Rooflights are versatile construction products, available in pitched rooflight and flat rooflight variations to provide daylighting solutions in a whole host of roof constructions. They can flood homes and apartments with natural light while contributing to the energy efficiency requirements of Part L, providing ventilation and combatting overheating, and having stunning aesthetics – possibly through visual effects. To do some or all these things means specifying glass in the rooflights accordingly. Maybe a pitched rooflight requires solar control, or a flat rooflight needs to be safe to walk on. To meet the different performance requirements demanded by modern construction projects requires more than just standard glass, and this blog post gives an overview of some of the available variations. What Heat-treated Glass Types are used in Rooflights? Annealed glass is free of internal stresses caused by other heat treatments, but it breaks easily into large shards and is considered unsafe for certain uses in buildings. Annealed glass can be used as safety glass when it is incorporated into a laminated pane but the risk of thermal heat stress should be considered. This can be caused by partial shading from external objects or close-fitting blinds on the inside of the glazing. Thermal stress in glass can lead to thermal cracking of the glass. Toughened glass is a product that breaks into smaller pieces or granules, and is therefore considered a safety glass. It is produced by rapidly cooling annealed glass to make the surface of the glass more resistant to tensile failure. This tempering makes toughened glass some five to six times stronger than annealed glass, and more resistant to blunt impact. Heat-strengthened glass is tempered in a similar way but cooled more slowly. It is only around three times as strong as annealed glass (or half as strong as toughened glass). If it breaks, it exhibits similar behaviour to annealed glass. It cannot be used as safety glass on its own but does lend itself to use in a laminated pane. Bonding two panes of glass with an interlayer produces laminated glass, a catch-all term to cover the various combinations of glass and interlayer. Because the interlayer holds the glass even when broken, laminated glass is typically used where security is a priority, as well as in safety applications like overhead and walk-on glazing. Another advantage of laminated glass is that it offers an acoustic performance benefit. Read more about the differences between toughened and laminated glass. Considering the issue of safety further, most rooflights are designed to be non-fragile, and to provide a level of non-fragility equivalent to the surrounding roof. They should not be taken as being safe to walk on, instead being designed typically to prevent people or objects falling through in the event of an accident on the roof – unless specifically designed for floor loadings. For overhead glazing the first choice for the inner pane should always be a laminated glass to ensure it is considered non-fragile and to protect building occupants below from falling glass shards if a pane should ever fail. What Other Specification Options are Available for Rooflight Glazing? As part of contributing to the thermal efficiency of the building fabric, the glass in rooflights can be treated to provide solar control and reflectivity. It can also receive a low emissivity (low-e) coating to allow short-wave radiation from the sun into the building while restricting the loss of long-wave radiation back out of the building. However, these options are not different types of glass, they are treatments and coatings applied to the chosen glass. A development that does fall into the category of a different ‘glass type’ is heated glass. For applications where the moisture load/humidity is particularly high (such as swimming pools), heated glass raises the surface temperature of the rooflight, reducing the potential volume of condensation occurring on it. Other uses for heated glass include evaporating rainwater or dew and melting ice and snow. When wet, however, walk-on rooflights are slippery, and anti-slip finishes provide an antidote to the inherent risks. Sandblasting the surface of rooflight glass is one way to increase slip resistance, while also adding obscurity and creating light diffusion. More commonly, ceramic frit is used. Modern techniques screen-print the frit onto annealed glass before tempering it to achieve the desired performance. Fired permanently into the surface of the glass, the frit provides the slip resistance. Textured glasses offering slip resistance are also available. Ceramic frit and screen-printing techniques can be used for decorative effect as well, especially in conjunction with enamelled glass. Ceramic paint is applied to the glass before toughening, and the toughening process fires the paint into the surface of the glass. Using enamelled glass in conjunction with LED lights can create striking patterns of colour and light in the glass. These decorative uses of glass, and other situations where clarity is particularly desirable, lend themselves to the use of low-iron glass. The silica used in the initial glass production is selected for its low iron content removing the natural green-blue colouring that occurs otherwise. Other visual effects can be achieved using switchable or electrochromic glass. Switchable glass turns from opaque to clear when a current is passed through it, while electrochromic glass darkens to provide solar control when a current is passed through it. Are There Low Maintenance Glazing Options for Rooflights? As part of the specification process for rooflights, operational treatments can be requested that reduce the maintenance burden for homeowners. Suited to glazing installed at a 30-degree pitch or greater, self-cleaning glass features a coating that organically breaks down dirt, leaving it ready to be washed away during the next rain shower. As self-cleaning glass is not compatible with silicone, an alternative is the proprietary glass treatment, Enduroshield, which acts like a ‘non-stick’ frying pan coating. Whichever option is chosen, periodic cleaning by building users is still required and recommended.

