© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved | Company number: 11044641
10% off all Flatglass with code: FLAT10
10% off all Flatglass with code: FLAT10
Call or email us for a quote or simply order online. We only need the finished weathered external kerb size, the type of Rooflight and the glass specification required to process an order.
Getting started is simple. Just provide us with the finished weathered external kerb size—the dimensions that matter most in ensuring a perfect fit. Specify the type of Rooflight that aligns with your vision, and let us know your desired glass specification. Armed with these details, we’re poised to process your order efficiently and accurately.
Your journey with Roofglaze is just a call or an email away. Our team is ready to provide you with a quote or guide you through the order process. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or embarking on your first project, our commitment to excellence and ease remains unwavering. Let’s embark on this journey together—contact us today to bring your vision to life.
The Rooflight will be delivered on a flatbed vehicle and it will need to be unloaded by you or your builder on-site.
Please ask at the quote stage how heavy the unit is likely to be. It should be unwrapped and inspected as soon as it is delivered, as any defects or damage should be reported to us within 24 hours of delivery.
To help you prepare for this moment, we’re here to provide you with the approximate weight of the unit at the quote stage. This proactive approach enables you to plan the unloading process effectively, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Once your Rooflight has arrived, it’s important to promptly unwrap and inspect it. Vigilance is key, as any defects or damage should be reported to us within 24 hours of delivery. This proactive step not only safeguards your investment but also allows us to swiftly address any concerns and ensure your complete satisfaction.
As your Rooflight embarks on its journey from our facilities to your site, we’re committed to providing you with support every step of the way. From unloading to inspection, our aim is to ensure that your Rooflight experience is marked by convenience, confidence, and excitement.
All you need is an idea of what you are looking for. Our knowledgeable staff can walk you through the order process, step by step. Ideally though, if you have the external kerb dimensions to hand this will speed up the process.
Got an idea of what you’re looking for? Perfect! That’s all you need to get started. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you in transforming your vision into reality. Whether you’re well-versed in the intricacies of rooflights or embarking on your first project, we’re here to help.
If you have the external kerb dimensions at your fingertips, you’re on the fast track to expediting the process. These dimensions provide us with the essential groundwork to tailor our assistance precisely to your needs.
So, let’s collaborate and turn your concept into a concrete plan. With our expertise and your vision, we’re poised to create a remarkable result that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together.
The answer to this question is not simple. A Fixed Flatglass Rooflight will simply let light in while keeping the elements out. A Ventilation/Opening Flatglass Rooflight will also let in light but in addition, when opened it will let in air or allow for access through the Rooflight. You will need to assess your needs and then discuss the various options that are available with our team of experts.
A Fixed Flatglass Rooflight stands as a beacon for natural light, inviting the sun’s rays into your space while effectively sheltering you from the elements. On the other hand, a Ventilation/Opening Flatglass Rooflight goes beyond just light; it offers the added dimension of air circulation. When opened, it not only floods your space with sunlight but also introduces fresh air or facilitates convenient access through the Rooflight.
The key lies in assessing your needs. Are you looking to infuse your space with light alone, or do you also desire the benefits of enhanced ventilation and access? Each option offers a unique blend of advantages, and your choice hinges on your intended use and preferences.
To navigate this decision, our team of experts stands ready to guide you. With their wealth of knowledge and experience, they’ll walk you through the available options, ensuring that your choice aligns seamlessly with your vision and functional requirements. Let’s start the conversation and explore the possibilities together.
We have various types of opening Flatglass Rooflights, both electric and manual:
An electric for ventilation will open via a chain link actuator connected to a wall switch. Various options can be applied to the switch such as a remote control, wind sensor, temperature sensor and rain sensor.
We can also offer a manual version that is operated by a winding pole, so no need for an electrician.
An access hatch that is used for occasional access to the roof can either be electric or manual. The lids of these Rooflights open to approx. 80°. There are also manual and electric sliding versions of the access hatch.
The units for ventilation are comparable in price, so the choice seems to be between having electrics installed or not and what you are happy with in terms of controlling the Rooflight.
The electric access hatch is a bit more expensive, so please feel free to call us to discuss all the options before ordering.
Flatglass Rooflights are designed to be installed on a kerb up-stand. Two rows of Butyl weather sealing tape are delivered with the Rooflight and these are placed on top of the kerb. The Rooflight is bedded onto the weather seals and fixing screws are then driven into the kerb through the fixing flange that hangs down and flashes the kerb. The fixings are also delivered with the Rooflight.
Installing a Flatglass Rooflight is a meticulous process designed to ensure both performance and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to guide you through the installation:
Kerb Up-Stand: Begin by preparing the kerb up-stand on which the Rooflight will be placed. This elevated platform provides the foundation for a secure installation.
