What are electric opening rooflights?
An opening rooflight is a flat rooflight whose glazed lid lifts on a hinge, usually driven by a concealed electric actuator, so the same unit gives daylight and ventilation. Most are controlled by a wall switch or remote, and many add a rain sensor that closes the lid when it starts to rain.
Opening units are the practical choice over kitchens and bathrooms, where warm moist air rises and needs a way out. Heat leaves fastest at the highest point in a room, so even a modest opening clears steam and summer heat quickly.
We wire the actuator to a fused spur or the circuit your electrician provides, set the travel limits and test the rain sensor before we leave.
- Typical sizes
- 800 × 800 mm to about 1200 × 2000 mm
- Opening
- Hinged lid on electric actuator
- Controls
- Wall switch, remote, rain sensor
- Power
- Mains, via a fused spur (low-voltage on some models)
- Fitting time
- 1–2 days including testing
- Typical lead time
- 3–5 weeks from order
Why choose electric opening rooflights?
- Daylight and purge ventilation from one unit
- Electric opening — no poles or winding
- Rain sensor closes the lid automatically
- Clears cooking steam and summer heat at ceiling level
- Same slim look as a fixed unit when closed
- Can be grouped with fixed units on one roof
What options are there?
- Electric actuator with wall switch or remote
- Rain and wind sensor
- Smart-home or app control (manufacturer dependent)
- Manual winder on smaller units
- Insect screen
- Double or triple glazing
- Integral blind
- Frame colour to match your doors
What should you check before you order?
- Needs a power supply at the opening — plan the cable route before ceilings close up
- Electrical connection should be made by a competent electrician to BS 7671
- Opening area may count toward purge ventilation for the room
- Lid opening height is limited by the actuator stroke, typically a few hundred millimetres
Planning and building-regulation rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our planning guide and building regulations guide set out each nation's position.
How much do electric opening rooflights cost?
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large with rain sensor and blind | £4,195 – £5,995 | £3,495 – £4,995 |
| Mid-size electric with rain sensor Typical | £2,995 – £4,195 | £2,495 – £3,495 |
| Small manual or electric opening unit | £2,395 – £3,115 | £1,995 – £2,595 |
Guide prices per rooflight, supplied and fitted, excluding first-fix electrics. Your fixed price follows a free survey for new installations.
Electric opening rooflights: common questions
What happens if it rains while it is open?
With a rain sensor fitted, the actuator closes the lid automatically when the sensor detects water. Without one, the lid stays where you left it, which is why we recommend the sensor on any unit over a kitchen or bedroom.
Can it open in a power cut?
Most electric units stay where they are during a power cut. Some manufacturers offer a manual override or battery backup — we will tell you which option the chosen model has.
Is it noisy?
Actuators run for a few seconds and are about as loud as an electric blind. Once closed, an opening unit is as quiet as a fixed one.
Can I control it from my phone?
Some ranges link to smart-home hubs or their own app. If that matters, say so at survey and we will specify a compatible model.
Does it need an electrician?
The rooflight wiring needs a suitable supply. We can arrange it, or your own electrician can provide the spur and we connect the unit.
Is it secure when open?
An opening rooflight is a vent, not an access hatch, so the gap is small. For security, close it when the house is empty — a rain sensor does not lock the unit.
