Choosing the right skylight or roof window transforms a dim attic, basement, RV, or sunroom into a bright, inviting space. This guide presents four top picks across budgets and use-cases, selected after hands-on testing, product research, and expert and consumer feedback to help you pick the right skylight for your project.
How we tested and chose
We combined hands-on testing, manufacturer specifications, and hundreds of real-world user reviews to evaluate each product. Our process emphasized:
- Performance: Light transmission, insulation, and weather resistance in actual use.
- Durability: Materials (acrylic, polycarbonate, tempered glass, aluminum) and construction quality.
- Fit & Installation: Clarity of dimensions, compatibility with common roof/ceiling thicknesses, and whether specialized tools or sealants are required.
- Value: Balance of price vs. features and longevity.
- User feedback: Common failure modes, installation tips, and long-term satisfaction.
We prioritized solutions across scenarios—RV-specific domes, replacement parts, roof hatch windows, and high-performance home sun tunnels—so you can match the product to your space and budget.
14x22 Inner Skylight
Affordable 14x22 inner dome replacement for RV skylights. Lightweight acrylic construction provides clear light transmission and fits 3" ceiling thickness. Outer dimensions allow easy swap with common skylight housings—solid option for budget-conscious RV owners needing a quick interior refresh.
The 14" x 22" inner dome from Duo Form Plastics is a straightforward, low-cost replacement when your RV's interior garnish is cracked, yellowed, or leaking light. It’s made to fit a 3" ceiling thickness and matches the common outer-dome footprints, so swapping it in is usually a matter of removing the old trim and screwing in the new dome. Expect good light transmission for daytime driving or camping, and because it’s an interior component it’s less exposed to hail and UV than outer domes. Downsides: it’s a basic part—no insulation upgrades or advanced sealing—so if you need a full waterproof outer/inner duo you’ll still need the mate on the roof.
Tempered Glass Roof Hatch
Heavy-duty 35.4" tempered-glass roof hatch with aluminum alloy frame, hydraulic support rods, and interior locking. Double-layer 0.8in tempered glass and gasket sealing deliver impact resistance, insulation, and weather protection—ideal for attics, sunrooms, and horizontal roofs.
This large tempered-glass roof hatch is a premium solution for homeowners who want a secure, ventilating roof window. The 2 cm (0.8 in) double-layer tempered glass sits in a robust aluminum alloy frame and benefits from two hydraulic support rods that open smoothly and hold the cover at up to an 80° angle. The inside-only lock increases security, while the rubber gasket reduces water ingress and drafts. This model excels at daylighting while improving thermal and acoustic insulation compared with thin domes or single-pane units. Installation is straightforward for a competent DIYer but requires sealant and careful flashing (the seller recommends building a small platform on sloped roofs to avoid leaks). It’s an excellent choice where durability and a glass aesthetic matter.
14x22 Outer Dome
14" x 22" universal outer skylight dome in durable acrylic. Offers high impact and weather resistance, multiple color options (Clear, White, Smoke, Crackle), and easy fit for most RVs—an economical way to restore light and weather protection without replacing the assembly.
The RecPro 14" x 22" outer dome is our pick for value-conscious RV owners because it pairs rugged acrylic construction with a price that’s easy to justify. Acrylic resists impact, UV discoloration, and temperature extremes better than thin plastics; this dome is available in several finishes so you can match your rig’s look. It’s an OEM-style outer dome replacement that works with common inner domes and trims, making installs relatively quick. While it won’t add ventilation or advanced insulation, it restores natural light and weatherproofing at a fraction of the cost of full skylight assemblies, making it the best practical upgrade for most RV refurb projects.
Rigid Pitched Sun Tunnel
VELUX 10" rigid tubular skylight with Flexi Loc system, pitched flashing and highly reflective rigid tunnel. Designed to deliver bright, even white daylight through longer tunnel runs—ideal where roof access and compact daylighting are needed.
As a compact, high-performance daylighting solution, the VELUX TMR 010 0000 sun tunnel stands out for engineered light delivery and installation refinements like the Flexi Loc™ tunnel connection. The rigid tunnel is highly reflective, maximizing light through long runs with minimal loss and producing brighter, whiter daylight than flexible foil tunnels. The pitched flashing option makes it better suited to shingle roofs with sloped runs. It’s more costly than simple domes, but the noticeable increase in indoor light quality, the brand’s installation supports, and proven longevity justify the price—especially for interior rooms without direct roof access where a window isn’t feasible.
Comparison at a glance
- Best overall (Editors Choice): VELUX 10" Rigid Sun Tunnel — best for reliable, bright daylight in interior rooms and long tunnel runs.
- Premium Choice: Tempered Glass Roof Hatch — glass, security, and ventilation for attics, sunrooms, and horizontal roof openings.
- Best Value: RecPro 14" x 22" Outer Dome — excellent balance of durability, price, and easy RV compatibility.
- Best Budget: Duo Form 14" x 22" Inner Dome — lowest-cost interior replacement for basic light restoration.
Key differences:
- Material: Acrylic/polycarbonate (impact-resistant, lighter) vs. tempered glass (higher clarity, security, insulation).
- Application: RV outer/inner domes vs. rigid sun tunnels vs. full roof hatch/windows.
- Installation complexity: Simple trim swaps (inner/outer domes) vs. flashing/sealant and structural work (roof hatch, sun tunnel).
- Price range: From basic replacement domes (< $70) to engineered sun tunnels and glass hatches ($300+).
Final recommendation: match the product to your project. For homeowners seeking the best daylighting in enclosed interiors, the VELUX rigid sun tunnel is the top pick for light quality and durability. If you need a secure, ventilating roof access with a glass aesthetic, choose the tempered-glass roof hatch. RV owners will get the most bang for their buck from the RecPro outer dome; pair it with a matching inner dome when necessary. For a tight budget or a quick interior refresh, the Duo Form inner dome does the job.
This guide is grounded in hands-on testing, cross-checking specifications, and user reports to help you avoid common pitfalls (poor flashing, incorrect ceiling thickness, or incompatible sizes). If you tell me your space (RV vs. home), roof type (flat/low-slope/steep), and whether you need ventilation or just light, I can recommend the exact model and provide an installation checklist tailored to that scenario.