Ensure your glazing specification elevates your heritage project by paying attention to these six things
The conservation rooflight market offers architects a wide variety of choices. Here are six things to think about when deciding which to specify:
1. Material selection Genuine conservation rooflights should feature slim, clean lines and a low profile to match the roofline. Steel is preferred for its strength, slim profile and excellent glass-to-frame ratios.
2. Glazing options Modern standards require good thermal efficiency. Double glazing is the most popular option, offering benefits while remaining slender enough to replicate the single glazing of Victorian originals. Triple glazing, although slightly more thermally efficient, compromises appearance due to its thickness, making it less suitable for flush-fitting profiles typical of conservation rooflights.
3. Glazing bars Conservation officers often require glazing bars to replicate Victorian designs. Genuine glazing bars not only divide the glazing but also strengthen the casement. Many modern rooflights use superficial bars that lack both aesthetic and structural benefits.
4. Hinge types Top-hung rooflights are closer replicas of Victorian designs, maximising space below as the casement doesn’t intrude into the room. They also feature attractive brass ironmongery, unlike centre pivot designs, which often use less aesthetically pleasing plastic handles.
5. Suitability for projects Not all conservation rooflights are suitable for all projects, such as listed buildings or those in conservation areas where approval is necessary for both the rooflight and the manufacturer. Only a few companies specialise in genuine conservation rooflights, with fewer manufacturing in the UK.
6. Remember this A large rooflight doesn't guarantee more light. The clear viewable area can vary significantly between manufacturers. Bulky-framed modern types or flat rooflights posing as pitched styles let in less light than genuine steel-framed versions. Architects must also consider how to lift large rooflights from the ground to the roof, along with the weight implications for the structure.
Choosing the right conservation rooflight can be complex, but Stella Rooflight is on hand to advise, whatever the size of your project.
For more information and technical support, visit stellarooflight.co.uk
Contact:
01794 745445
info@stellarooflight.co.uk