Fixed vs. Vented Skylight: Which One Is Best for You?

When it comes to bringing natural light into your home, skylights are a timeless choice. They enhance comfort, boost energy efficiency, and add architectural character. But one key question remains: should you choose a fixed skylight or a vented skylight?

Both types offer unique benefits depending on your lifestyle, roof design, and ventilation needs. At VSKY, Adelaide’s trusted skylight installation specialists, we help homeowners select the perfect solution to brighten their spaces while maintaining airflow and energy balance.

1. Understanding the Two Skylight Types

Before deciding, it’s important to understand what sets fixed and vented skylights apart.

Fixed Skylights

A fixed skylight is designed solely for lighting purposes. It remains permanently sealed and cannot be opened. These skylights are perfect for rooms that already have excellent airflow but need additional daylight, like hallways, staircases, or living areas.

Because there are no moving parts, fixed skylights are often more affordable and require minimal maintenance. They also provide a high level of insulation, helping reduce energy loss.

Vented Skylights

A vented skylight, on the other hand, can be opened manually or electronically to allow fresh air to flow in and out. This feature helps regulate temperature, reduce humidity, and improve air quality.

In Adelaide’s warmer months, vented skylights help release trapped heat from your ceiling, keeping your home naturally cooler. Many models also come with rain sensors and remote controls for convenient, automated operation.

2. Benefits of Fixed Skylights

Fixed skylights are ideal if your primary goal is to maximise natural light without altering indoor airflow. Here’s why homeowners love them:

• Energy Efficiency: Fixed skylights offer superior insulation since they remain permanently closed, helping retain warmth during winter and block heat during summer.
  
• Low Maintenance: With fewer mechanical components, fixed skylights require minimal servicing, making them a cost-effective long-term choice.
  
• Sleek Design: Their simple, minimalist look integrates seamlessly into modern or traditional architecture.
  
• Perfect for Sealed Rooms: Great for rooms where ventilation isn’t needed, like living areas, hallways, or offices.
  

VSKY installs high-quality Velux fixed skylights across Adelaide, ensuring every product meets Australian standards for performance and durability.

3. Benefits of Vented Skylights

If you’re looking to improve ventilation and comfort, a vented skylight may be your best option.

• Enhanced Air Circulation: Opening skylights allows warm, stale air to escape while letting fresh air flow in, reducing stuffiness and indoor humidity.
• Healthier Living Spaces: By improving airflow, they help minimise mould and condensation buildup in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or attics.
• Automatic Control Options: Electric or solar-powered vented skylights can open and close automatically, often featuring rain sensors for all-weather protection.
• Cooling Efficiency: Especially in Adelaide’s hot summers, vented skylights act as a passive cooling system, naturally reducing reliance on air conditioning.
  

Whether you choose a manual or electric model, VSKY’s expert installers ensure your vented skylight integrates perfectly with your roof type and home layout.

4. Comparing Fixed and Vented Skylights

Feature	Fixed Skylight	Vented Skylight
Airflow	No ventilation	Provides natural ventilation
Energy Efficiency	Highly insulated	Moderate, depending on model
Maintenance	Minimal	Requires periodic servicing
Cost	Lower upfront cost	Slightly higher investment
Ideal Locations	Living rooms, corridors	Kitchens, bathrooms, lofts
Operation	Stationary	Manual, electric, or solar
Weather Protection	Fully sealed	Rain sensors in advanced models

Each type offers unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your priorities: energy efficiency, ventilation, or aesthetics.

5. Which Skylight Is Best for Different Rooms?

Selecting the correct skylight also depends on where you plan to install it.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

These areas tend to trap heat and moisture, making the vented skylight the better choice. It allows humidity to escape, reducing condensation and improving air quality.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms

For comfort and relaxation, fixed skylights provide consistent natural light without drafts. Pair them with blinds or diffusers for privacy and glare control.

Attics and Lofts

These spaces can become hot and stuffy. Installing a vented skylight offers excellent temperature regulation, keeping them liveable year-round.

Hallways and Stairwells

Fixed skylights work perfectly in these transitional areas, illuminating dark corners and creating an open, airy atmosphere.

6. Energy Efficiency Considerations

Both skylight types can improve your home’s energy performance when installed correctly. Fixed skylights maintain a tighter seal, helping retain conditioned air, while vented skylights allow natural ventilation, reducing cooling costs in summer.

Modern Velux vented skylights feature double glazing and low-E coatings to minimise heat transfer. Combined with professional flashing systems, VSKY ensures each installation is watertight and energy-efficient, ideal for Adelaide’s changing climate.

7. Design & Control Options for Vented Skylights

Today’s vented skylights come with smart technology designed for convenience and sustainability:

• Manual Crank Models: Simple to use, perfect for accessible ceilings.
• Electric Vented Skylights: Operated by wall switch or remote control, ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
• Solar-Powered Models: Run entirely on solar energy, offering eco-friendly ventilation and automatic closing when rain is detected.
  

VSKY installs all three types, ensuring homeowners across Adelaide enjoy both modern comfort and timeless design.

8. Professional Installation: Why It Matters

Whether you choose a fixed or vented skylight, correct installation is crucial for performance and longevity. Poor installation can lead to leaks, condensation, or reduced energy efficiency.

At VSKY, our certified installers follow manufacturer guidelines and building codes to guarantee a perfect fit. We assess your roof pitch, materials, and internal structure to ensure optimal placement and sealing. Our expertise ensures your skylight not only looks great but also performs flawlessly for years to come.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Skylight with VSKY

So, which is better, a fixed skylight or a vented skylight?

If you want maximum natural light with minimal maintenance, a fixed skylight is ideal. But if your goal is to improve ventilation and indoor comfort, a vented skylight is the superior choice.

Ultimately, the best skylight depends on your space, roof type, and lifestyle needs. At VSKY, Adelaide’s skylight experts, we help you find the perfect balance between light, airflow, and energy efficiency.

Visit VSKY today or contact us to explore our full range of Velux skylights and transform your home with professional installation and tailored advice.