Rooflights featuring toughened or laminated glass, or both, have different applications in construction projects. Broadly, toughened glass provides superior strength, while laminated glass offers better security as it is designed to remain intact when broken. For rooflights designed to take foot traffic, our view is that the outer pane should be toughened, heat soak tested and laminated. When ‘basic’ float glass is annealed, it produces glass that is free of internal stresses caused by other heat treatments. However, annealed glass breaks easily into large shards. That is considered unsafe for certain uses in buildings, and toughened glass and laminated glass are both ways in which float glass can be treated to improve safety. What is Toughened Glass? For a product that breaks into much smaller pieces or granules, and is therefore suitable for safety applications (including overhead rooflights on pitched or flat roofs), toughened glass must be used. Annealed glass is heated, then rapidly cooled to make the surface of the glass more resistant to tensile failure. Glass cracks due to failure at the surface. The tempering balances compression at the surface with tension in the centre of the pane, making toughened glass some four or five times stronger than annealed glass, and more resistant to blunt impact. Toughened glass cannot be cut or worked, so all processing has to be carried out prior to toughening. As it is resistant to large and variable changes in temperature, toughened glass is suited to spandrel panels where there is a risk of thermal cracking. It also offers good resistance to wind pressure on tall buildings and, in particular, corners. Something to consider is that the heating and cooling cycle required to produce toughened glass causes optical distortion in the surface. When annealed glass is heated again, it sags slightly between the rollers carrying the glass through the furnace; the subsequent cooling results in ripples, or ‘roller wave distortion’. Roller wave mainly shows up in the reflections of the glass, and eliminating such distortion entirely is impossible. It can only be reduced, mainly by design and control of the manufacturing process and the way in which the glass is heated and cooled, and moved through that sequence. Thicker panes of glass generally remain flatter, while larger panes typically show up more distortion. Why Does Toughened Glass Benefit From Heat Soak Testing? Spontaneous fracture is known to occur in toughened glass, due to the stabilising of nickel sulphide (NiS) present in the material. The risk of breakage is relatively low, but unpredictable – it could occur within weeks or years of manufacture, if at all. Heat soaking filters out about 95% of potential problem units. Toughened glass is heated to 290°C and held at that temperature, accelerating the process of any nickel sulphide inclusions reverting to their ‘beta state’ and causing failure. Inevitably, heat soaking adds cost but improves product quality and consistency, reducing the use of potentially faulty glass in the manufacture of rooflight products. The use of heat soak testing is not regulated, but reputable manufacturers are more likely to undertake it than not – especially for large structural rooflights or in walk-on applications.  Heat soak testing is not a guarantee that glass will remain failure-free, so manufacturers will not accept any claims for spontaneous failure, but it does reduce the instances of potentially faulty glass entering the supply chain. What is Laminated Glass? Bonding two panes of glass with an interlayer produces laminated glass, a catch-all term to cover the various combinations of glass and interlayer. Because the interlayer holds the glass even when broken, laminated glass is typically used where security is a priority, as well as in safety applications like overhead and walk-on glazing. By far the most common interlayer is polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is also popular; other interlayer materials include cast-in resins, polyurethanes and ionoplast materials. Where transparent plastic materials, like PVB and EVA, are used as the interlayer, the bond is achieved through the application of heat and pressure in a controlled environment; however, plastic interlayers make cutting difficult. Resin is a more versatile adhesive and allows for the production of curved laminates. Demanding performance specifications are driving the development of interlayer solutions, some of which fail to offer adequate levels of adhesion. Manufacturers of proprietary interlayers, such as ionomer-based ionoplast, claim improved performance for especially demanding applications. PVB, however, remains the popular option. 

