Skylights, also known as roof lights, or roof windows, are a great addition to any home or commercial property.
With a quality skylight, you can flood your home or business space with much needed daylight. This eliminates the need to install additional lighting and therefore, reduces energy consumption.
Although skylights are most commonly used on pitched roofing, what you might not know is that they can also be installed on flat roofing.
As an experienced roofing company, we are experts at roof window installation, so if you’re looking to increase natural light, improve ventilation and enhance the look of your home or business, you’ve come to the right place!
What are the Benefits of a Skylight for a Flat Roof?
Increased Natural Lighting
Did you know… a flat roof skylight can introduce three times more light into your room when compared with a traditional vertical window?
Unlike traditional vertical windows, skylights sit perpendicular to the sun meaning that you get to reap the benefits of constant natural light throughout the day.
Increased Ventilation
Skylights aren’t just an aesthetic addition. With a good quality skylight such as a Velux Roof Window, you can dramatically improve the ventilation of your space.
When hot, moist air rises and has nowhere to go, it can lead to a whole host of mould and damp issues. So, by adding a flat roof skylight, you give the air somewhere to escape, enabling passive cooling and improving air flow.
Maintaining a Comfortable Temperature
It’s not just the summer months when skylights can come in handy!
During the winter, a quality triple glazed skylight can help to keep you warm by trapping heat inside your space.
To further reap the benefits of thermal regulation, some homeowners have their skylights installed under a leafy tree. That way, the leaves block harsh rays in the summer, and introduce much needed warmth in the winter when the leaves fall off.
It’s important to be aware that, when doing this, your skylight may require more maintenance due to falling debris or moss that can gather on the exterior. So, take this into consideration when deciding upon the placement of your window.
Reduced Noise Pollution
When it comes to soundproofing your flat roof skylights, you have a couple of different options.
The most fool-proof way to keep out noise pollution is by installing a skylight that has thick, laminated glass or secondary glazing. That way, you can enjoy the natural sunlight that your skylight emits whilst keeping your space peaceful and quiet.
For a more budget friendly alternative, you could opt for noise cancelling blinds.
Nowadays, there are many skylight blinds that are specially designed to absorb unwanted sounds and reduce echo within a space.
How to install a Skylight on a Flat Roof
When installing a flat roof skylight, it is important to seek out a professional roofer in Bath.
We have been trusted roofers since 1981 and have fitted countless Skylights for both commercial and residential projects.
Installing a Skylight can take around 3 days of work on average and requires a hole to be created in the roof and a wooden frame installed. The roofing material will then be flush to the wooden frame to ensure a waterproof seal before the skylight can be attached.
Things to Consider When Installing a Skylight on a Flat Roof
Build up of Water
One issue when installing skylights on a flat roof is the potential build-up of rainwater. To prevent this, an experienced roofer will build the wooden frame at a slight angle, usually around 5 degrees, so that the water can easily run off.
To further reduce the issue of rainwater build up, you might want to opt for curved glass rooflights. Not only do these windows help more light to enter the space, but they also enable rainwater to drain off more easily.
Quality Waterproofing
Flat roof skylight installation requires skill and expertise, so it is critical to enlist the help of a professional who can take steps to ensure your windows are waterproof.
If your flat roof windows are not properly installed and sealed, you run the risk of a leak which can cause serious damage to your property.
How to Choose a Position and Size For Your Skylight
Offices, kitchens and dining rooms are popular locations for skylights however, where you place your skylight is entirely up to you!
Many people opt to install their flat roof skylights in the centre of the room but this isn’t the only option. If there is an area of the room that you want to showcase, skylights can be a great way to break up the space and create more defined zones within your home or commercial building.
How Large Can Flat Roof Skylights be?
The size of your skylight is very much dependent on the structure of your building.
Traditionally skylights used to only be available in smaller sizes however, VELUX has introduced a modular range which means that skylights can be made as large as your roofing allows.
Is Planning Permission Needed for Skylight Installation?
Skylights are relatively discreet and unobtrusive to install. Despite this, planning permission may still be required, particularly if your windows are likely to be significantly higher than the existing roof plane.
Current guidance states that windows require planning permission if they are elevated above 150mm from roof level, and due to the angle needed for water run off, sometimes skylights on flat roofing can be higher than this.
At S&J roofing, we have a significant amount of experience installing skylights. So, if you have any questions relating to planning permission or building regulations, we’re happy to provide expert advice.
How to Clean Skylights
When it comes to cleaning your skylights, it is best to use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth with warm water and a gentle detergent.
While the interior panes may not require too much effort to reach, when tackling the outside, it is always best to seek the help of a professional.
If you do decide to take on the external cleaning yourself, make sure you use a safe and secure ladder along with an extendable squeegee. That way, you’ll be able to get to hard to reach areas more easily.
Did You Know That You Can Get Self-Cleaning Skylights?
With a dirt repellent coating, self cleaning skylights can be a great way to keep your windows looking clean and residue free without extensive maintenance.
What is the Difference Between Skylights and Roof Lanterns?
Both skylights and roof lanterns are extremely popular and can completely elevate the look of your home or business.
Unlike skylights, roof lanterns protrude further from the roof and give more of a traditional conservatory look, whereas skylights are more modern and minimalist.
If you are considering installing a roof lantern within your property, it’s important to be aware that they can be a costly investment. Roof lanterns are generally more expensive per square metre and cannot be opened and closed. So, if further ventilation is required then you may end up paying a significant amount overall.
How Can S&J Roofing Bath Help?
At S&J Bath, we have an experienced team of roofing professionals who have a vast amount of experience installing high quality roof lights.
Part of the FMB (Federation of Master Builders) and endorsed by TrustMark, you can be safe in the knowledge that your windows are being installed by qualified roofing specialists.
So, if you’re looking for a way to add some extra natural lighting into your home or business, why not get in touch?
Simply let us know the details of your upcoming project and we can provide you with a personalised quote.