Flat Roof Windows
Flat roof windows are an efficient and easy way to get natural light into new extensions, garages, workshops sheds and buildings for other purposes. Whether the roof covering is EPDM (rubber roof), GRP (Fibreglass), Torch on felt or profiled metal sheeting, there is the opportunity to fit a flat roof window.
You may hear other names for flat roof windows, such as rooflights for flat roofs, or flat roof skylight, ultimately, most are all referring to a flat roof window. However, there is a difference between flat roof domes, and flat roof windows. The name really is descriptive enough in terms of appearance, a flat roof dome has a dome shaped cover normally made from polycarbonate as apposed to the flat glass of a flat roof window.
Not only are there differences in the top cover, but you will likely see the price difference between some flat roof windows compared to others this often due to the materials being used. Some flat roof windows will be all polycarbonate and no glass will be used. Although there are instances where polycarbonate can perform, generally they offer a lower U-Value (this is a measurement of heat loss through the window) then their glass alternative. Polycarbonate domes are also more prone to scratching, and discolouration over time which can affect the visibility through the window, and also the amount of light that makes it through.
When purchasing a flat roof window it one consideration will be how high the windows will be from the inside, if there are high ceilings it could be worth considering an electrically operated flat roof window to be able to open and close the window from a remote control or wall switch. Alternatively many manually opening flat roof windows will use a spindle type system to open and close the window which there are accessories such as long poles which mean you can still open and close the window. If opening the window isn’t necessary and you only want the window to provide light, it can sometimes save on cost to opt for a fixed closed roof window. This simply means the window cannot be opened of closed though can sometimes include trickle vents to allow ventilation.
Outside of the operation of the windows, there are also special use case flat roof windows, which include smoke vent windows often used as part of a fire safety system or can be seen in lab environments to expel and gasses and products of the work they are doing. Access hatches are also a type of flat roof window, but these will open further than your normal flat roof window, which as the name implies will allow access which can be useful when maintenance is needed on the roof to offer a safer way to access the roof.
Although the name flat roof window would suggest they are perfectly flat, there is still normally a very slight fall, or run off, on the window or the roof, as you do not want standing water on either as water will always go to the lowest point and find a way to creep through in ways you may think not possible. For this reason, flat roof windows generally accommodate roof pitches of 0-15 degrees, though ALWAYS check the details before purchasing or installing to ensure the window is compatible with the pitch. If not sure ask an Installer – its ultimately cheaper to double check then it is have problems later.
Flat roof windows are installed in most instance using a provided kerb, this is sometimes referred to as a builder’s upstand. Most modern windows are provided with a PVC kerb that is 150mm tall, this falls in line with the regulations to ensure the window is lifted off the roof enough that there is no chance of water penetration. If installing a green roof, you may require a taller upstand to accommodate the sedum or wildflower that will be on top of the roof covering. Additionally, to this not all flat roof windows will be provided with a builder’s upstand or kerb and are assuming that one will be site formed. This is not uncommon and, in some instances, can save some cost, but it is more involved for the installer to ensure they get all the measurements correct. It is advisable to talk to an installer about the possibility of this unless you are very confident
Flat roof windows are an efficient and easy way to get natural light into new extensions, garages, workshops sheds and buildings for other purposes. Whether the roof covering is EPDM (rubber roof), GRP (Fibreglass), Torch on felt or profiled metal sheeting, there is the opportunity to fit a flat roof window.
You may hear other names for flat roof windows, such as rooflights for flat roofs, or flat roof skylight, ultimately, most are all referring to a flat roof window. However, there is a difference between flat roof domes, and flat roof windows. The name really is descriptive enough in terms of appearance, a flat roof dome has a dome shaped cover normally made from polycarbonate as apposed to the flat glass of a flat roof window.
Not only are there differences in the top cover, but you will likely see the price difference between some flat roof windows compared to others this often due to the materials being used. Some flat roof windows will be all polycarbonate and no glass will be used. Although there are instances where polycarbonate can perform, generally they offer a lower U-Value (this is a measurement of heat loss through the window) then their glass alternative. Polycarbonate domes are also more prone to scratching, and discolouration over time which can affect the visibility through the window, and also the amount of light that makes it through.
When purchasing a flat roof window it one consideration will be how high the windows will be from the inside, if there are high ceilings it could be worth considering an electrically operated flat roof window to be able to open and close the window from a remote control or wall switch. Alternatively many manually opening flat roof windows will use a spindle type system to open and close the window which there are accessories such as long poles which mean you can still open and close the window. If opening the window isn’t necessary and you only want the window to provide light, it can sometimes save on cost to opt for a fixed closed roof window. This simply means the window cannot be opened of closed though can sometimes include trickle vents to allow ventilation.
Outside of the operation of the windows, there are also special use case flat roof windows, which include smoke vent windows often used as part of a fire safety system or can be seen in lab environments to expel and gasses and products of the work they are doing. Access hatches are also a type of flat roof window, but these will open further than your normal flat roof window, which as the name implies will allow access which can be useful when maintenance is needed on the roof to offer a safer way to access the roof.
Although the name flat roof window would suggest they are perfectly flat, there is still normally a very slight fall, or run off, on the window or the roof, as you do not want standing water on either as water will always go to the lowest point and find a way to creep through in ways you may think not possible. For this reason, flat roof windows generally accommodate roof pitches of 0-15 degrees, though ALWAYS check the details before purchasing or installing to ensure the window is compatible with the pitch. If not sure ask an Installer – its ultimately cheaper to double check then it is have problems later.
Flat roof windows are installed in most instance using a provided kerb, this is sometimes referred to as a builder’s upstand. Most modern windows are provided with a PVC kerb that is 150mm tall, this falls in line with the regulations to ensure the window is lifted off the roof enough that there is no chance of water penetration. If installing a green roof, you may require a taller upstand to accommodate the sedum or wildflower that will be on top of the roof covering. Additionally, to this not all flat roof windows will be provided with a builder’s upstand or kerb and are assuming that one will be site formed. This is not uncommon and, in some instances, can save some cost, but it is more involved for the installer to ensure they get all the measurements correct. It is advisable to talk to an installer about the possibility of this unless you are very confident