Skylights are one of the traditional hallmarks of a loft conversion. These windows, nestled into the eaves of the roof structure, are a great way to bring natural light into a roof build or an extension. This is why many people opt for a skylight as the choice of window for a loft conversion.

But is a skylight window the best choice for your loft conversion? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons, and look at alternative options, so you can make an informed choice for your attic conversion.

Skylight advantages

There are plenty of benefits of installing a skylight window, which is why they’re often the natural choice for a loft conversion.

Here are just a few of them:

Natural light: this is an obvious benefit of a skylight. They do bring a lot of natural light into a room. If they are well positioned within the roof, you can really make the most of capturing natural light, with little need to use artificial light during the day.

Privacy: despite their ability to introduce natural light into the room, skylights don’t impact on your privacy. If they are placed high enough into the roof, you will not be overlooked by neighbouring properties.

Similarly, this is a benefit to your neighbours in terms of affording them privacy, and may work in your favour if you need planning permission for your loft conversion.

Aesthetic appeal: a skylight can help the aesthetic appeal of your new attic conversion from both the inside and the outside of your home. On the interior, the additional natural light that a skylight window brings will instantly illuminate the room and give it a light and airy feel.

Externally, a skylight will look very sleek, modern and in-keeping with your home, particularly as it won’t protrude from the roof pitch.

Additional ventilation: skylights added to the roof of your home add a new method of ventilation. With an opening skylight, you can increase airflow.

There are many additional benefits to skylights too. For example, introducing natural light helps boost the mood, as well as reduce your energy bill by decreasing the need for artificial light. All of these reasons add up to why a skylight window makes such a popular choice.

Are there any disadvantages to a skylight?

A skylight window does have a few downsides which you should be aware of before installing one into a new loft build.

Leakages: an improperly sealed skylight could leak into your new room, but this would only be a problem if the job hadn’t been carried out professionally. By using a loft conversion specialist, you reduce the risk of this happening, as installing skylights is a regular part of their everyday work.

Additionally, it’s worth being aware that if the skylight hasn’t been installed properly, you can run the risk of mould or mildew forming. This is because moisture accumulates beneath the skylight bond. It’s another important reason to use a specialist loft conversion contractor.

Overheating and too much light: although skylight windows are a brilliant option as a natural light source, they can sometimes bring in too much light, and can make the room overheat. This is why good placing is so important. Be sure to consult with a loft conversion specialist about this whilst your plans are being drawn up.

Cleaning: cleaning skylight windows can be difficult, and this cannot be ignored when considering them for your loft conversion. There are many options on the market nowadays, however, that offer self-cleaning glass, which helps to reduce the amount of dirt on the windows.

Other window options for your loft conversion

If you decide that skylights aren’t for you, there are other options available on the market.

Dormer windows are a very popular choice. As well as introducing light, they also offer the added advantage of increasing head height, as their boxy shape protrudes from the roof and creates more space within the new loft room.

Or how about floor to ceiling windows? These can really give the wow factor to a new loft conversion, especially if you have views from your property. Why not combine them with a Juliet balcony for added style?

Of course, you can always opt for a combination of more than one window type to really make the most of the space, both aesthetically and in order to create more useable room and natural light.

Want to know more about skylight pros and cons? Contact Bespoke Lofts!

Interested in installing a skylight, or multiple skylight windows, in your loft conversion? Get in touch with Bespoke Lofts for more advice. Whether you simply want skylight windows, or want to combine them with other window options too, we can talk you through your best options.