Dormer vs. Skylight — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Dormers are structural additions protruding from a roof to create more interior space and allow window installation, while skylights are windows set directly into the roofline to enhance natural light.
Difference Between Dormer and Skylight
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dormers are architectural elements that extend vertically from the plane of a sloping roof, providing additional headroom and architectural interest. Whereas skylights are integrated directly into the roofing material to maximize daylight and visibility of the sky.
Dormers often involve complex construction that includes framing, roofing, and window installation, contributing to both interior and exterior aesthetics. On the other hand, skylights are primarily designed for functionality over form, focusing on light enhancement with minimal structural impact.
The installation of a dormer can significantly alter the appearance and structure of a building, often requiring planning permission. Skylights, by contrast, are usually less intrusive, requiring simpler modifications to the existing roof.
While dormers can be used to convert attics into livable spaces, adding considerable value to a property, skylights provide an economical solution to improve lighting and ventilation without the need for extensive renovations.
Additionally, dormers provide architectural versatility, available in various styles such as gable, hipped, or shed, which complements the existing building design. Skylights, however, offer different functional types, such as fixed, vented, or tubular, focusing more on the practical aspects of light and air flow.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Adds space and architectural character
Increases natural light
Installation
Complex, involves structural changes
Simpler, integrated into the roof
Impact on Roof
Significantly alters roofline
Minimal alteration to roofline
Varieties
Gable, hipped, shed, etc.
Fixed, vented, tubular, etc.
Main Function
Space creation and aesthetics
Light enhancement and ventilation
Compare with Definitions
Dormer
Often requires planning permission due to changes in structure and appearance
Skylight
Helps in energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Their electricity bills lowered after they installed a tubular skylight.
Dormer
Typically involves adding both roof and wall elements.
The construction of a dormer includes modifying the existing roof structure.
Skylight
.
Before adding the dormer, they had to get the plans approved by the city council.
Dormer
An architectural element that increases the usable space within a building.
They added a dormer to create a new master bedroom in the attic.
Skylight
Designed to fit seamlessly into the roof with minimal disruption.
The new skylight blends perfectly with the slate roofing tiles.
Dormer
A roofed structure often containing a window, that extends vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof.
The quaint cottage was enhanced by a charming gable dormer above the front door.
Skylight
Can be fixed or operable for ventilation.
The bathroom skylight can be opened to let out steam.
Dormer
Can be designed in various styles to complement the existing architecture.
The architect suggested a hipped dormer to match the home’s historical look.
Skylight
A window installed in a roof or ceiling to allow natural light to enter directly.
They installed a skylight to brighten up their dark kitchen.
Dormer
A small roofed structure projecting outward on a larger sloping roof.
Skylight
Often used in eco-friendly home designs to maximize light and air flow.
The architect used skylights extensively in the passive solar home design.
Dormer
A window set in such a structure.
Skylight
An overhead window, as in a roof, admitting daylight.
Dormer
A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof. A dormer window (also called dormer) is a form of roof window.
Skylight
A hole in the congealed surface of a lava flow, through which flowing lava can be seen.
Dormer
(architecture) A room-like, roofed projection from a sloping roof.
Skylight
A skylight (sometimes called a rooflight) is a light-transmitting structure or window, usually made of transparent or transluscent glass, that forms all or part of the roof space of a building for daylighting and ventilation purposes.
Dormer
(architecture) dormer-window.
Skylight
Light from the sky.
Dormer
(Philippines) A resident of a dormitory.
Skylight
(architecture) A window, dome, or opening in the roof or ceiling, to admit natural light.
Dormer
A window pierced in a roof, and so set as to be vertical while the roof slopes away from it. Also, the gablet, or houselike structure, in which it is contained.
Skylight
(physics) Diffuse sky radiation—solar radiation reaching the earth's surface after having been scattered from the direct solar beam by molecules or suspensoids in the atmosphere.
Dormer
A gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window
Skylight
(volcanology) A hole in the upper part of a lava tube, yielding a view of the lava within.
Skylight
A region of flat, thin ice allowing a submarine to surface.
Skylight
A window placed in the roof of a building, in the ceiling of a room, or in the deck of a ship, for the admission of light from above.
Skylight
A window in a roof to admit daylight
Common Curiosities
Can installing a skylight save on energy costs?
Yes, skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting, saving on energy costs.
What types of skylights are there?
Skylights come in fixed, vented, and tubular forms.
What is the main purpose of a dormer?
To increase the usable space under a roof and to add architectural interest.
Can a skylight be used for emergency egress?
Certain operable skylights can be designed to serve as emergency exits.
Does adding a dormer always require planning permission?
Often, yes, because it changes the exterior structure and appearance of the building.
Are dormers only used for residential buildings?
No, dormers can be installed in any type of building, including commercial structures.
Is it expensive to install a dormer?
Yes, dormers require significant structural changes, making them more expensive than skylights.
Do skylights leak?
If not properly installed, skylights can leak, but modern installations often include features to prevent leakage.
Are skylights secure?
Yes, modern skylights are designed with security features, but additional measures may be needed depending on the location.
How long does it take to install a dormer?
Installing a dormer can take several weeks due to the complexity of the work involved.
Are all dormers made with windows?
Typically, yes, as the main purpose is to bring in light and increase space.
What is the best roof type for a dormer?
Dormers can be added to a variety of roof types, but they are most commonly seen on sloped roofs.
Can skylights be installed in any type of roof?
Skylights can be installed in most roof types, but the specific design and materials may vary.
How does a dormer affect home value?
Dormers can significantly increase home value by improving aesthetics and increasing usable space.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
