Meeting the brief to incorporate a large framed rooflight into an extension on a West Midlands property, TuffX – one of the UK’s leading glass manufacturers and processors – delivered a bespoke solution that combined high performance with aesthetic appeal.
Working closely with the project team, TuffX developed a rooflight specification that maximised natural daylight while meeting the structural, thermal and installation demands of the build.
The brief
When a West Midlands homeowner began transforming their property with a new single-storey extension, natural daylighting was a key priority. The design centred on a spacious, open-plan kitchen and dining area, complete with a central island that would serve as the space’s main focal point.
To maximise light over this feature, the project team required a large framed rooflight that would not only enhance the room visually but also deliver high levels of thermal performance and quick, straightforward installation.
A 1.5m x 2.5m framed rooflight was specified to provide generous overhead daylighting. With tight project timelines in place, fast delivery and ease of installation were essential to keep the build programme on track and ensure the extension became watertight without delay ahead of winter.
The solution
TuffX designed and supplied its popular Infinity rooflight system – a high-performance, factory-assembled unit designed for rapid installation and long-term durability. Manufactured at the company’s 80,000ft2 facility in Knowsley, Merseyside, the rooflight was produced and delivered within the project’s schedule, allowing installers to progress quickly to the glazing stage.
Infinity rooflights are engineered to combine modern aesthetics with strong thermal and structural performance. Available in both double and triple glazing, they minimise heat transfer, reduce energy loss and help maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round.
For this project, thermal efficiency was a crucial consideration given the large, glazed area. The chosen specification worked in conjunction with an insulated frame design, ensuring the rooflight effectively reduced winter heat loss and limited solar heat gain during warmer months.
To provide additional cooling protection, the system can be specified with solar-control coatings when required – an option increasingly crucial in contemporary home extensions where large expanses of glass are common.
Speed and ease of installation
A significant benefit for installers was the Infinity system’s straightforward installation process. Supplied as a single, complete unit, the rooflight is designed to be lifted, positioned and secured, reducing time on-site and minimising opportunities for error.
The installation began with the construction of a timber upstand at a minimum 5° pitch, enabling efficient water run-off once the rooflight was in place. A continuous bead of silicone was applied around the upstand to ensure a secure and weatherproof seal.
Then, the powder-coated aluminium frame was lowered into position over the upstand, completing the installation with minimal disruption. This efficient process helped the project team achieve a swift turnaround, ensuring the property was made watertight on schedule and that internal works could progress as planned.
Performance delivered
The completed installation provides a striking architectural feature that enhances both the practicality and visual quality of the new kitchen/dining space. TuffX’s double-glazed Infinity units offer centre pane U-values of 1.2 W/m²K, with the triple-glazed option achieving 0.7 W/m²K, delivering up to 30% improved performance compared with standard double glazing and offering enhanced sound reduction.
This project demonstrates how TuffX’s Infinity rooflights combine performance, aesthetics and exceptional installation efficiency, supporting the supply chain in delivering high-quality results on schedule.
