Rooflights: Are They Worth the Investment for Your Home?

Planning a kitchen extension? Converting your loft? Tired of dark rooms? The same question keeps coming up in 2026: are rooflights actually worth the investment?

The Benefits That Make Rooflights Worth Considering

More than a simple design upgrade, rooflights can enhance property appeal, improve comfort and wellbeing and deliver long-term energy savings. Appreciating these benefits helps homeowners make informed choices before investing in an installation.

Impact on Property Value

Research shows homes with rooflights sell for 5-10% more. These homes sell faster too. A Norwich estate agent told us: "Properties with rooflights get 30% more viewing requests. Buyers see bright kitchens in photos and want to visit."

A Surrey homeowner installed three units during their kitchen renovation. Two years later, their estate agent identified the naturally lit kitchen as the main selling point. Asking price within five days.

Natural Light and Health

Harvard Medical School tracked 1,600 office workers over 18 months. Those in naturally lit spaces took 6.5% fewer sick days and reported 15% better sleep quality.

One Manchester family installed two rooflights where kids do schoolwork. "We went from constant battles to them sitting down without being asked. Worth every penny."

Energy Efficiency Over Time

Modern units use triple glazing with Low-E coatings. U-values around 0.8-1.0 W/m²K match or beat most walls built before 2000.

University College London measured energy use in 200 homes with rooflights installed between 2020-2023. Lighting costs dropped as homeowners relied less on artificial lighting during the day. Heating costs also fell from passive solar gain sunlight naturally warms the space without touching the thermostat.

The savings build up year after year.

Different Types Suit Different Needs

Framed vs frameless each has its place. Frameless designs offer a sleeker, more contemporary look with minimal visual interruption. Framed versions insulate better and provide solid structural support.

Roof lanterns work well in larger spaces where flat units might look undersized. They create a focal point and flood rooms with light from multiple angles.

For home offices, position the rooflight over your desk rather than in the centre. Desk-positioned units deliver 300-400 lux vs 150-200 lux centrally. That's the difference between squinting at your screen and working comfortably.

Expected Lifespan and Maintenance

Aluminium-framed units generally last 25-30 years. Glass sealed units rarely fail before 20 years.

Maintenance is straightforward 20 minutes twice yearly to clean gutters and check seals. Electric opening mechanisms need servicing every 3-5 years, but the convenience they offer makes them popular for hard-to-reach installations.

What You'll Actually Pay

Here's what you're realistically looking at:

Installation Type	Estimated Cost Range
Small fixed rooflight (fully installed)	£400-£600
Large fixed rooflight (fully installed)	£800-£1500
Opening rooflight (fully installed)	£1,800-£3,000
Roof lantern (fully installed)	£2,000-£5,000
Electric opening mechanism	£1,600-£2,000

Framed versions cost 10-15% less than frameless designs. Better U-value specs add 15-20% upfront but reduce energy bills. South-facing installations need solar control glass units above 1.5 W/m²K waste £800-1,200 in heating over 20 years.

Electric mechanisms need servicing every 3-5 years (around £80). A certified installer costs £200-400 more than unqualified builders, but fixing poor installation runs £800-2,000. One Cambridge homeowner paid £1,200 for budget work, then £2,400 fixing leaks a qualified installer would've been £1,600 total.

What You're Getting Back

On a £300,000 property, expect £15,000-30,000 added value from that 5-10% increase. Energy savings hit £200 annually (£140-220 lighting, £60-90 heating). That's £4,000 over 20 years.

Break-even: 2-3 years for property value, 10-15 years for energy savings alone.

Specification and Long-Term Performance

U-values determine how well your rooflight insulates. Lower numbers mean better insulation. Units below 1.5 W/m²K keep heat in during winter and reduce cooling needs in summer.

Always check whole-unit U-values, not centre-pane only. Some manufacturers quote centre-pane numbers to make their products look better. Real performance comes from whole-unit measurements.

South-facing installations benefit from solar control glass. This coating prevents overheating during summer months whilst allowing natural light through. It's particularly useful in conservatories and south-facing extensions.

Better specs cost 15-20% more upfront but pay back in 2-3 years. Energy-efficient specifications save money faster than most home improvements.

North-facing spaces only. You'll get consistent light throughout the day but miss the solar heating that south and west-facing installations provide.

Very small rooms. Sometimes a larger window works better than a small rooflight, depending on your space and light needs.

Complex roof access. If your installation requires extensive scaffolding that's difficult to set up, side windows might be simpler.

Short-term ownership. Moving within 18 months? Energy savings build over time, so longer ownership sees better returns.

Best scenarios:

Extensions or renovations already underway
Dark spaces without alternative solutions
Ownership plans exceeding 5 years
Professional installation at reasonable cost

For most UK homeowners planning long-term ownership, the property value increase and energy savings justify the investment within 2-5 years.

Visit our rooflight collection to see specifications, U-values and pricing across fixed and opening models. All units come with 10-year guarantees and free delivery across the UK.

Need help choosing the right size or type for your space? Contact our team for technical advice based on your specific project.

Making Your Decision

Skylights can completely change how your loft space feels and works. They genuinely improve your mood. Before you go ahead have a think about how you'll actually use the space and what matters most to you.

When you're ready to look at what's available, speaking with trusted suppliers like Rooflights and Skylights UK means you'll get advice that's specific to your project.