There’s a huge variety of choice in the rooflight market and selecting the right product can be confusing.
Below we have listed a few of the more common types of rooflights and their typical applications.
Flat Rooflight: Designed for flat or low-pitched roofs, these rooflights prevent water pooling with the help of an upstand. They come in materials like PVCu and aluminium, offering a range of standard and bespoke options.
Lantern Rooflight: Featuring a raised central section with sloping glass panels, lantern rooflights create a dramatic architectural focal point.
Pyramid Rooflight: Similar to lanterns but with a pyramid shape, these rooflights add visual interest to roofs.
Domed Rooflight: Curved and protruding, typically made of polycarbonate or acrylic, these rooflights offer impact resistance and thermal insulation.
Walk-On Rooflight: Designed for roof terraces, these rooflights can be walked upon and are constructed with materials capable of bearing weight.
Light Tubes: Also known as tubular skylights or sun tunnels, these devices channel sunlight into interior spaces where traditional windows may not be feasible.
Pitched Rooflight: Specifically designed for pitched or sloping roofs, these rooflights are angled to match the roof’s slope, offering a variety of options in glazing, sizing, colour, and frame materials.
Conservation rooflights: These rooflights were initially crafted from cast iron with slim, single-glazed panels. Today, the appeal lies in their minimalist design, a sought-after aesthetic in traditional building projects. The conservation rooflight market offers numerous options, making selection challenging. To decipher the choices, understanding key features is essential.
Conservation rooflights are mainly used in pitched roofs, although there are flat conservation rooflights available. There are no genuine conservation products for any of the other above listed rooflight types.
Key considerations for conservation rooflights include:
Material: Authentic conservation designs favour slim, clean lines and a low-profile, often manufactured from steel for strength and an excellent glass-to-frame ratio.
Glazing: While Victorian rooflights were single-glazed, modern standards require double glazing for improved thermal efficiency. Some suppliers offer triple glazing, enhancing thermal performance at the expense of appearance.
Glazing Bars: Conservation Officers may require glazing bars for an authentic Victorian appearance, providing both decorative and structural elements.
Profile Type: Top-hung profiles, mimicking Victorian aesthetics, offer an authentic appearance and maximize space below, while centre-pivot designs may lack the same authenticity.
Choosing a conservation rooflight involves considerations beyond aesthetics. Stricter criteria apply to listed or conservation-area buildings, necessitating approval for both usage and the chosen manufacturer. Authenticity, materials, glazing, and profile type play crucial roles.
However, not every rooflight labelled as “conservation” is suitable for all projects. Stricter criteria apply to listed or conservation-area buildings, necessitating approval for both usage and the chosen manufacturer. Many online offerings may not meet genuine conservation standards, merely embellishing existing products with stuck-on glazing bars. Price often reflects quality, emphasising the importance of thorough consideration.
In the realm of conservation rooflights, the multitude of choices can be overwhelming. Still, with informed guidance and advice, the selection process need not be a stressful experience.
