Natural light has a special quality. It can make any room feel bigger, warmer, and more welcoming. Rooflights, which are also called skylights, are one of the best ways to let that light into your home.
But as you start to look into your options, you’ll find that there are two main types: fixed rooflights and opening rooflights. At first glance, they may look somewhat similar, but they are slightly different when it comes to their functionality.
In this blog, we will explore fixed and opening rooftlights, the major difference and how you can choose the best one for your home or commercial space.
So let’s dive!
What Are Fixed Rooflights?
Let’s talk about fixed rooflights first. These are fixed at the roof of any home or building and positioned in a way that they let’s in ample of natural light. Because they don’t open or move, they’re simple, sleek, and perfect for homeowners who want a lot of sunlight without having to worry about ventilation or maintenance.
Fixed rooflights are usually more energy-efficient and tightly sealed because they don’t have any moving parts or hinges. This helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. They’re perfect if you’re aiming for a clean, frameless look that goes with your ceiling or roofline.
Fixed rooflights works best for living rooms, stairwells, and hallways; anywhere you want to brighten up the space without letting in air. You can think of them as a window that directly reflects the sun and the sky!
What Are Opening Rooflights?
Opening rooflights go a step further. They let in fresh air whenever you need it, in addition to natural light. You can open them by hand with a handle or by using an electric control from a distance.
They work best in rooms that get hot or stuffy, like kitchens, bathrooms, or loft conversions. A lot of new models also have smart features like rain sensors that close the rooflight automatically if it starts to rain.
Opening rooflights really help with air flow and condensation, especially in places with a lot of humidity. If you want both light and air to come in, this type of rooflight might be better for you.
Considerations While Choosing Between Fixed or Opening Rooflights
Think about how you’ll use the room when deciding between fixed and opening rooflights.
A fixed rooflight is great if you just want to let in more natural light into a room that already has windows or good airflow. It’s easy to take care of, saves energy, and is often cheaper.
But if the room feels closed off or tends to trap heat and moisture, an opening rooflight will be better for you. It helps you control the temperature, ventilation, and comfort inside while keeping the space bright.
Some homeowners even choose to use both types: fixed rooflights for places that only need light and opening rooflights for places that could use some fresh air.
Bowalker’s Range of Rooflights
At Bowalker, we think that natural light should be a part of your home’s comfort and style. That’s why we have a wide range of high-quality rooflights, including both fixed and opening rooflights. Apart from these, we also have options like roof lanterns rooflights, walk-on-glass rooflights, multi-paned and roofline rooflights.
Our fixed rooflights are made to let in as much light as possible while still keeping the heat in. On the other hand, our opening rooflights let in air while also protecting you from the weather and letting you control them with modern technology. Our rooflights come in a variety of matrials, colors, and finish, so you can choose whatever goes with your overall home aesthetics!
We can help you find a rooflight that fits your needs and looks great in your space, whether you’re adding it to a newly-built home or replacing your old roof.
Our free home consultation helps you find what suits your specific requirements without any compromises!
Final Thoughts
You can choose between fixed and opening rooflights based on what your home needs most: light, air, or both.
Fixed rooflights are great for letting in light in places where you just want daylight, and opening rooflights are great for rooms that need a fresh breeze. Either way, they both make your home more valuable, beautiful, and comfortable.
Bowalker’s team can help you choose the best option and make your home brighter and more comfortable if you’re not sure which one would be best. To learn more, you can book a free home consultation here!
