available for both pitched and flat structures and if standard units don’t suit your scheme, many suppliers also offer a bespoke service. There are styles to suit most tastes, from contemporary to traditional – so there’s a rooflight to suit any project.
The most common kind of rooflight for a pitched roof is the Velux-style window, which is designed to fit in between the rafters. The windows come in a wide range of sizes, designed to suit typical rafter widths, but bespoke sizes can also be made. The frames typically are timber with an aluminium outer covering, which makes them very durable. They are the most popular choice for attic conversions and as long as they are to the rear of the house they will not require planning permission.
There are several rooflight options for a flat roof, ranging from straightforward flat rooflights to roof lanterns. Roof lanterns are raised, pitched windows which create a lovely feature in a more traditional room. They are the ideal choice for those looking to create a garden room or conservatory with a partially glazed roof.
The frames are usually constructed of timber or powder-coated steel, although metal-reinforced PVC is also available. The choice of material is important as most rooflights are not easy to access so low maintenance materials are best. You might also want to consider a glass with a self-cleaning coating.
For more contemporary spaces flat or flush rooflights can give a minimalist look. They come in a huge range of sizes and the frame is designed to be concealed within the ceiling giving the glass a frameless appearance when viewed from inside the room. These roof lights can come as structural or walk-on units which can be effective where the roof forms part of a balcony or terrace for a room above, or is the source of light for a basement area.
If you can’t reach a rooflight to open it manually, you can choose to control it automatically. (Most manufacturers will offer this as an optional extra.) The windows are typically operated by a wall-mounted or handheld remote control. Some models also include a sensor which closes the window if it starts to rain.
Sun shading can be a consideration, especially for south facing windows. Think carefully about the number of rooflights and where you intend to place them. Too much glazing can make the room uncomfortable at some times of the day.
If you are extending, place rooflights close to the existing external wall of the house to bring light into the middle of the building, which can often be dark because of the new extension. Strategically placing rooflights over designated areas – such as the kitchen work space or the walkway through the space – can create a striking feature as well as bringing lovely light to your new space. For sun shading many of the manufacturers offer blinds that are specifically designed to fit their windows and those that are difficult to reach can be remotely operated.
What do rooflights cost? Off-the-shelf products start from €250 excluding installation. High-spec versions can start from €500, with prices moving upwards for bespoke designs and extras such as blinds and electric opening systems. So whatever your style, requirement or budget, there’s a rooflight to suit you.