Rooflights are a great way to bring natural light into your home and creating a more open feel. At Rooflight.com, we pride ourselves on stocking high quality rooflights that look great and last. If you want to keep them performing at their best then you need to regularly maintain them. Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your rooflight in excellent condition. 1) Clean your rooflight regularly Dust, dirt, and debris can build up on rooflights, which can reduce the amount of light they let in. This build up can make your rooflight appear dull and block a large amount of natural daylight, which will effect both energy efficiency and brightness. Over time, accumulated dirt can cause small abrasions on the glass, such as small scratches form fine debris like sand or grit, which may lead to more frequent cleaning requirements. If you want to avoid these abrasions, you need to make sure to use soft cleaning tools and rinse off loose dirt with water before wiping the glass surface. If you want your rooflight to keep looking and functioning at their best the you should clean it every 3-6 months.Safe cleaning methods: You should avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonia based cleaners or bleach, as they will damage the glass coating and seals. Instead, you should use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth to protect the glass and frame.Safety first: If your rooflight is accessible from the inside, you should clean it safely form within. For external cleaning, you should use a sturdy ladder, wear non-slip shoes and always avoid learning too far. You should always make sure that someone is nearby for assistance if needed. 2) Inspect for damage You should be regularly inspecting your rooflight for signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosions or sealant issues. By doing this it can prevent minor problems form becoming major repairs.Glass check: You need to look for three common types of cracks:1) Stress cracks: These are thin, hairline cracks that usually run across the glass in a straight line. They are often caused by rapid temperature changes, particularly when the weather quickly shifts from hot to cold, and they appear without any external impact.2) Impact cracks: These typically look like a starburst like crack that radiate from a central point of impact. They result from a direct force such as something hitting the glass, and show multiple lines spreading outwards from where the impact occurred.3) Edge cracks: These are cracks that appear along the edges of the glass, which is often the result of improper installation, frame pressure, or shifting of the rooflight. They usually start at the border and can extend inward, creating a jagged or uneven appearance.You should inspect particularly near edges or corners, as these areas are most susceptible to damage. If you notice any issues, you need to address them as quick as possible to try and avoid leaks.Frame and Sealant: You need to inspect the frame carefully for signs of corrosion, warping, or rust. Look closely at the joints and corners, as these areas are prone to moisture buildup. Check the sealant for any cracks, gas, or peeling, which could compromise the watertight seal. You should be looking for discoloration, bubbling or any parts where the sealant has pulled away from the frame. If you find any issues, you need to take action to either reseal or repair immediately to prevent leaks and additional damage. 3) Ensure proper drainage Proper draining is the key to preventing water damage, especially for rooflights on flat roofs is by having effective drainage. To ensue efficient drainage, you should:Clear gutters and drains: You should be keeping your gutters and drainage areas free from leaves and debris. To carry out the maintenance safely, ensure you are using a sturdy ladder and gloves for protection, you should also use tools like a gutter scoop that can help you to remove leaves and dirt. After the cleaning is done, you should use a garden hose to flush out any remaining buildup to ensure proper water flow.Prevent water pooling: Water pooling refers to standing water that accumulates on the roof when it is unable to drain properly. This can lead to structural damage and leaks. Rooflights.com products integrate seamlessly with your roofs drainage system, but regular maintenance is important to ensure gutters and drainage paths stay clear. You need to check for blockages or improper slopes that might prevent water from draining efficiently, particularly after heavy rainfall. 4) Monitor Condensation Excessive condensation can be a indicator of poor ventilation or a broken seal. To address this issue, consider the following steps:Ventilation Solutions: Good ventilation can help reduce condensation. To be able to improve your ventilation you can use trickle vents, this is where a small amount of air circulates even when the rooflight is closed, or you can just consider rooflights with integrated ventilation systems. Rooflights.com offers options to improve airflow, such as models with built-in vents or electronic opening mechanisms, this can help maintain the moisture levels in your space.Glazing Issues: If you notice condensation between the glass panes as a cloudy or foggy appearance that doesn't wipe away from either side of the glass then this indicates a broken seal and a loss of insulating gas. If you see this, it may indicate that it time to replace the glazing to maintain energy efficiency. Why choose Rooflights.com? At Rooflights.com, we offer Glazing Vision rooflights that are designed to be easily maintained and built to withstand the elements. By carrying out regular cleaning and inspections it will ensure your rooflight will continue to fill your space with natural light whilst staying energy efficient and leak free.

