The Advantages of Rooflights
Rooflights are an ideal way to increase natural light into the room below. They not only allow you to reduce your dependency on artificial lighting but also encourage energy efficiency in the property. Sometimes a rooflight is a practical alternative when a vertical window cannot be installed onto a house or commercial building.
If you are considering installing a rooflight onto a new or existing roof, you will need to factor in its usage, aesthetic appeal and performance levels. Our guide to flat roof windows and rooflights covers every aspect to help you make a carefully informed buying decision.
What are Rooflights?
A 'rooflight' is an opening that is created in the structure of a flat roof to enable light to come into the interior space below. The term can also be referred to when talking about skylights or other forms of glazed openings.
Glass Structures Limited are a specialist product provided by companies who typically only provide this type of window, rather than the more conventional style. It's worth speaking to a professional for advice before making your final decision.
Glass Structures Limited are a specialist product provided by companies who typically only provide this type of window, rather than the more conventional style. It's worth speaking to a professional for advice before making your final decision.
What Windows are Available for Flat Roofing?
As flat roofing is becoming a popular choice once again with designers and architects, the inclusion of roof lighting is also being seen more regularly. Property owners can choose from two main categories; off-the-shelf and custom-made solutions.
Off-the-Shelf
Polycarbonate rooflights are found at the cheaper end of the scale. These can also be used for venting in cold flat roof structures and come in either double or triple skin. The use of glass in the window will naturally raise the price but also increase its lifespan.
Another option is a 'sun tunnel', which channels light through a reflective tube into spaces below. This is ideal for rooms that struggle to naturally receive sunlight.
Custom-Made
If required, a glazed rooflight can be reinforced to the point where it can be walked across safely. Retractable glazing can also be designed to completely open the internal space to the elements outside.
If you're looking for something a bit more unique, roof lanterns, domes and pyramid designs are available to create a far more unique look on the roof surface.
Off-the-Shelf
Polycarbonate rooflights are found at the cheaper end of the scale. These can also be used for venting in cold flat roof structures and come in either double or triple skin. The use of glass in the window will naturally raise the price but also increase its lifespan.
Another option is a 'sun tunnel', which channels light through a reflective tube into spaces below. This is ideal for rooms that struggle to naturally receive sunlight.
Custom-Made
If required, a glazed rooflight can be reinforced to the point where it can be walked across safely. Retractable glazing can also be designed to completely open the internal space to the elements outside.
If you're looking for something a bit more unique, roof lanterns, domes and pyramid designs are available to create a far more unique look on the roof surface.
What to Consider When Buying Flat Roof Windows
The good news is that planning permission is rarely a requirement for flat roof windows or rooflights. This is because they are typically part of the extension agreement or a replacement for similar roof windows or rooflights. The same applies to a new addition to the flat roof, although it is always worth checking first with your local authority.
Bespoke rooflights, such as pyramids or lanterns, may require permission as their elevated design and shape may fall into the eye line of neighbouring residents. When considering this option, look at the building regulations to verify how much glass is permitted for an individual structure.
Bespoke rooflights, such as pyramids or lanterns, may require permission as their elevated design and shape may fall into the eye line of neighbouring residents. When considering this option, look at the building regulations to verify how much glass is permitted for an individual structure.
- Rooflight Position
- Access and Ventilation
- Installation
The Cost of Roof Lighting
Find out the most recent prices for our flat roof lighting & flat roof window solutions by following these links.
Standard, unglazed rooflights can start from as little as £250. These usually consist of materials such as polycarbonate as an alternative to glass.
Smaller glazed options start at around £400-£500, while bespoke rooflights can be priced from £700 upwards. If you are thinking of installing a walk-on unit or an electronic rooflight, you can expect to pay at least £1000.
Standard, unglazed rooflights can start from as little as £250. These usually consist of materials such as polycarbonate as an alternative to glass.
Smaller glazed options start at around £400-£500, while bespoke rooflights can be priced from £700 upwards. If you are thinking of installing a walk-on unit or an electronic rooflight, you can expect to pay at least £1000.
What are the Advantages of Rooflights?
Apart from the obvious aesthetic appeal that flat rooflights provide there are numerous benefits that their installation can offer to the building and its inhabitants.
- Energy Efficiency
- Privacy
- Roof Access
- Maintaining Rooflights & Windows
- Glass Cleaning
- Condensation Prevention
- Checking for Leaks