The best types of skylights for pitched roofs

Installing skylights on a pitched roof automatically transforms the interior by making it look bigger than it actually is. Skylights can also reduce the need for artificial light and improve a room’s ventilation.

Installing the right type of skylight for your pitched roof is necessary to enjoy its benefits.

Our pitched roof specialists explain the different types of skylights on the market.

3 types of skylights compatible with pitched roofs

Installing “standard” windows on a roof is impossible. Since the surface of a pitched roof is subjected to different external elements, one of the three following skylights should be installed to avoid problems such as roof leaking.

Fixed skylights

Fixed skylights are windows that cannot be opened. They therefore provide natural light and a view of the sky or landscape but cannot be used to regulate the humidity in a room. Fixed skylights are usually installed on high, hard-to-reach ceilings.

Vented skylights

Vented skylights look a lot like fixed skylights. The biggest different is that these ones can be opened manually or by remote control. They are therefore a good choice for rooms where condensation forms as a result of inefficient ventilation.

For example, you can adjust the humidity levels in a bathroom or kitchen. They can also be used as an emergency exit if they are accessible and comply with applicable regulations.

There are different vented skylight models suitable for pitched roofs, which gives you several options for style and usability:

• Tilt and turn windows
• Projection windows
• Balcony skylights

Their only downside is that they tend to be more expensive than fixed skylights.

Tubular skylights

Tubular skylights are made of a long tube that captures daylight and reflects it back into your home to provide natural lighting. They can include dimmers to control the amount of light that will be directed indoors. Some models come with a fan to adjust the humidity level or a filter that blocks UV rays.

They are a good choice for spaces where privacy is essential. However, light ducts do not offer a view of the outside. They are therefore better suited for small spaces such as a bathroom, hallway or closet.

They are fairly easy to install on a pitched roof since their conduit can pass between obstacles (roof structure elements, insulation materials, etc.) located in the attic or crawlspaces.

Why you should hire professionals for your skylight installation and maintenance

Poorly installed or insulated skylights can lead to major water infiltration or condensation problems.

They should therefore be installed by professionals who will take the manufacturer’s recommendations and any necessary precautions.

Even when they are perfectly installed, skylights must be inspected and undergo maintenance regularly to avoid any problems.

At Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit, we offer different solutions to make sure that your skylights and roofing in general are waterproof. Contact us to get a quote.