What Is A Window In A Roof Or Ceiling Called?
A window installed into a ceiling or roof is usually called a roof window, skylight or rooflight. These terms are used in similar ways, however they can describe different products depending on the design and position of the window.
A skylight is a term used for a glazed opening that helps to bring in natural light in from above. A roof window is fitted into the slope of a roof, while a rooflight is mostly used for modern flat roof glazing.
In this article, we will look at the difference between roof windows, skylights, rooflights and roof lanterns, so you know which one applies to your home.
Skylight, Roof Window, Rooflight Or Roof Lantern?
These terms are often used together, however they can all mean slighty different things.
Skylight
A skylight is a general name for a glazed opening fitted into a roof or ceiling to bring natural light into the room below.
Roof Window
A roof window is usually installed into the slope of a pitched roof. These windows are common in attic rooms, loft rooms, and upper floor spaces.
Rooflight
A rooflight is used to describe a glazed unit fitted with a low pitched roof or a flat roof, especially used on modern house extensions.
Roof Lantern
A roof lantern is a raised glazed structure usually installed to a flat roof, often used on kitchen extensions, orangeries and larger living spaces.
Roof Window Name Comparison
Here is a simple breakdown of the most common terms.
| Term | What It Usually Means | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Skylight | A general term for glazing in a roof or ceiling | Bringing natural light into a room |
| Roof Window | A window fitted into the slope of a roof | Loft rooms, attic rooms and pitched roofs |
| Rooflight | A glazed unit fitted into a roof, often flatter in design | Flat roofs, extensions and modern homes |
| Roof Lantern | A raised glazed structure on a flat roof | Orangeries, kitchen extensions and flat roof extensions |
What Is A Skylight?
A skylight is a glazed opening or a window installed into a ceiling or a roof to help bring in natural light into the room. Skylights are often used in rooms where wall windows are limited, such as hallways, lofts, bathrooms, extensions and kitchens.
Some skylights are fixed in placed and only help to provide light, while some others can be opened to help provide ventilation.
What Is A Roof Window?
A roof window is usually fitted into a sloped pitched roof. These are very common in attic bedrooms, loft conversions and upper floor rooms where a wall window is not possible.
Roof windows tend to open, which can help improve ventilation as well as more natural light.
What Is A Rooflight?
Rooflight is another common term used for roof glazing in the UK. It is often used to decribe a glazed framed unit installed into a low-pitched roof or a flat roof.
Rooflights are very popular for extenions because they help to provide alot of daylight into the room where side windows are not providing enough light.
What Is A Roof Lantern?
A roof lantern is typically a raised glazed unit fitted into a flat roof. Instead of sitting flat on the roof, it projects upwards and creates a more decorative feature.
Roof lanterns are often used on kitchen extensions, orangeries, flat roof extensions and dining rooms where homeowners want more natural light to enter the room and include an impressive ceiling feature.
Which One Do You Need?
The best option depends on your roof type, room and what you want the glazing to do.
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| You want light in a loft or attic room | Roof window |
| You want light in a flat roof extension | Rooflight |
| You want a feature above an orangery or kitchen extension | Roof lantern |
| You want a general name for the window | Skylight |
| You want extra ventilation | Opening roof window or opening skylight |
Benefits Of Windows In Roofs And Ceilings
Roof glazing can help to change how a room feels by providing more natural daylight from above.
More Natural Light
Roof glazing can help to bring daylight into the home that may feel dark with just wall windows.
Better Ventilation
Opening skylights or roof windows can help to provide fresh air through the room.
Brighter Extensions
Roof lanterns and rooflights are often used in extensions to help make them feel brighter and more open.
More Attractive Interiors
A well designed roof lantern or a roof window can because a feature of the room itself.
Things To Consider Before Adding A Roof Window
Before adding a roof window, roof lantern or skylight, it is important to take into consideration the room below, roof structure and how the glazing will be installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about windows in roofs and ceilings.
What is a window in the roof called?
A window in a roof is usually called a roof window, skylight or rooflight. The name depends on the design and where it is installed.
What is a window in the ceiling called?
A window in the ceiling is commonly known as a rooflight or skylight because it allows more natural light to enter from above.
What is the difference between a skylight and a roof window?
A skylight is often the term used for roof glazing, while roof windows usually point to a window installed into a slope on a pitched roof and might also be designed to open.
What is the difference between a rooflight and a roof lantern?
A rooflight is a flat glazed unit installed into a roof, while a roof lantern is a raised glazed structure often used on orangeries and flat roof extensions.
Can a roof window open?
Yes, some skylights and roof windows can be opened for ventilation, while other types are fixed in place and only provide natural light.
Are roof lanterns used on orangeries?
Yes, roof lanterns are used for kitchen extensions, orangeries and flat roof extensions to add more natural light and to create an attractive ceiling feature.
Need Help With Windows, Rooflights Or Orangery Glazing?
At St Helens Windows, we can help you find the right glazing options for your home, whether you are looking for roof windows for a conservatory, orangery or an home improvement project.
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