Adding windows to your roof is more than a visual upgrade. It’s a way to brighten your living space, improve energy flow, and make your home feel bigger and more open.
Properly placed skylights, sun tunnels, and roof windows can brighten interior rooms. RoofPRO has installed hundreds of roof windows since 2004. Below ,you will learn what kinds of roof windows exist, how they are fitted, and what you should know before planning your project.
What Are Roof Windows and Skylights?
A roof window is integrated directly into the structure of your roof. While the terms “skylight” and “roof window” are often used interchangeably, there are differences.
A roof window is a factory-built window installed so that the frame sits flush with a sloped roof. Unlike a traditional skylight, which may rise above the shingles, a roof window integrates into the roofline (this difference matters for appearance and water drainage).
Key Details About Roofing Windows:
Window material choices include wood with a white polyurethane coating, vinyl, and clad aluminum. Each resists Maryland’s humid summers and occasional winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Glazing options range from double-pane, argon-filled glass with low-emissivity coatings to laminated safety glass that stays intact if struck by debris.
Roof pitches between 15 and 60 degrees accept most models. That means Cape Cod, gable, hip, and even low-slope roofs can qualify after an inspection.
About Skylight Windows
Skylights may be fixed, tubular, or retrofitted after initial construction. There are a few different types of skylights that we install:
- Fixed Skylights: Sleek and maintenance-free, these non-opening models are perfect for spaces where you want light but no ventilation.
- Ventilating Skylights: Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or lofts, these can be opened to let out steam and stale air—many even offer remote control or rain sensors for automatic closing.
- Tubular Skylights: When a traditional skylight isn’t feasible, a reflective tube channels sunlight from roof to ceiling, illuminating hallways or closets with minimal disruption to roofing structure.
Why Maryland Homeowners Choose Roof Windows
Many homes in Maryland have interior spaces with limited wall exposure. Roof windows help brighten these areas without requiring major remodeling. They also improve airflow in humid rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, and assist with temperature regulation by letting hot air escape.
RoofPRO technicians explain these details during the first site visit, measure rafter spacing, and confirm load paths so the new opening never weakens the structure. Homeowners receive a written report that outlines flashing type, glass spec, and any required framing reinforcement.
Where Roof Windows Work Best
Roof windows aren’t just for attics, they bringing sky-high brightness into spots where traditional walls windows may not be feasible. Here are the top places they shine:
Converted Attics
Home offices or guest rooms under the ridge beam gain daylight without losing wall space for shelving. Creative work thrives in daylight. Roof windows above your desk or drafting table provide consistent illumination, reduce eye strain, and offer glimpses of sky that spark fresh ideas.
Loft-Style Living Areas
Roof windows flood the space with light and fresh air, making low-ceiling rooms feel taller and more inviting. They transform dark eaves into sunlit nooks perfect for reading or relaxing
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Get spa vibes without sacrificing privacy. Roof windows deliver glare-free illumination for grooming tasks while keeping sightlines closed off from neighbors. Ventilating models also help whisk away steam, reducing mold risk.
Garages and Detached Sheds
Garages and sheds can feel cave-like, until a well-placed roof window brings light into the space. Hobby spaces stay bright, cutting dependence on overhead fluorescent tubes.
Why Maryland Homes Benefit From Roofing Windows
More Natural Light
Maryland homes often rely on wall windows that face neighboring houses or tree lines. Roof windows bypass those obstructions.
Ventilation & Moisture Control
Maryland’s summer humidity lingers in attics and finished lofts. An operable roof window lets steam out and less trapped moisture means fewer mold issues.
Energy Savings
Light that pours from above reduces the need to flip a switch during daylight hours. Modern low-e coatings reflect infrared heat in summer while welcoming it in winter, so you run heating and cooling equipment less. ENERGY STAR research shows that one well-placed roof window can save up to three percent on annual electricity use for lighting.
Curb Appeal and Resale Value
Buyers remember a bright living space. Appraisers in Bethesda and Rockville often note increased market value for homes with certified roof window installations, especially when paired with fresh shingle work. A study by the Journal of Light Construction found that homeowners recouped sixty-seven cents on the dollar for quality window installations.
Better Room Function
Bathrooms gain quick steam relief, attics become home offices, and small kitchens feel larger. We have helped clients turn a cramped space above a garage into a sunny craft studio that never needed extra lighting during the day.
The RoofPRO Installation Process
- Free Inspection & Design Session: A project consultant measures your roof from both inside and outside, checks rafter depth, and notes any HVAC ducts that might intersect the planned opening.
- Product Selection and Order: You choose from Velux, FAKRO, or Andersen window lines. We advise you on each material, framing, and window option.
- Precise Framing and Cutting: Our in-house carpenters mark trimmer rafters, install headers, and cut roof decking with dust-controlled saws while tarps protect furnishings.
- Flashing and Waterproofing: We fit manufacturer flashing kits, step shingles neatly, and seal every nail head with sealant. A peel-and-stick underlayment wraps the curb to guard against ice dams.
- Quality Check and Walkthrough: A field supervisor uses a moisture meter around the frame, confirms smooth operation, and reviews your warranty packet before final cleanup.
How Much Will Roof Windows Cost?
RoofPro offers free, detailed estimates. You’ll know exactly what to expect. Our work includes warranties on both products and installation. Recent data shows Maryland homeowners pay about $1,600 to $4,200 for a single skylight, installed and finished. The window itself ranges from $150 to $2,000, depending on size and features, while labor adds another $1,200 to $3,200 when cutting, flashing, insulating, and trimming are included. If you plan adding a new window or skylight opening rather than replacing an old unit, expect costs upwards of $5,000, because rafters may need extra support and interior repairs.
Energy Credits and Tax Incentives
Because modern roof windows carry ENERGY STAR labels, they may qualify for the current federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. This tax credit can be a savings of up to 30 percent of material cost on $1,200 per year.
Maintenance & Repair Services
Even well-flashed skylights need periodic care. Early fixes prevent water stains, mold, and insulation loss. RoofPRO provides:
- Annual inspection (checks seals and examines surrounding shingles)
- Glass replacement (hail or fallen branches occasionally crack panes)
- Motor or solar panel service (rare, yet parts remain in stock)
- Condensation troubleshooting (adding interior vapor barriers or insulation as needed)
Serving Homes Across Maryland
RoofPRO brings top-quality roofing and window services right to your neighborhood. Whether you’re in Baltimore County tackling a historic rowhouse repair or upgrading your Frederick farmhouse with new skylights, our fully licensed teams are familiar with local building codes, climate considerations, and architectural styles. We serve homeowners in:
- Baltimore
- Annapolis
- Columbia
- Rockville
- Towson
- Ellicott City
- Glen Burnie
- And many other cities & neighborhoods throughout Maryland
Get Started with RoofPRO Today!
Roof windows gives you extra light, easier ventilation, and more usable living space with one easy change. RoofPRO’s team of Maryland-licensed installers brings two decades of local roofing and exterior knowledge to your project.
Contact us to schedule a free roof window inspection today.