Blog

Over the past decade, the specification of rooflights in historic and sensitive buildings has evolved significantly. Advances in performance, detailing and thermal efficiency have broadened what is possible, while planning authorities and conservation officers have become increasingly familiar with rooflights as a legitimate way to introduce natural light into traditionally challenging spaces. Alongside this progress, […]

In recent years, the phrase “heritage-style” has become increasingly common in planning submissions, product literature and specification documents. It is usually intended as reassurance – that a modern intervention will sit comfortably within a historic context. But for those working regularly with listed buildings and conservation areas, it is worth asking a more fundamental question: is heritage something […]

When it comes to specifying a rooflight for a high–end residential project, it’s often the finer details that make the biggest difference. Stella Rooflight already provides architects and homeowners with a beautifully authentic conservation aesthetic, paired with reliable opening mechanisms that mount on the frame. For most homes, this actuator design offers exactly the right […]

When the government launched its latest wave of retrofit initiatives — from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) to the Great British Insulation Scheme — the goal was admirable: improve the energy efficiency of the nation’s housing stock and accelerate progress towards net zero. Yet the recently published audit findings reveal widespread ECO4 retrofit failures in […]

Renovating a heritage property is never just a building project, rather it’s a responsibility to the past. Every material, every finish, and every detail contributes to preserving the architectural integrity of our built heritage. Yet, a worrying trend is emerging: the rise of cheap, imitation ‘heritage-style’ rooflights that compromise both the aesthetic and long-term integrity […]

In the world of architectural conservation, detail is everything. The success of a heritage restoration often comes down to the careful selection of materials and products that are appropriate not just visually, but in terms of performance, longevity, and historical authenticity. And yet, in recent years, we’ve seen a troubling trend: the rise of so-called […]

Building Resilience in Conservation Projects: Why British-Made Rooflights Are More Critical Than Ever   For architects and conservation officers involved in sensitive heritage projects, attention to detail, careful specification, and an understanding of planning constraints are fundamental to success. But in today’s unpredictable global climate, a new layer of complexity is making its way onto […]

What Trump’s Tariffs Means for UK Rooflight Manufacturers Donald Trump’s return to the White House has already made headlines around the world — and for UK manufacturers, one of the first major ripple effects is now being felt. The recent announcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU signals a fresh round of trade […]

From origins of Rooflights in the UK to their modern design upgrades. Managing Director of Master Roofers UK, Stewart Rowles, explores a brief history of rooflights. Traditional rooflights have played an important role in British architecture since the Industrial Revolution, providing natural light to buildings while maintaining structural integrity and durability. Early Development (18th–19th Century) […]