How to Choose the Best Rooflight for a Flat Roof
When planning a flat rooflight installation – whether for a loft conversion, flat roof extension, or an existing roof-it’s important to consider the orientation of your roof and the direction of sunlight into the room. This will help determine how much light the space receives throughout the day and can affect your overall comfort and energy efficiency.
Larger rooflights can dramatically brighten a room, but be mindful of direct sunlight, which can cause overheating in south-facing rooms during summer.
Structural considerations like supporting beams and electrics may also influence what type of rooflight can be installed.
Evaluate Your Needs
Start by identifying what you want from your rooflight. Are you looking to maximise natural light, improve ventilation, or add an architectural feature? Clarifying your goals will help guide your selection.
Consider the Orientation
The direction your rooflight faces impacts the type and amount of sunlight your room will receive:
North-facing skylights offer steady, indirect light all day – ideal for larger rooflights or a run of lanterns.
South-facing skylights receive strong sunlight and warmth – great for brightening darker rooms but may require solar control.
East-facing skylights benefit from morning light, ideal for kitchens and breakfast areas.
West-facing skylights bring in evening light, perfect for living spaces or dining areas.
Choose the Right Glazing
The glazing type affects both comfort and energy efficiency. Options like double glazing or triple-ply laminate glass provide excellent insulation, thermal performance, and durability. Consider self-cleaning or tinted glass if your room gets a lot of direct sunlight.
Opt for High-Quality Materials
Look for rooflights constructed from robust materials, such as aluminium frames and high-performance glass, to ensure long-lasting performance and weather resistance.
Think About Installation and Maintenance
Ease of installation and ongoing maintenance are key. Some rooflights come with self-cleaning coatings, motorised openings, or manual crank options for added convenience.
Customisation Options
If you have non-standard dimensions or a specific aesthetic in mind, bespoke or made-to-measure rooflights offer tailored solutions. These allow you to design a rooflight that meets both the visual and functional needs of your project.
Glazing Options for Flat Roof Windows
Flat roof window glazing options include double glazing, triple ply laminate glass, as well as conservation style windows that are sensitive heritage requirements without compromising on thermal performance.
Our range of rooflights come as standard with high-performance glazing for maximum insulation and quality finish, with any extra features available upon request.
With bespoke glazing options including clouded glass for privacy and BioClean glass for self-cleaning roof windows with minimal maintenance, you can ensure your rooflight design is suited to your room and your needs.
Flat Rooflight Opening Mechanisms
Depending on the size and style of the rooflight, and your own personal preference, you may prefer a flat rooflight that opens.
Opening flat roof windows allow more ventilation and fresh air into a property and can be a good idea for south-facing rooms that have bright sunlight at midday. Allowing a cool breeze to enter your home and improve airflow, opening flat rooflights can usually open in different ways.
Manually opening rooflight design will include a manual hand winder, as opposed to higher, inaccessible flat rooflights that may require a motorised opening mechanism, usually controlled by remote control or a switch.
This feature offers complete flexibility and an impressive feature that’s incredibly easy to use, with no fuss or manual opening required.
Choosing the Right Size Rooflight
Naturally, the larger the rooflight you install, the more natural light you’ll benefit from.
But it is worth making sure that you have considered the positioning of the rooflight and the direction of the sunlight.
Building regulations for skylights consider the amount of heat that can pass through or be lost through a door or window. This is measured as a U-Value, and the maximum U-Value allowed for a property is stipulated in Part L of the Building Regulations Approval Approved Documents. All of our rooflights offer U-Values in line with modern building regulations, that help to retain heat in the winter and keep the heat out in the summer. Learn more about U-Values and the current requirements.
Our range of flat rooflights and conservation rooflights for flat roofs come in a number of standard sizes. Our bespoke rooflight option offers scope for a one-off, unusual size or design, and our made-to-measure service means we can build a flat roof window with unusual measurements, should you require this.
Installation Accessories and Considerations
There may be additional features and operating accessories that you may need for your rooflight, such as ironmongery, extension poles or concealed motors.
Wall-mounted switches are provided for rooflights with a motorised blind feature.
The kerb that the flat rooflight sits upon is made weatherproof using the roof material.
Flat roof window flashing makes it possible to install windows on flat roofs while preventing water damage to the roof and property. The rooflight then sits on the weatherproofed kerb, which also features a silicone bead applied just before the rooflight is gently lowered into place.
This silicone sealant helps prevent any leaks from entering the property, as even though the rooflight is designed to fit snugly in the frame, there will still be a joint between the fixtures.
Why Choose The Rooflight Co?
As pioneers in rooflight innovation and creators of The Original Conservation Rooflight, The Rooflight Co has been crafting cutting-edge rooflights for homeowners since 1993.
If you’re considering adding a rooflight to transform your home, browse our extensive selection of rooflights and skylights or connect with our team today.
We’re here to help you explore your options. Make an enquiry and start your journey with us today.
Brighten Your Home with the Right Flat Rooflight
Finding the best rooflight for a flat roof requires careful consideration of your needs, the orientation of your roof, and the available options in terms of style, glazing, and materials.
By evaluating these factors, you can select a skylight that not only enhances the natural light in your home but also adds value and aesthetic appeal to your property.
Whether you’re looking for a fixed flat rooflight, an opening mechanism, or a bespoke design, the right skylight can transform your living space. The Rooflight Co has been supplying homeowners and property managers with suitable rooflights for over 25 years. We’re sure we can find a suitable solution for you too.
Take the time to research and choose the best option for your needs, ensuring that your skylight provides both functionality and beauty for years to come.