The rise of innovative Skylights and roof lights

Intro: Andrew Taylor, MD of Specialist Glass Products, discusses the many benefits, types, and considerations associated with skylights and roof lights for builders and architects.

There are many types of skylights and roof lights, including flat roof skylights, walk-on roof lights, roof lanterns, electric roof windows, opening skylights, and sliding skylights.

One window trend that is becoming particularly popular is walk-on roof lights. Installed on flat roofs or terraces and strong enough to be walked on, walk-on rooflights allow a unique lighting solution and a modern architectural flooring feature.

However, it’s important to note that according to the British Standards Institution (BSI), the glass used in any walk-on roof light must be toughened and laminated safety glass to ensure it can support heavy foot traffic without significant risk.

Energy efficiency and sustainability

A significant advantage of skylights and roof lights is their energy efficiency contributions. Developers looking to install roof lights will not only enhance natural light in properties but will help to meet the UK’s energy efficiency goals, including Net Zero and the 2025 Future Homes and Buildings Standards.

This is then achieved through a homeowner’s reduced reliance on artificial lighting, as skylights fill rooms

with natural daylight, lowering electricity consumption and reducing carbon emissions. Alongside this, modern skylights are usually equipped with double- or triple-glazed glass, which improves thermal insulation by minimising heat loss in winter and reducing heat gain in summer.

For developers interested in eco-building practices, recycled glass materials can also be used to construct skylights and roof lights. This process supports sustainable building practices by minimising waste and reducing reliance on raw materials.

With the recent increase in the energy price cap in autumn 2024, skylights and roof lights are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to invest in a long-term energy-efficient and sustainable home.

Property value

Integrating skylights or roof lights can boost the resale value of a property by 5-10%, making them an attractive selling point for modern home buyers.

Additionally, homes with energy-efficient upgrades like skylights tend to stand out in a competitive housing market, offering a unique selling point that attracts eco-conscious buyers. As the focus on sustainability grows, homes and buildings with energy-efficient features that help regulate temperature and cut energy use are more likely to retain their value over time, too.

Modern outdoor features

Skylights and roof lights are ideal for brightening up living areas without natural light, such as lower-level spaces or areas without windows, but alongside this, skylights and rooflights can also enhance outdoor and rooftop spaces.

Flush roof lights, for instance, can be installed at garden level to seamlessly integrate with contemporary glass features like staircases or balustrades, enhancing both form and function.

In rooftop terraces, skylights provide additional natural light to rooms below. At the same time, tinted or one-way glass options ensure privacy without compromising sunlight, making these installations ideal for multi-story homes or apartments.

Customisation is another benefit of skylights and roof lights. Builders can tailor these features to fit a property’s existing design, selecting materials like glass or acrylic and opting for bespoke frames in colours that match a building’s style.

This flexibility adds aesthetic value and ensures the skylights complement the overall architecture.

Additionally, frosted or tinted glass can be incorporated for areas requiring more privacy – such as bathrooms or bedrooms – offering light while maintaining discretion.

Solar controlled glass

Solar-controlled glass can be applied to sky and roof lights to increase energy efficiency. This type of glass helps regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter.

Finally, confirm that glass products meet all local building regulations and energy standards, like the UK’s Future Homes and Buildings Standards and ensure to work with a trusted glass manufacturer and glass supplier to guarantee the roof light is correctly fitted, avoiding leaks and ensuring long-term durability.