Weather Sealing: Included with the Rooflight are two rows of Butyl weather sealing tape. Carefully apply these weather seals on top of the kerb. This tape plays a crucial role in preventing water infiltration and maintaining a weather-resistant seal.
Bedding the Rooflight: Gently position the Rooflight onto the weather seals. The Butyl tape creates a resilient barrier that cushions and protects the Rooflight, ensuring a snug fit.
Fixing Flange: The Rooflight comes equipped with a fixing flange that hangs down and effectively covers and protects the kerb. This flange serves as both a barrier against the elements and a flashing component.
Secure Fixing Screws: To anchor the Rooflight securely in place, use the provided fixing screws. Drive these screws into the kerb through the fixing flange, creating a sturdy connection that safeguards against shifting or displacement.
By adhering to these steps, you’ll establish a robust foundation for your Flatglass Rooflight. This installation methodology not only guarantees the Rooflight’s stability but also ensures its ability to withstand weather challenges and provide years of dependable service. Should you have any queries or require further guidance, our team of experts is here to assist you every step of the way.
Our Flatglass Rooflights are designed to be installed onto a kerb up-stand. This kerb should be a minimum of 150mm high to negate water ingress and should be level in one plane. The top of the kerb should be an angled plane to provide a pitch to help shed water from the glass and the kerb needs to be weathered.
Installing a Flatglass Rooflight is a precise process that starts with the proper preparation of the kerb up-stand. Here’s what you need to know about the kerb specifications for a successful installation:
Kerb Height: The kerb up-stand on which the Rooflight will be placed should have a minimum height of 150mm. This elevation ensures that water is effectively prevented from entering the building through capillary action or direct flow.
Level and Angled Plane: The kerb must be level in one plane to ensure the even distribution of weight and a proper fit of the Rooflight. Additionally, the top surface of the kerb should be angled to provide a slight pitch. This slope aids in shedding water away from the glass surface, preventing water accumulation and ensuring effective drainage.
Weathering: The kerb should be appropriately weathered to safeguard against water infiltration. This can involve incorporating weatherproof materials or coatings that enhance the kerb’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
By adhering to these kerb specifications, you create an optimal foundation for the Flatglass Rooflight installation. The combination of the correct kerb height, level plane, proper pitch, and weatherproofing measures ensures that your Rooflight will perform at its best, maintaining a watertight seal and effectively managing water runoff. If you have any questions or need further guidance, our experienced team is here to provide expert assistance.
The kerbs can be made of any suitable material but in our experience, timber is the most commonly used.
A typical make-up would be 47mm x 47mm sawn softwood carcassing of sole plate, head plate and studs, with 50mm insulation between the studs. The carcass should be sheathed to the outside with an 18mm marine ply. This gives 65mm overall structural thickness.
We would suggest you allow 10mm for the roof finish weathering, giving 75mm overall. The roof finish should be lapped up the outer face of the kerb and onto the top of the kerb. Add plasterboard to the inside of the kerb and decorate as required. Finish any exposed kerb top as necessary with window board, white PVC trim or paint. There is a standard drawing showing a typical kerb available here.
Or alternatively try our Skyway Complete Range of Rooflights. Each comes with a part L fully compliant kerb built in. All that you need to do is weather the intergrated kerb upstand.
Generally, we recommend that the kerbs be at least 75mm thick. This is to properly support the rooflight frame and to adequately hide the frame from view from below. The aesthetic principle is that when you look up, all you see is glass. Thicker kerbs are fine, but the thinner the kerb the more frame you are likely to see from below. Always get the suitability of the kerb accessed by a building professional before installing the rooflight; it must be robust enough to easily take the weight of the rooflight as well as any other loads imposed by wind or snow, for example.
Choosing the right kerb thickness is crucial for achieving both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal in your Rooflight installation. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Support and Stability: Thicker kerbs, preferably at least 75mm thick, provide better support for the Rooflight frame. A robust kerb ensures that the weight of the Rooflight is evenly distributed and properly supported, minimizing the risk of stress on the frame or potential damage.
Frame Visibility: The thickness of the kerb plays a role in determining how much of the Rooflight frame is visible from below. Thicker kerbs can hide the frame more effectively, allowing for a cleaner and more visually appealing appearance when viewed from inside the building.
Aesthetic Appeal: The design principle is to create an illusion of all-glass when looking up at the Rooflight. Thicker kerbs contribute to this effect by minimizing the visible frame elements. This clean and unobstructed aesthetic enhances the overall look and feel of the space.
