Skylights

Want more illumination? Extra views? Increased warmth/ventilation? Flat roof skylight windows can provide all this. And London-based construction firm Lasting ltd will get the job done, whatever your requirements. Let the light shine in on your house with the right choice for you.

Reasons to buy roof light windows

Living in the UK means cold, grey winters, but roof lights help transform your house during those dreary months. Benefits include:

Increased brightness: north/east placement brings in consistent light without much heat
Extra warmth: positioned south- or west-facing, the sun’s energy warms the room on cold days
Additional ventilation: vented options allow heat to escape, cooling down rooms on hot days
Better energy efficiency: additional light reduces use of electric bulbs; solar gain decreases gas/electric heating usage; a ventilating rooflight lessens the need for air conditioning/fans
Capturing views: the top of the house often harbours the best vistas, like the sea on the horizon or rolling hills – imagine laying in bed staring at the stars

Skylights for flat roofs: options

When planning your flat rooflight, think about the following factors:

Material:
- Glass: attractive, clear, scratch-free, various sizes, choose tempered for safety
- Plastic: lightweight, durable, affordable, standard sizing, many shapes
Mechanism: fixed/vented
Size: standard/bespoke
Position: massive impact on solar gain
- North/east: primarily no direct sunlight
- South//west: direct sunlight
Shade: blinds/louvers essential to control direct sunlight in summer to reduce heat and bleaching of flooring/furniture, or block out early morning sun in bedrooms
Glazing: single/double/triple, insulated low-e glass with argon gas between panes, which is twice as insulating as dual-glazing
Style: barrel, bubble, dormer, flat, pyramid, ridge, round
Maintenance: easy to clean is vital when views are involved
Slope: a sloping roof (rather than flat) requires careful planning and sizing considerations – manufacturers have recommendation charts
Permission: building permits may be required, installation must meet codes for load/ wind resistance/etc – we deal with this on your behalf

Rating: manufacturers provide numeric measurements for these terms:
- R-value: glazing’s insulation (resistance to heat flow); higher = better
- U-value: flow rate from each side (minus solar gain) of glazing/frame; lower = more resistance to heat flow
- UV blockage: approximate percentage of ultraviolet rays blocked by glazing
- VLT: Visible Light Transmittance; higher = more natural light (tinted glazing blocks glare and has low VLT)
- Shading coefficient: solar heat gain through glass; lower = lower gain