If you are here, you are likely searching for the right skylight for your home. Few upgrades enhance your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and overall value like skylights. These stunning additions do more than just bring in natural light — they transform interiors, improve ventilation, and can even lower energy costs.
But skylights bring much more than aesthetics to a home. So before you make a final decision, it is important to know the different types of skylights available.
As a premier roofing and home improvement company, we specialize in skylight solutions that elevate the comfort and appeal of your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five types of skylights, explaining their benefits and how they can replace traditional options while improving your living space.
#1 Fixed Skylights
Let’s start with the most basic and common type of skylight. A fixed skylight is a non-opening window installed in your roof, designed for natural light intake. These skylights are perfect for areas where additional daylight is needed but ventilation isn’t a concern, such as attics, stairwells, and vaulted ceilings. Since it does not open, it is less expensive and perfect if you want a basic option.
Benefits Of Fixed Skylights:
- Increased Natural Light: Brightens up dark rooms, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
- Energy Efficiency: Can lower electricity costs by allowing daylight inside.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It creates a modern, open feel within your home.
- Leak-Resistant: Since they do not open, there’s less risk of leaks compared to vented options, which is a big plus for areas like Northeastern Wisconsin.
Fixed skylights are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a maintenance-free, stylish, and practical alternative to traditional windows or overhead lighting.
Considerations
The main appeal of fixed skylights can also be a limitation. Since they do not open, they do not promote air circulation. This can lead to stale air buildup.
#2 Vented Skylights
Vented skylights, also known as operable skylights, offer the same features as a fixed skylight with the added advantage of air circulation. Unlike fixed options, you can open and close vented skylights according to your needs.
Depending on the model you install, vented skylights can be manually or electronically opened to allow fresh air to enter, making them ideal for moisture-prone spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Benefits of Vented Skylights:
- Improved Ventilation: Helps release hot air, reducing indoor temperatures in summer.
- Moisture Control: Prevents humidity buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew.
- Energy Savings: Lower cooling costs by promoting natural airflow.
- Smart Integration: Some models come with rain sensors that automatically close the skylight when it detects precipitation.
If your goal is to replace traditional windows or exhaust fans with something more elegant and functional, ventilated skylights are an excellent solution.
Considerations
Vented skylights are more functional than fixed skylights but also cost more. They also require more maintenance because of the moving parts. So it’s important to maintain your skylight properly to keep it in good condition over time.
#3 Tubular Skylights
Not every home has the structural capability to install large skylights, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy natural light. Tubular skylights, or sun tunnels, are compact, energy-efficient options that capture sunlight and direct it through a reflective tube into your living space. Unlike a standard rectangular skylight, a tubular skylight has a smaller, circular glass that is mounted on the top of your roof. This dome is connected to a flexible tube and a light diffuser. The tube passes the sunlight down to where the diffuser is installed, brightening the area below.
Benefits of Sun Tunnel/Tubular Skylight:
- Perfect for Small Spaces: Ideal for hallways, closets, and bathrooms where traditional skylights won’t fit.
- Energy-Efficient: Uses minimal space while maximizing light intake.
- Affordable: Lower cost compared to larger skylights but still provides excellent illumination.
- Quick Installation: Less invasive than other skylight types, making it a convenient option for homeowners.
Tubular skylights are a great replacement for artificial lighting in areas where conventional windows are impractical.
Considerations
Just like fixed skylights, sun tunnels also do not offer ventilation. Also, although the tube is flexible, there can be problems with installation if you do not hire an experienced contractor.
#4 Pyramid Skylights
Over the years, we have seen several changes in homeowners’ preferences when it comes to their properties. Aesthetics have become more important than ever. If you want to make a dramatic architectural statement, pyramid skylights offer a bold and stylish option. These multi-paneled skylights are usually made of glass or acrylic and are structured to allow maximum light penetration while adding a touch of sophistication.
Benefits of Pyramid Skylights:
- Architectural Appeal: Adds a luxurious and modern design element to your home.
- More Light Distribution: The angled glass panes capture and disperse light throughout the room.
- Durability: It is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions with strong framing materials.
- Customizable: Available in various sizes, colors, and frame designs to suit different aesthetics.
Pyramid skylights are often found in living rooms, kitchens, and commercial spaces where an elegant lighting solution is desired.
Considerations
Pyramid skylights are multidimensional and usually don’t allow ventilation as they cannot be opened. Plus, due to their distinct design, they are expensive.
#5 Dome Skylights
Dome skylights have a unique curved design that allows rain and debris to slide off easily, making them a durable and long-lasting choice. Made from acrylic or polycarbonate, these skylights are common in commercial buildings but are also gaining popularity for homes.
Benefits of Dome Skylights:
- Impact-Resistant: Stronger than flat glass, making it more resistant to hail and debris.
- Self-Cleaning Design: The dome shape prevents dirt and water accumulation.
- Amplified Light Intake: The curved surface helps diffuse and spread light evenly across a room.
- Ideal for Flat Roofs: Works well on homes with low-pitch or flat roofs where traditional skylights may not be suitable.
For homeowners looking for a durable and effective replacement for standard windows, dome skylights provide an excellent alternative.
Considerations
Dome skylights are not the most visually appealing options.
What Type Of Skylight Is Best?
Now that we have covered all the major types of skylights, you might wonder which is the best. However, there is not a fixed answer to this. All the skylights seen above have their benefits and are suitable for different needs. The right skylight for you depends on your preferences, ventilation, and budget.
For example, if you only want a skylight to bring in natural sunlight, a fixed skylight is a good option. On the other hand, if you are looking for ventilation too, a vented skylight is the one to choose. Tubular skylights work well in tight spaces, while pyramid and dome skylights add an extra design flair.
Also Read: Skylight Installation Costs: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)
What Type Of Glass Is Ideal For My Skylight?
Skylights differ not only in their shape and design but also in the type of glass that is used. After you select a skylight for your home, the next step is to consider what type of glass you will be using.
The ideal glass for your skylight depends on your climate, energy efficiency goals, and specific needs. Options include tempered safety glass, laminated glass for added protection, and insulated glass units (IGUs) that provide better thermal performance and reduce heat transfer. If you aren’t sure which type of glass to choose for your skylight, our experts can help.
Also Read: How Long Does A Skylight Last?
Your Pros For Skylight Installation!
All these skylights offer different advantages, but to maximize their benefits, it is important to hire a professional contractor for installation.
Whether you want to install a simple, fixed skylight or want to stand out with a pyramid skylight, our experts at Prestige Roofing LLC can help. As a trusted roofing company in Northeastern Wisconsin, we have years of experience and expertise that ensures you get a smooth and stress-free skylight installation.
Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 to explore your options and bring more natural light into your living space!