Adding a rooflight to your home can unlock its potential through increased natural daylight and ventilation and you can install a rooflight yourself, however, it requires extensive prior planning to ensure a seamless installation, with everyone on site remaining safe. Choosing The Right Rooflight Choosing the perfect rooflight for your home will depend on your unique requirements; do you require increased ventilation? Or are you looking to access your roof for maintenance? There are various factors that affect the type of rooflight that you will purchase; from the size of the room to the glazing material that you desire. For more guidance on selecting the right rooflight for your requirements, please read our comprehensive ‘How To Pick Rooflights’ blog. Make Safety A Priority When installing a rooflight, you need to ensure that the safety of everyone on site is of utmost priority, installing a rooflight will involve working at height therefore precautions need to be taken to ensure safety. First, you need to assess if the site area is actually suitable for an installation, if the area is constricted and suitable access is not possible, you should strongly consider installing the rooflight on a more accessible area of the roof. If this is not feasible, you should contact an experienced contractor who will have access to the necessary equipment to reach the area such as cherry-pickers and scaffolding. Prior to commencing the rooflight installation, you need to undertake a comprehensive risk assessment to identify all potential risks and take steps to mitigate these risks. Potential risks that could be identified include manual handling and fall from heights. Many risks are not able to be completely eradicated, but you can take steps to mitigate the risk.For example, the risk of manual handling can be reduced through the use of mechanical lifting equipment, the use of the equipment reduces the need for people on site to manually lift the rooflight as this could lead to injury. Care should be taken at all times when on site to ensure the health and safety of all people present, and site housekeeping on the day is important; cleaning up any spills when they occur, wearing the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and halting works if weather conditions become too volatile. Understand Building Regulations Before commencing the installation of your rooflight, you should ensure that you have read and understand the relevant Building Regulations (Building Regulations will differ whether you live in England, Scotland or Wales)   Adhering to Building Regulations is a legal requirement as they are in place to ensure the health and safety of people in and around all types of buildings (residential, public and commercial). Adding a rooflight to your home will require your roof to be changed significantly to accommodate the extra weight that the product introduces, and your chosen rooflight needs to provide sufficient insulation against heat loss once installed.It is also important that you apply for planning permission, should you need to. Planning permission is not commonly required for rooflight installation as it falls under “permitted development” however you are required to apply for planning permission if you live in a conservation area or if your desired rooflight is going to protrude more than 150mm above the existing roofline. Gather Necessary Tools & Materials Before undertaking your rooflight installation, ensure that you have all required tools and materials prepared on site. Common tools used for a rooflight installation include a drill, screwdriver, tape measure, and sealant/roofing adhesive. You should check the manufacturer’s installation instructions to see if there are any specific tools or materials required for installation. Prior to commencing the rooflight installation, you should inspect your rooflight for any damage obtained in transit. If you detect any damage, you need to inform the rooflight manufacturer as soon as possible so a replacement product can be arranged. Many manufacturers have a set time period in which they need to be notified of any damage, if you surpass this date, your product may not be eligible for a return or refund.   