Everything you need to know

The Benefits of Opening and Fixed Rooflights

by Roof Maker

Understanding the benefits of opening and non-opening rooflights can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.

When considering rooflights for your home, it’s essential to weigh the advantages of opening rooflights against those of fixed (non-opening) rooflights. Both types have their own unique benefits, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.

Opening Rooflights

Whether manual or electrical, opening rooflights provide several benefits:

Improved Ventilation

Opening rooflights offer natural ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your living space. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reduces stale air, and improves air quality.

In our modern homes where insulation and airtightness are key for energy efficiency, ventilation has never been more important. This is particularly true in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom where moisture and odours can accumulate. In a steamy bathroom, an opening rooflight can make a tremendous difference by expelling damp air directly outside, mitigating mould growth and maintaining a healthy environment.

Similarly, in a bustling kitchen, an opening rooflight can vent out cooking odours and smoke, keeping your space fresh and welcoming.

Hinged luxlite on tiled roof
Large slimline lantern installed above kitchen dining area

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

By providing natural ventilation, opening rooflights can contribute to your home’s energy efficiency. They allow hot air to escape during warmer months, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Easy Operation

Many models feature manual or electric mechanisms, making it simple to open and close the vents as needed. All Roof Maker electric opening roof lights come with wall-mounted switches, or with remote controls for added convenience.

Our Slimline Roof Lantern’s optional vents can be fitted with climate control units, enabling them to automatically close when it rains and open when your room gets too hot.

Opening pitched Luxlite - BuildIt award

Fixed Rooflights

Fixed rooflights, as the name suggests, are non-opening and provide a range of advantages:

Ease of installation

Fixed rooflights typically have a simpler installation process compared to opening rooflights, as they do not require additional mechanisms or any power routing to them. This can result in lower installation costs and quicker completion times.

Cost Effectiveness

Due to their simpler design and the absence of moving parts, fixed rooflights are generally more affordable than their opening counterparts. This makes them an attractive option for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces while staying within a budget.

Fixed luxlite rooflights on slate roof
Modular rooflight on flat roof

Low Maintenance

Fixed rooflights require minimal maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts than opening rooflights. This makes them less prone to mechanical issues over time.

Increased Security

As fixed rooflights don’t open, they provide an added level of security to your home. This can be especially beneficial in areas where break-ins or vandalism are a concern.

Or why not mix and match? Our Luxlite pitched rooflight range is designed to look the same from the outside, whether you choose fixed or opening – enabling you to specify both on the same roof. Read about how our customers Suzi and Gareth did just that in their impressive kitchen renovation.

Are you considering buying an opening or fixed rooflight or roof lantern for your home? If you are, call Roof Maker on 0116 269 6297. Our rooflight experts will help you to choose the right solution for your needs.

Slimline roof lantern fitted on flat roof

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