Roof windows, also known as skylights or rooflights, are a common and useful option in contemporary architecture, and there are now more varieties available than ever.
Roof windows are no longer exclusive to the attic bedroom, although being historically a frequent or even basic component of the typical loft conversion and required for the admission of any natural light. Roof lights may be a perfect addition to many areas of the house thanks to the wide variety of styles available on the market, which are available in a wide range of forms and sizes - provided, of course, that the property has a roof.
The additional lighting will be especially helpful for ground floor additions and any space that has an existing roof structure. Unless your property is a listed building, most windows may be slid in with little to no change to the existing structure, and the operation is unlikely to need planning approval. Most rooflights may be used on both flat and pitched roofs, while some types only work with one kind of roof. Although there are several online DIY installation guidelines, it is advised to speak with a professional before starting any work.
Present-day skylights
Modern skylights are designed to meet the various requirements of a wide range of dwellings, from the most traditional to the most modern. The rooflight's primary purpose of letting outside light into a structure continues to exist regardless of its aesthetics or other features. Lighting is a major selling feature from both a health and strictly architectural standpoint because of the broad array of advantages that natural light has on our wellbeing, from regulating the bodyclock to sustaining our mental health.
Let's examine the products available now with all of this in mind. Three primary designs of modern roof windows are available. Center pivot windows are the most typical of them and are often the most affordable and well-liked alternative. The window is simple to open and raise or lower using a control bar at the top. Although affordable, the biggest disadvantage of this design is that it obstructs views when opened since, as their name implies, they open on a pivot in the middle.
installed roof windows
A more costly option that avoids the issue of visual interference is top hung roof windows. Additionally, they are easy to clean due to the design's ease of access to the outside surface. Top third pivot roof windows, on the other hand, seek to combine the benefits of all the major types to provide the best of both worlds.
While these are the three most common varieties of roof windows, there are more designs that may be readily obtained on the market. Included among these are side hung roof windows, which, as their name implies, open outward from the side like regular windows but with a handle rather than a bar. Smaller "sun tunnels," which are non-opening skylights that enable the introduction of daylight into spaces where a traditional roof window cannot be installed, such as cabinets and stairwells, are other less typical possibilities. The target area is illuminated by outside light that is reflected via a window into a flexible or stiff tunnel. Tunnel extensions may be purchased individually as well.
Roof windows are available in a wide range of alternatives and with a wide range of ancillary features that may be adjusted to numerous purposes, as would be anticipated in the present, technological era. For instance, conservation skylights are especially created to blend in with the historic property by imitating old characteristics like cast iron and traditional putty. Skylights that are very contemporary are streamlined for a low profile and combine utility with a seamless, minimalist appearance. There are also variants available without frames. As a safety measure, many roof lights are also built to function as fire escapes; some even include smoke ventilation systems that will automatically open in the case of a fire. Self-cleaning glass, UV filters, noise reduction, and more secure models are a few other often used features. Skylights may operate manually, electrically, or using solar power.
Accessories
Of course, there are a wide variety of extras and accessories, like as blinds, safety locks, and opening poles, that are compatible with the majority of roof windows. Blinds come in a variety of designs, including blackout and light-dimming variants, and many of them may be electrically operated. Some roof windows even have exterior shutters that may be controlled to control how much heat enters a space. There are rooflights with an integrated blind sealed inside the glass that may be controlled electrically or magnetically for the cleanest conditions.