Professional Assessment: It’s crucial to have the suitability of the chosen kerb thickness assessed by a building professional before installation. The kerb needs to be capable of bearing the weight of the Rooflight and any additional loads like wind, snow, or maintenance activities.
By taking these factors into account and working with building professionals, you can select the appropriate kerb thickness that aligns with both the structural requirements and the desired aesthetic outcome of your Rooflight installation.
The short answer is no, the tolerance is built into the rooflight, not the kerb. For example, if you provide us with the finished weathered kerb dimensions, let’s say 1000mm down the slope by 2000mm long, we will fabricate a rooflight that’s 1046mm x 2046mm. This means that the rooflight lower flashing will slide easily over the kerb and bed the frame correctly onto the kerb top, like a box lid.
This extra allowance accounts for the size of the Rooflight’s lower flashing, which smoothly fits over the kerb. This snug fit allows the frame of the Rooflight to rest perfectly on the kerb’s top surface, resembling the lid of a well-fitted box. This precision ensures a seamless and secure installation, with the Rooflight frame sitting comfortably on the kerb while maintaining its weather-resistant integrity.
We provide two types of Flatglass rooflight; stock Flatglass rooflight sizes and a fully bespoke Flatglass service. The bespoke sizes can be any size to the nearest millimetre.
With our stock Flatglass rooflight sizes, you have the convenience of choosing from a range of predetermined sizes that are readily available. These sizes are designed to cater to common dimensions and requirements, providing you with a quick and efficient solution for your roofing needs.
On the other hand, our fully bespoke Flatglass service allows you the freedom to craft a rooflight that perfectly matches your unique specifications. Whether you have a specific size in mind or require a more tailored design, our experts are equipped to create a rooflight that fits your requirements to the nearest millimeter. This flexibility ensures that you get a rooflight that not only meets your functional needs but also aligns with your aesthetic preferences.
Glass is considered a rigid material but like all rigid materials, it will still deflect under load. However, the more rigid the material the less it will deflect. Glass rigidity and therefore deflection is dependent upon glass pane size. The bigger the unit the less rigid it is, and the more deflection will occur, starting at the centre of the pane. When installed in the horizontal plane this means that the glass will start to dip or dish in the centre. This deflection is due to the self-weight of the material called the dead load and also to live loads like wind pressure or snow loads. If a liquid like water were to be placed upon the glass, it will fill the dish and create a pooling or ponding effect.
To negate this, Roofglaze recommends that Flatglass rooflights are installed onto a kerb with at least a 5° fall, to help shed any water that may pool on the deflecting glass. In some instances, we may recommend more of a pitch depending on rooflight size but ultimately the final extent of the pitch is determined by the Client. That said, if a Flatglass unit were to be installed at 0° pitch this would not be to the detriment of the weathering or integrity of the IGU unit, other than water pooling on the top glass surface.
If water pooling is to be eliminated, the thickness of the outer skin of the glass must be increased to such a point that deflection is reduced to almost zero. However, to make the rooflights safer, we heat soak and toughen the glass to make it stronger, but unfortunately, this can have a detrimental effect on the glass itself by introducing a bow in the glass. This bow can cause the exact issue the thicker stronger glass was designed to eliminate. Unless it is truly excessive, the toughing bow is totally within manufacturing and industry-standard tolerances and the kerb pitch will have to be increased to allow for this. One last thing to consider, water will even cling to a vertical pane of glass, via capillary action, so water can never be removed by simply pitching the kerb a bit.
The short answer is no. If time is short and you need the Rooflight in a hurry, just agree on a finished weathered kerb size with us and we will start to manufacture based upon this agreed size. The only potential drawback with this is that you may encounter difficulties during construction and be forced to change the agreed kerb sizes. If we haven’t started to manufacture and this happens then it’s not a problem, but if we have started fabrication there may be additional costs involved for us to alter the Rooflight size at this stage. If time allows, it is always better to build the kerb, then measure it and give us the exact dimensions.
While this approach can save time, there is a potential drawback. If you later encounter challenges or changes during the construction process that necessitate adjustments to the kerb size, it might lead to complications. If we haven’t begun the manufacturing process, modifying the agreed kerb size won’t be an issue. However, if manufacturing has already started, there could be additional costs associated with altering the Rooflight size at that stage.
To mitigate this, if your project timeline allows, it’s advisable to construct the kerb first, then measure it accurately, and provide us with the precise dimensions. This ensures that the Rooflight is tailor-made to fit the exact kerb size, reducing the risk of any potential issues down the line. Our goal is to provide you with a Rooflight that seamlessly integrates into your project while minimizing any unexpected costs or complications.
Didn’t find what your looking for?
© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved | Company number: 11044641