Install roof windows and watch the stars from your lounge

Roof windows are fast becoming a popular alternative to skylights, particularly in modern homes. With their capacity to let in lots of light, they give any room a greater sense of space – not to mention their star-gazing appeal.

"Lots of homes have bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens without the capacity for standard windows, so for natural light and ventilation the roof window can be a great solution," says Dorinda Mercier of Acol Skylight and Roof Windows. "Often, you'll get more light through a roof window than you would in a room that gets natural light but is facing the wrong way."

Roof windows aren't skylights

Roof windows don't have diffusers, so unlike skylights they give you a clear view out to the sky and they can be opened and closed as required, to control ventilation. "There is also a choice of different glass applications that can help modify the light, such as single-glazed, double-glazed or the new ellipse glass, which has a UV protective coating. You can also put in blinds," says Dorinda.

Utilise the space in your roof

In particular, roof windows are proving to be a stylish way to bring light and air into renovated roof spaces. "Many people are now turning their roof spaces into spare rooms or computer rooms, but high in the ceiling cavity it can get quite hot," Dorinda explains. "Roof windows allow good ventilation, and once the room is plaster lined they also look fantastic." 

Let the light in

No matter what your needs are, roof windows can be custom built to meet them. "Lots of people are going for the architectural feel of roof windows," Dorinda says. "Homes are getting larger on smaller blocks and closer to their neighbours. This can create shadows and restrict views from standard windows. So having lots of roof windows, used in creative ways, will let in the light and create a better sense of space. They are very popular in bedrooms, where people like lying in bed and looking up at the stars."

DIY roof windows

For the confident DIYer, 'one-piece trays' that can be modified to suit specific requirements are available, but Dorinda doesn't recommend this approach. "If you don't know what you're doing you may create problems and there is no guarantee if you do it yourself," she says.

Accessories for roof windows include either manual-wind systems or remote controls to open and close them. You can even get models that have rain sensors, so if it starts to rain while you're out, you can be confident there won't be any leaks.