Prepare The Roof Opening Before constructing your upstand and preparing the surrounding area for installation, you first need to assess the structural integrity of the roof; is it strong enough to carry the additional weight of a rooflight? If your roof is deemed unsuitable in its current state, you can take measures to reinforce the framework such as adding additional wooden framing to boost the roof’s structural integrity. You will also need to address any existing cracks or leaks prior to installation as this will compromise the water tightness of your new rooflight.Most rooflights on the market are specially designed to be installed on a pre-built upstand, these are normally constructed by experienced builders prior to the day of installation. Different rooflights will have differing upstand requirements therefore it is important to read your manufacturer’s documentation to ensure that your upstand is constructed correctly.Thoroughly reading your documentation is crucial as rooflight manufacturers may opt to reference varying ‘critical dimensions’. For example our Flushglaze Flat Rooflight is specified using the External Weathered Kerb dimension, therefore this dimension is the dimension that you should have your upstand constructed to. However, rooflights can sometimes be specified by the critical dimensions of Internal Viewable or Structural Opening, you should always check your dimensions with your manufacturer to mitigate expensive, last minute changes on site. When installing your rooflight, it is important to ensure that the roof is clear of any debris or instructions as this will hinder the installation process and it may also compromise the water and weather-tightness of the product, which could lead to costly repairs in the future. Install Your Rooflight When you are ready to install your rooflight, after addressing any risks present on site and inspecting your rooflight for any damage, you should enlist the assistance of mechanical lifting equipment to lift your product onto the roof and carefully maneuver it into place, manually handling a rooflight is not recommended due to the risk of injury. During installation, you need to closely follow the installation instructions provided to you by your rooflight manufacturer as not adhering to these could lead to a faulty installation. Not adhering to the instructions set out by the manufacturer could also void your product warranty.Your instructions will also outline any specialist tools or materials required to install the product, so you should ensure that you read all documentation prior to commencing the installation on site. Different types of rooflights will have varying installation procedures, for example, opening rooflights are more complex to install than fixed rooflights as there are complex electrics involved. Whilst it is not a legal requirement to have your opening rooflight wiring completed by a qualified electrician, we strongly urge you to enlist their services as this will achieve the optimal installation result and reduce the risk of electrocution for those not acquainted with working with electricity. Test For Functionality Once your rooflight has been successfully installed, you need to inspect the product and surrounding roofing to ensure that there are no gaps or leaks as this will compromise your installation, leading to costly damage in the future. If you have installed an opening rooflight, you need to test all mechanisms to ensure that they are operating how they should. If any issues arise, address these promptly, and if you are unsure, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions or contact them for assistance. Enjoy Your Rooflight Now that you have installed your rooflight, adhering to health and safety guidelines and Building Regulations, you can enjoy the numerous benefits that rooflights offer such as increased natural daylight and improved levels of ventilation. All reputable and trustworthy rooflight manufacturers will offer a period of product warranty on their rooflights, therefore you can enjoy your rooflight for years to come.So, the answer is yes, you can install rooflights yourself however we urge you to thoroughly consider factors such as site access, health and safety of site members and the use of mechanical lifting equipment. The health and safety of site members needs to be your top priority.rooflights.com has been supplying the UK’s builders with high quality rooflights and roof windows for a decade, reach out to our experienced team today to discuss your requirements and get the answers to your rooflight/roof window questions.

