My Basket 
Introduction to roof glazing systems
Several years ago, if we referred to ‘glazing systems’, it might have been assumed that we were talking about windows only, but with PVC increasingly being the material of choice for window frames, there has also been a growth in popularity of roof glazing systems. Roof glazing systems are structures typically composed of one or more panels, held together by a frame, and used on the roof of a building to allow natural light to flood into a room.
In addition to letting in light, the benefits of roof glazing systems include the obvious one – providing protection from the elements, but they also offer improved energy efficiency, noise reduction, and UV protection. They can also help to increase the value of a property.
There are a variety of products that fall under this category of ‘roof glazing systems’, including skylights, roof lanterns, conservatories and lean-tos. Each of these products has its own unique benefits and can be used in a variety of ways to achieve the desired results.
Rooflights (often referred to as ‘skylights’), for example, are used to provide an unobstructed view of the sky, while roof lanterns are a glass structure which are mostly installed on flat roofs. By very definition of the word, roof lanterns have a stylish ‘lantern’ effect due to the slim roof bars that make up the structure.
No matter what the homeowner’s specific needs may be, there is a roof glazing system that can help achieve their desired look.
At Edge Building Products we sell both flat glass rooflights and aluminium roof lanterns, two of the most popular types of roof glazing systems. In this blog, we will look at the benefits of both these structures so that you are able to guide your clients towards a solution that most suits them.
Flat Glass Roof Lights
A roof light is typically installed within the slope of a roof and allows rainwater to glide off. Our Edgesky Flat Glass Rooflight is a practical and simple, yet effective, addition to an extension or an existing room, and allows unobstructed natural light to flow into the room. Our rooflight is produced in Anthracite Grey, a contemporary colour which is often a popular choice with modern interiors, but its versatility means it really could be used in any period of house. We also offer other RAL colours for the rooflight structure, upon request and we can also manufacture these high quality rooflights to any size needed, including multi pane rooflights with glass rafters.
For homeowners who are looking to improve energy efficiency, rooflights have the added advantage of not only letting the sunlight in during the day, but also trapping heat in at night. This of course can really help with reducing energy costs and ultimately lowering the household’s carbon footprint.
At Edge Building Products we also offer the option of having an electric opener with our flat glass rooflight. This is a good option for larger rooflights that are installed in south facing rooms that become particularly warm in the summer.
Roof Lanterns
A roof lantern is an increasingly popular structure of skylight that is mostly installed in the flat ceilings of buildings. Roof lanterns are also referred to as sky-lanterns and are often chosen because of their ‘wow factor’…. they are not designed to be hidden and are often installed as a statement piece in a room, mostly in the centre. A roof lantern will also add room height and will often result in even the smallest and darkest of rooms feeling brighter and much more spacious.
Our EdgeSky Roof Lantern is of the highest quality and designed to fit simply to a pre-formed weathered upstand on the roof. With a fixed pitch of 25 degrees, we can manufacture them in any size up to 4000x 6000mm, in matt grey, matt black or gloss white (with other RAL colours available on special order). Roof lanterns are an excellent alternative to a skylight if there is a need for a much larger roof glazing system to bring in a maximum flow of daylight.
Although roof lanterns have aluminium glazing bars that provide support and therefore create the look of a ‘lantern’, our roof bars are slim at only 57mm wide – some of the slimmest on the market – and this appeals to homeowners looking for a sleek finish with less obstruction to the sky. Because we aim to give builders (and ultimately homeowners) choice, we also offer the addition of extra bars to the lantern if a more traditional look is required. Our EDGESky roof lantern provides a clean, contemporary finish and structural elegance throughout, and this is why it remains hugely popular.
Keeping your roof glazing systems clean
Whilst roof lanterns and skylights are a fantastic addition to any building, we are often asked if our products come with self-cleaning glass.
The answer is yes, they do. Self-cleaning glass is treated with a special coating that helps to repel water and dirt, and because roof glazing systems are often not easily accessible, it is an important feature when considering which lantern or skylight to choose.
The self-cleaning coating also helps to break down organic contaminants when exposed to sunlight, and as a result, the glass stays cleaner for longer and is much easier to then maintain than traditional glass. In summary, there are several benefits of self-cleaning glass, including helping to reduce the amount of time and effort required to clean the glass, keeping the glass looking cleaner and newer for longer, and of course saving money on cleaning costs in the long run.
Self-cleaning glass is an ideal solution for busy homeowners and businesses, and all our roof lanterns and skylights come with self-cleaning glass as standard.
We are here to help
We offer pre-sales and after-sales support to the trade, which can be accessed via our trade counters in Chichester, Croydon and Horsham. In addition, we offer installation guides for our EDGEsky roof lanterns and EDGEsky lights to ensure we are with you every step of the way when it comes to installing our products.
Still have questions? You can email or call us about any of our products by visiting the contact us page of our website, or by visiting our branches in person where we would be delighted to help.