Photo Credit: Ron Lach via www.pexels.com

Whether you’re building a brand new house or have plans to update and remodel your current place of residence, you probably want to choose the best, most modern, and energy-efficient solutions. And that’s precisely where flat roof windows come into play, especially if you have a flat roof and need to let inside as much light as possible.

While flat roof windows are still a relatively new invention, they’re rapidly growing in popularity, and for good reasons. Also known as rooflights, they appear to be flat when looked at from either above or below, but in fact, they’re always either installed at a slight slope or domed.

However, there’s much more to these windows than just the aesthetics. First, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of investing in this solution. Then, you have to decide what features you want to invest in and choose the right type of flat roof window for your house and particular project.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the subject of flat roof windows and the critical factors you should consider when including them in your construction or renovation project.

What Types of Flat Roof Windows Can You Choose From?

First and foremost, it’s essential to keep in mind that there’s a wide variety of different flat windows that you can choose from. Besides having the opportunity to opt for either a fixed, manually, or electrically opened window, you can also look at roof domes and sun tunnels. They all come with different advantages, and unless you learn more about their nuisances, it might be hard to decide which windows will work best with your project.

Sun Tunnels (Sun Tubes)

Sun tunnels, also known as sun tubes, light tunnels, or sun pipes, work by channeling sunlight from the roof through a reflective tube. This allows for more natural light to make its way into a room below, be it a windowless corridor, a gloomy, north-facing room, or even a dark garage.

They come in many different sizes and work well where traditional windows or conventional skylights are not an option. Sun tunnels are also considered to be quite affordable, as one tube might cost between £400 and £800, while the price of a skylight might come up to well over £1500.

Keep in mind that sun tunnels give you no view of the sky, as the sunlight needs to be channeled through a metal pipe, and they can’t be opened.

Roof Domes

What makes roof domes much different from the other options is the fact that their glazing is made from a material known as polycarbonate instead of glass. The glazing is also dome-shaped, but the domes can be square, rectangular, circular, or pyramid.

Depending on their size and the particular materials they’re made of, roof domes can be really affordable. Installing a roof dome can allow you to make the most out of the daylight and provide ventilation.

Opening Flat Roof Windows

As the name suggests, opening flat roof windows can be easily opened when needed, so besides maximum light, they also provide ventilation. This means they can be the perfect solution for lofts, attic rooms, and bathrooms.

If you’re worried about security, you can opt for an opening window with a lock. Additionally, this type of window can serve as an emergency escape or an easy way to access your roof without a ladder.

Fixed Flat Roof Windows

Fixed flat roof windows are probably the most common solution due to their universal, modern, and sleek design that’s both affordable and pleasing to look at. They can work particularly well in areas such as staircases or places when ventilation isn’t the primary concern. That’s because some flat roof windows are designed not to open. After all, their main purpose is to let in more natural light rather than serve as their way to air out the space.

If you invest in a non-openable option, you also won’t have to worry about security issues.

What Other Factors Should You Keep in Mind?

Besides the exact types of flat roof windows you can choose when shopping around and completing your construction project, you also need to remember that installing the window of your choice will depend on a couple more factors. Here’s what you should consider:

Location

You might’ve heard that flat roof windows can be installed everywhere you desire, but there are still some limitations that you can’t forget about. The first and probably most important thing is having enough roof space to accommodate the window of your choice.

Secondly, for your window to work properly and be worth the investment, the slope of your roof must fall between 0 and 15 degrees.

Cost

You’ll see many price tags when shopping for the right flat roof windows that suit your needs and preferences. Basic flat roof windows start at around £400, but the price increases with the size as well as the extra features such as an electric opening system, self-cleaning glass, or the number of panes. You’ll also need to pay extra for windows that can be walked on.

Last but not least, you need to remember to add in the installation cost.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different things you need to carefully consider when trying to determine which roof light will work best in your home. Everything will vary depending on how many windows you need, the slope of your roof, the type of glass and size of the window within your budget, as well as the area you want to illuminate.

Therefore, it’s definitely a decision that you shouldn’t rush. Make sure to take your time, research different options you’re interested in, and, most importantly, pay attention to the features that can increase the price. Shop from reputable companies that offer a wide variety of products, and don’t hesitate to ask questions!