At Home Tales, we offer home improvement services covering renovations and house extensions in London. We understand such projects are huge investments that need special care and attention to detail, so we are committed to producing design packages that our clients are 100% happy with.

Glass roofs are often seen in commercial builds such as hotels and restaurants, but through our work we have seen more and more of them in residential properties. For example, a popular choice is to install a glass roof above a kitchen extension in London. The ability to customise glass roofs means your choices are no longer confined to a conservatory or orangery for maximum natural lighting.

Advantages of a glass roof

There are tons of reasons for a homeowner to want a glass roof on their new extension. The most prevalent advantage is the amount of natural light that is allowed to pour into the room. They also offer unobstructed views of the outside, so you feel more connected with nature. This elegant, durable feature would add value to your property as it is visually attractive and exudes luxury. This will definitely make your house stand out in the saturated housing market. It complements all types of properties, so make sure to hire a reputable professional to carry out the works to get its full potential, especially in a period property.

Modern technology ensures that glass roofs and roof lights are low maintenance, with coatings that make the glass self-cleaning (however, solid objects would need manual cleaning). It can increase the energy efficiency in your home, as the structural glass would let in warm sunshine during the winter and ventilated during the summer months.

Types of glazing

There are a wide of materials that are suitable for glazing this type of roof. Some examples include laminated safety glass, single glazing, double glazing, triple glazing, and toughened glass.

Laminated safety glass is made of 2 layers of glazing with interlayers within. It’s almost impossible to break, reduces noise pollution, and is perfect against natural disasters. They’re readily available on the market with all type of tints and coating. Single glazing is the least favourable on the list as, although it does the job, it is more prone to damage and heat loss. Double glazing is far greater at retaining heat in an extension and is relatively durable in comparison, saving you on energy costs during the cold winter months. Triple glazing can save you even more on energy costs, deals with condensation well, is incredibly durable, and blocks out noise, but can be a costly option.

Lastly, toughened glass is a luxury option that is more suited as walls. It’s shock and shatter resistant due to its composition. Before hitting the market, it’s put under rigorous temperatures and tests to ensure this type of glazing lives up to its name.

Panels

If you’re aiming for a sleeker interior, one large panel of glazing as your roof can make a lasting impression on your guests. When done right, it can be synonymous with luxury without the hefty price tag.

Having multiple panes in a glass roof can be a statement feature, especially if you already have Crittal doors. It can be easier to install as contractors will be handling multiple small panes of glass as opposed to one large pane of glass. If damage is done to a single-paned glass roof, the entire feature would need replacing or repairing. If a glass with multiple panes is damaged, you can simply repair/replace the effected part of the roof, meaning a lot less costs.

Frame

The most affordable option available is uPVC framing. It is readily available on the market and comes in an assortment of colours. They are durable and lightweight, with a lifespan of around 30 years. These frames would need regular cleaning to prevent them from discolouration and build-up of dirt.

A step up from plastic is metal (aluminium) framing. Aluminium is an eco-friendly, low maintenance option that can last up to 45 years when paired with a protective coating. In contrast to uPVC, aluminium is 100% recyclable, much slimmer, and stronger. Its composition makes it perfect for bespoke glazing and modern exteriors/interiors. All these positive attributes means aluminium frames are more costly than uPVC frames.

A trusty material that has been used for centuries for framework is timber. It’s a sustainable choice that adds character, value, and insulation to the home. Timber frames typically have a lifespan of over 60 years depending on how well it is maintained. The life of timber can increase if properly taken care of to avoid rot, termites, and warping. Unlike aluminium frames, timber frames can gradually become unusable if neglected for long periods. If warped, gaps can appear between the walls and the frame, letting in cold draughts and speeding up heat loss. Timber frames are typically more costly than uPVC and aluminium frames, however, because of its lengthy lifespan we think the costs even out.

Are you considering extending your property but have lots of designs in your head that you just can’t decide on? Our friendly team of professionals would love to discuss your ideas with you! We can provide you with a fabulous design package that covers that entire design of your extension, planning process, and building regulations pack. This means we’ll take care of everything up into the build. Give us on ring on 02070432378 or contact us via email at hello@hometales.co.uk. Alternatively, book in a no-obligations telephone consultation by clicking here.