Considering installing electric roof windows? Our guide explains everything you need to know in order to make the right choice for your home
(Image credit: Velux)
Electric roof windows are definitely worth considering if you are planning to install roof windows in your home.
Whilst conventional rooflights provide the ideal way to draw light into areas of the house that are not easily served by conventional windows, electric roof windows go one step further, making operation of these sometimes hard-to-reach features a doddle.
What is an Electric Roof Window?
Electric roof windows are those which can be operated by means of a panel on the wall or remote control. They also include rooflights with automatic weather sensors.
In double height spaces or above staircases, electric roof windows such as these from Keylite are the most practical option. (Image credit: Keylite)
Manual or Electric Roof Windows?
Although manually operated rooflights are the simplest and cheapest solution, they are not always practical.
In many places, such as where there are high ceilings, or over staircases, the window will be out of reach. If you want to open the roof window, you would either have to use a pole — or opt for electric roof windows.
After rooflights with rain sensors? Take a look at the Premium Electric Kit option from Keylite. (Image credit: Keylite)
How do Electric Roof Windows Work?
Electric roof windows require an electrical motor that has to be housed somewhere accessible, although it is sometimes concealed within the structure.
There also needs to be a switch which can be hard wired to a switch plate, or they can be wireless.
Some automated rooflights are solar powered too.
The Integra range of roof windows from Velux can be both electric and solar powered and also features a range of electric blinds and shutters. (Image credit: Velux)
Should I Choose Wireless Electric Roof Windows?
The choice between wireless or hard-wired home fixtures is a common factor these days in many aspects of housebuilding, including thermostats for heating, door bells, alarm systems and media platforms.
Wireless switching is much easier to install but is reckoned to be less reliable, although as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth improve, the difference is getting less noticeable.
Generally, wireless switching requires a hand unit that runs on batteries, so these will need changing from time to time.
Should Electric Roof Windows Have Rain Sensors?
Most rooflights with automatic opening offer rain sensors as an option.
These are small metal plates which detect rainfall and then automatically close the rooflight when rain is detected.
The quality varies — check to see whether the sensors you opt for will detect other adverse weather such as snow or hail as some have been known to remain open in these conditions...
The neo Advance range of rooflights from The Rooflight Company were designed as to provide a contemporary energy efficient option. (Image credit: The Rooflight Company)
Will I Need Automatic Rooflight Blinds?
If the rooflight is hard to reach, then it also likely that any blinds it comes with will also be hard to get to meaning electrically operated blinds and shutters will also need to be considered.
Yes, although it will require power and switching to be fitted which may be a little more disruptive than you wish in the form of some redecoration and patching up. Talk through the amount of disruption that can be expected with your supplier.
Electric Roof Windows Smart Tech
One of the more advanced options in the world of automated rooflights is the Velux Active Climate Control module that opens and closes both windows and blinds depending on indoor temperatures, humidity and CO2 levels.
These automated rooflights and blinds can also be controlled by a smartphone app. In this way, the window control is rather more like a thermostat on a radiator, in that its position is being determined by a simple algorithm which is programmed to respond to certain pre-defined states — i.e. temperature or indoor air quality.
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Mark is the author of the ever-popular Housebuilder’s Bible and an experienced builder. The Housebuilder’s Bible is the go-to hardback for self builders; originally published in 1994, it is updated every two years with up-to-date build costs and information on planning and building regulations, and is currently in its 14th reiteration.
He has written for publications such as Homebuilding & Renovating for over three decades. An experienced self builder, his latest self build, a contemporary eco home built to Passivhaus principles, was created on a tight urban brownfield plot.
