What to consider when purchasing rooflights

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Nick Dardalis

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Home improvement projects have changed over the years.  Where a traditional bolt-on extension was once the default option builders are now able to offer homeowners a variety of options to make better use of their available space.  Today’s home extensions can incorporate sliding or bifolding doors and contemporary windows.  One key feature will be a lantern roof or a skylight.

If you are presently considering a glazed extension incorporating skylights we can offer some advice and guidance.

What is a Rooflight?

the howells patent glazing skylight offers minimal sight lines and maximum glass when viewed from the inside.
The Howells Patent Glazing Skylight offers minimal sight lines and maximum glass when viewed from the inside.

These are glazed panels designed to fit into a roof.  Other terms for Rooflights are Skylights. Roof Windows or incorrectly referred to as Velux (although this is a separate brand and product in its own right.

Roof lights are designed to be fitted to either a flat or sloping roof, although depending upon the product some rooflights can be restricted by the degree of pitch.

What are the advantages of rooflights?

Rooflights have enjoyed a lot of popularity in the last five years as the home extension, renovation and “common theme” of these projects gains popularity.  It is rare nowadays for a glazed extension not to incoporate some form of glazed element in the roof that brings extra light.  And extra light from the roof brings many other advantages.

  • A rooflight will provide valuable natural light and can reduce the amount of light fittings or artificial light planned.
  • They are ultra contemporary and provide a real wow factor when included as part of a project.
  • They can save money on heating bills as modern rooflights have excellent U Values.
  • They come in many different forms including fixed, manual opening, automatic opening and even rooflights that can be walked on.
  • Rooflights are available in double or triple glazing.

Are there any disadvantages to rooflights?

bifolding doors are fantastic for connecting inside and outside spaces. but they also have other uses too.
Rooflights are now very popular in glazed extensions featuring bifolding doors such as these by Origin.

In theory no.  Rooflights offer many advantages.  Cost can be an issue as these will be generally more expensive than the traditional materials per square metre used to construct a roof.  Prices will depend upon the product and the specification.  Typical prices for an 900x900mm rooflight can range from £700 up to over £3000 again depending on specification how it opens and other factors.

There should be no weathering issues with rooflights and they should not leak assuming they are fitted to the right upstand at the right size and by a competent installer.  We would not recommend any DIY installation of such products. It is important to remember the manufacturing process of rooflights is completely different to standard windows and doors.  In most well designed rooflights the glass should finish flush with the frame to prevent any collection of water and to ensure no “pooling” of rainwater occurs.  This is a different arrangement to windows where you will normally see the glass set back from the front of the windows.

Am I governed by Building Regulations on rooflights?

We would always recommend dealing with an experienced builder or architect that can advise you further.  Up to date building regulations on this matter recommend a minimum of 150mm above a finished roof level.

What about glass safety issues on rooflights?

Glass specifications will vary from product to product.  As standard and legally required, glass must be a safety glass – either laminated or toughened.  There are differences between toughened and laminated glass.  Laminated glass will normally be provided on the inside pane as standard holding together in the unlikely event that the outer pane breaks.  There should be no issues regarding glass safety and impact resistance for glazed rooflights.  Indeed many modern glass rooflights are designed to be walked on, demonstrating the strength of modern glass today.

Walk on rooflights benefit from the very latest in glass technology.  Ultra thick glass of up to 40mm thick or more can be used and is designed to take far more weight than standard toughened glass.

How can rooflights open and provide ventilation?

You have a choice of fixed or opening rooflights but the choice will be determined by whether you require the rooflight to provide natural light only or ventilation as well.  The opening methods of rooflights include:

  • manually openable
  • electrically openable with a built in actuator and wired to an electrical connection
  • automatic closing with built in rain sensors

 Sizes of Rooflights

Rooflights are available in a range of standard sizes ranging from approximately 800x800mm up to 1000x2500mm or more.  This is largely dependent upon suppliers but designers and manufacturers have identified a need to provide a range of standard sizes to simplify building projects.  Bespoke sizes are of course available to suit individual projects.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
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Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
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20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
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guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
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After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
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Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
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Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
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I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
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08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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