Are Rooflights and Skylights the same thing?
Put simply, yes. The terms rooflight and skylight are often used interchangeably to describe windows that bring natural light into your home from above. But while homeowners tend to say skylight, professionals like architects, builders, and manufacturers usually prefer rooflight. This is mainly because “rooflight” is a broader term used in the industry to refer to any window built into a roof, while “skylight” is often used specifically for sloped roofs.
That said, there are a few subtle differences worth knowing. Let’s explore…
What Is a Skylight?
A skylight is a window built right into the roof, often found on sloping, pitched roofs that are common in residential properties across the UK. These slanted roofs are great for helping rainwater flow off, with the skylight sitting perfectly within this slope. It’s a fantastic way to let natural daylight flood into darker areas of your home like attics, hallways, or bathrooms. Plus, while most skylights are fixed, some can even open up to let in fresh air for extra ventilation.
Since skylights sit flush with the roofline, they blend in smoothly, offering a subtle yet impactful way to brighten up your living space without taking away from the roof’s design. If you’ve got a pitched roof, a skylight could be just the thing to bring some sunshine into your home! To discover more about the benefits of skylights, be sure to check out our previous blog for all the details.
What are Rooflights?
Now, rooflights are a broader term that covers any kind of window built into a roof, whether that’s flat, pitched, or somewhere in between. While skylights are typically reserved for pitched roofs, rooflights are often the go-to choice for homes with flat or low-pitched roofs. Think of those modern extensions or even commercial buildings with big glass sections on the roof. Rooflights can be large glass panels or sections of the roof designed to flood a space with natural light, making them brilliant for bringing daylight into areas that might not otherwise have enough.
One of the key differences is that rooflights tend to protrude a little from the roof, which can give them a distinctive look. Plus, they often require a kerb system to manage water runoff. This makes rooflights ideal for homes with flat roofs or anyone looking to achieve a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
If you’re looking for something to really boost the light in a flat-roofed area, our XP Sky View Flat Rooflight is exactly what you need. It’s got a minimalist design that maximises the amount of glass, and thanks to double glazing, 6mm TGH softcoat low-E glass and thermally broken aluminium profiles you’ll get plenty of light without sacrificing thermal performance.
Express Direct XP Sky View Flat Rooflight
- Structurally bonded system – more glass, less frame
- Minimalist design – perfect for brightening even compact spaces
- No external fixings – for a secure, durable finish
- Blackout film – conceals the plasterboard edge for a seamless look
- 5-degree pitch – ensures effective water runoff
- Overall U-value of 1.0W/m²K – excellent thermal performance
- 18mm argon gas-filled cavity – improves insulation
To view the full product details, please head to the Flat Rooflight product page.
What Is a Roof Lantern?
We’ve covered skylights and rooflights, but there’s another option worth considering: the roof lantern! Unlike the others, a roof lantern is raised, typically in a prism, pyramid, or rectangular shape. This added height improves both the aesthetics of your home and the amount of natural light streaming in from multiple angles.
Roof lanterns complement both modern and traditional properties. They were particularly popular during the Edwardian era, often used to illuminate stairwells and orangeries as an elegant alternative to conservatories.
At Express Direct, our EOS roof lantern is designed to make a striking statement. With a slim aluminium frame and expansive glass panels, it maximises light while maintaining excellent thermal efficiency and energy savings. A stylish, practical, and long-lasting addition to any home!
Express Direct EOS Roof Lantern
- Super-strong aluminium structure – built for durability and stability
- Fewer bars – reduces potential failure points for a longer-lasting design
- High-performance blue solar control glazing – included as standard
- Thermally broken inside and out – for superior energy efficiency
- Sleek finish options – choose from white gloss, grey matt, or black matt
- Excellent value for money – premium quality at a great price
- Quick lead times – profiles are kept in stock for faster delivery
- Slender 57mm sightlines – for a clean, modern aesthetic
- Large size options – available in sizes up to 4000mm x 2000mm
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, rooflights, skylights, and roof lanterns all share the same goal: bringing an abundance of natural light into your home. If you’re considering installing windows in your roof, take a moment to think about the current architecture and the aesthetic you’re hoping to create. The great news is that all three options are excellent choices, so no matter which direction you choose, you can be confident that the final result will be nothing short of spectacular.
Excited to brighten up your space with some new roof windows? Here at Express Direct, we’re ready to help you upgrade and redefine your home with our premium rooflights and roof lanterns. Visit one of our showrooms, chat with our expert team, and explore our range of products, either in person or online, today!
