If you’re in the league that loves large windows that let in most sunshine, you either choose from roof windows or dormer windows. Here we examine both the types, to help you decide what’s best for you.
The only substantial difference between
skylights and roof windows is that roof windows are larger. Both are otherwise aslant onto the sloped roof surface. Being larger, roof windows offer better and longer illumination in comparison to the vertical dormer windows. Sometimes, this difference is as much as 40%. Slant roof window is directly installed on the roof surface, so no special frameworks necessary. Due to lesser material and work, roof window installation is cheaper than dormer window installation.
The disadvantages of roof windows are that they only copy the roof, without adding any space to your ceiling or loft. The view from a roof window is also slightly limited when compared to the dormer window.
Dormer windows are vertically installed windows that project out from sloped roof surface. Upsides of dormer windows include increased space of your ceiling or loft; better view due to closeness to the viewed object, because of the vertical viewing. Importantly, as dormer windows lift the sloped roof part higher, they improve your loft or ceiling’s safety, as your chances of bumping or hitting your head while looking through it are reduced.