You have decided that you want to construct an extension on your home, but where do you start? With so many intricacies when building an extension, it can be overwhelming when starting your project. Whether you are expanding your living space or adding a new office, incorporating rooflights can transform your home through increased levels of natural daylight. Read this blog to understand everything that you need to consider prior to building your home extension. With the mantra of “Don't move, improve” ever-increasing in popularity, many people are opting to build an extension to meet their updated requirements rather than moving to another home. This is because extensions are completely flexible in terms of their applications; they can be used to facilitate extra bedrooms for a growing family or they can host a “home office” for people working remotely. With the large expenses associated with moving house, such as legal costs and stamp duty, it is no surprise that more people are choosing to build extensions. What Are Your Requirements? Building an extension can turn your current home into your dream home, and identifying why you require an extension will allow you to correctly design and budget your project. The main benefit of constructing a home extension is the complete flexibility; you are able to tailor the extension to your unique requirements. Some projects will require a larger budget than others, for example implementing an ensuite bedroom may incur more costs than a simple, home office, therefore you need to factor in all of your requirements when budgeting your extension project. Is The Project Viable? Following on from our last point, you need to assess numerous factors such as budget before planning your extension project. The first factor to consider is the timeline, depending on the desired application of the extension, construction timelines can vary greatly. You need to decide how long you are comfortable with building works taking place at your property as this will dictate how much can be achieved in your desired timeframe. The next factor to consider is the suitability for you and your family whilst the building works are taking place; many families opt to move out whilst the works are taking place due to the disruption, lack of water and electricity, and noise occurring throughout works. You will need to factor the cost of rent into your budget, if your budget does not facilitate this additional cost you could consider staying with friends or family or remaining in the property in selected rooms, your builder will be able to inform you of any water/electricity outages for forward planning. Similarly, you should carefully consolidate your budget to ensure that your project does not over run your funds. Building an extension can incur numerous costs such as professional fees, materials, and more. It is important to note that you need to inform your home insurance company of your changes; building an extension will typically increase the rebuild costs of your home if the worst was to happen therefore your insurance company may raise your premium, so you should factor this into your budget. Hire The Right People Hiring the right people for the build of your house extension will save you costly replacement work in the future, so you should ensure that you carefully research your local builders and check their reviews, this will ensure that your builder has a good track record and is trustworthy. You should use a trade professional database such as CheckATrade to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable and trustworthy builder. CheckATrade scrutinises that traders pass up to 12 checks before joining the database, allowing only quality tradespeople to join their database. Building Regulations & Planning Permission Due to permitted development rights, you will not be required to apply for planning permission for single-story or conservatory extensions unless any of the following factors apply to you: You live in a listed building Your home is located in a conservation area Your home is under a Article 4 Direction There are certain circumstances when rear, side and front extensions require planning permission, so you should check with your Local Authority as to whether you need to apply for planning permission. Even if you do not have to apply for planning permission, your project must meet Building Regulations, this is a legal requirement set out by the UK government. Building regulations will cover all aspects of the extension build from external walls to floors and drainage to doors and windows. If you are carrying out building works near or on a wall shared with your neighbour, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You are required to inform your neighbour of any building work that you want to execute near or on your shared boundary. You must give your neighbour notice between 2 months to a year before you plan to commence building works and any agreement reached should be in writing. You are required to pay for any building works that you start on a party wall, your neighbour is not obliged to pay just because they agreed to the works. Lighting Your Extension You should give careful consideration to how you will light your extension. Rooflights are ever-increasingly being used to illuminate extensions through an increase of natural daylight, alleviating the reliance on artificial lighting. Glass rooflights are an effective way at increasing the levels of natural daylight in your extension whilst adding an aesthetic touch. An increase of natural daylight can go a long way in boosting the mood of inhabitants in addition to increasing productivity, this is why many of our clients opt to install their rooflight in a home office. Rooflights can be incorporated to suit various applications, with many options available on the market. If you are planning to utilise your extension for a kitchen or bathroom, you may opt for an opening rooflight to subsidise the humid environments, many rooflights.com customers purchase the Glazing Vision VisionVent Rooflight as they can achieve increased levels of ventilation effortlessly at the touch of a button. If you are planning to construct a two-storey extension with a pitched roof, you will need to install a roof window as most rooflights are designed for flat roof applications only. There are roof window options to suit every need, from electrically opening windows to conservation windows to meet stringent planning regulations. Do You Need An Architect? Prior to commencing your extension build planning, some people opt to enlist the services of an architect to help them find the best solution for their individual needs. Enlisting the services of an architect may not be needed for small scale projects but it can be beneficial for larger projects as they can adapt plans to your bespoke needs, advise on building regulations and planning permission and help you manage your budget. Appointing an architect will incur costs, so this needs to be factored into the project budget, but their advice and assistance can be invaluable especially for large scale projects.   Adding rooflights and roof windows to your extension will add an aesthetic element, allowing natural daylight to fill the space and make it more welcoming. Our experienced team are well-versed in working with customers to choose the perfect product for their chosen application, reach out to our team today and turn your idea into a reality.

We frequently get asked by customers if their builder will need to produce a FENSA certificate when installing our rooflights and roof windows, there seems to be confusion over what a FENSA is and its applications