Converting your loft from a storage area into a general living area is a great way to boost the value of your property and significantly increase the amount of room you have to play with. Of course, there are still plenty of things to think about before you get going, and one of the most important is how you're going to bring in natural light.
Unconverted spaces almost always have no windows, so you'll need to remedy that to make it a fitting living space. For many homeowners, the choice comes down to dormer windows or skylights. Both are great, but here are just four reasons why skylights often come out ahead.
1. Lower Cost
A dormer window actually slightly extends your property. Instead of retaining the natural sloping roof, a frame is built outwards to essentially create a small roof over a traditional window. As such, installing a dormer window typically requires a lot more time and materials than installing a skylight. That doesn't just mean the project will take longer – it also means it's going to cost more. Keep in mind that most loft conversions require multiple entry points for natural light, so cost differences can really add up.
2. More Light
One of the best things about skylights is just how much natural light they bring in. Since light comes in from above, it tends to come in during more of the day and reach across the room more uniformly than light from a standard window. Dormers tend to be even worse than normal windows since the new frame will block light coming in from each side.
3. Added Privacy
Of course, one of the drawbacks of any type of window is that people can look in just as easily as you can look out. That's still a problem with dormer windows, but it's not really a concern at all when you opt for a skylight. While people across the street might be able to see into your home through a dormer, they almost certainly won't be able to do so through a skylight. That means you can bring in natural light without having to worry about your privacy.
4. Natural Appearance
If your property doesn't already have dormer windows, it might look a little incongruous to have them installed along the roof. In many cases, this will make the property look more 'top-heavy' and reduce its curb appeal. This isn't such a concern with skylights since they still follow the natural lines of your home.
Speak to a roofer to learn more about skylights.
Share11 August 2022
Hey! Welcome to my blog. My name is Walter and I live in Alice Springs, Australia. Last year, I woke up in a state of shock. The roof of my home had collapsed. I walked out into what use to be my living room only to discover a complete disaster zone. There were bits of slate and wood everywhere. Thankfully, no one in my family was injured. I called in a local roofing company and I worked with them to replace the roof. I learnt a lot about roofing during that week so I decided to start a new blog.