Stylish, practical, and allows sunlight to flow through your space naturally. It's no surprise that so many modern home designs have rooflights and skylights integrated into the structure. The ideal solution is if you want to upgrade your space, or if you're currently renovating and want to add a focal point to your home. Available in a variety of styles, from frameless designs that provide an uninterrupted view of the sky to durable walk-on options. There's a rooflight to suit every home and need. But many of our customers ask the question of how to pick the right rooflight for your home.
Why add a roof light to your home?
Not only do they look great, but they also serve a purpose in your space that will allow you to bask in the benefits and the sunlight.
Extra daylight: In the UK, we could do with all the extra daylight we can get. With a rooflight, you can brighten up any areas that usually don't get any light.
Heat retention: designed with thermally efficient glazing. This helps reduce heat loss and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, meaning a rooflight can help you save on energy bills.
Increased house value: As rooflights are highly sought-after upgrades, installing one could help you in the long run if you decide to sell up.
Above all, rooflights offer a natural flow of light throughout your home, while also giving your space a sleek, modern look.
What size rooflight do I need?
When selecting the size of your rooflight, a few things should be considered. A common recommendation is that the glaze area should be approximately 20-30% of the room's floor area. For a brighter space, aim closer to 30% and for a more subtle effect, aim for around 20%. The ceiling height, the room's layout, and how light will travel through the space will also influence the size you select.
Which type of rooflight is right for me?
To choose the right rooflight you need you should consider the space it will be for. At Bespoke, we offer walk on glass rooflights that you can actually walk on, yes, you read that right. Walkable glass rooflights are perfect for spaces like basements or rooms located below terraces, and are suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Our rooflights can come in clear, privacy, or anti-slip finishes to suit your needs. For a more techy finish, we have switchable glass rooflights so you can switch between privacy and clear view at the switch of a button. If you want a sleek design that integrates seamlessly into your roof, maybe you should consider a frameless rooflight.
Where should rooflights be positioned?
When thinking of where your rooflight should be positioned, it all comes down to what you want from it. You should consider how much or how little sunlight you would like when deciding what position you'd like your rooflight.
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South-facing - Direct sunlight and warmth all day, ideal for living rooms.
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North-facing - soft in direct sunlight, perfect for bedrooms and home offices where you don't want direct sunlight all day long.
- East-facing - offers fresh morning light, perfect for bedrooms if you like waking up with the light.
- West-facing - strong afternoon light, great for dining areas.
If your desire for a rooflight is from an aesthetic point of view, place it above a kitchen island or dining table to create a dynamic focal point. Any dark spaces, like hallways and staircases, are perfect for a rooflight to allow natural light to flow through.
What about planning permission and regulations?
Typically, you do not need planning permission to install a roof light in the UK, but you should follow specific conditions during rooflight installation:
- Projection limits: Your rooflight should not project more than 150mm from the existing roof.
- Height: your rooflight should not be higher than the highest part of the roof.
- Position: any side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed, this is to help protect your neighbours' privacy.
If your house is located in a conservation area or if your house is a listed building, there's a high chance you'll need planning permission. It's best to check with your local authority due to location exceptions, which you can use your council's planning portal to check. While your rooflight installations may not need planning permission, you will generally need approval under Building Regulations to ensure structural stability and fire safety.
If you're ready to upgrade your space, browse our rooflight collection. Alternatively, if you are looking for unique sizes and designs, get in touch today to see how we can assist your creative needs.
