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Roof Lanterns: Getting the Builder’s Kerb Detail Right

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The Detail Beneath the Daylight

A roof lantern can transform an interior, bringing daylight into the heart of a building and creating a greater sense of height and space. However, its success depends on something far less visible: the accuracy of the builder’s kerb beneath it.

These three installation stages illustrate why the roof opening, builder’s kerb, waterproofing and lantern should be designed as one coordinated detail.

1. Forming the opening and kerb

The structural opening establishes the internal daylight aperture, while the builder’s kerb provides the support for the roof lantern. These should not be treated as the same measurement.

The lantern may be manufactured to suit the finished external dimensions of the kerb rather than the clear opening below. Its width, height and construction should therefore be agreed with the lantern supplier before work begins.

Accuracy is critical. A kerb can have the correct length and width but still be out of square, so both diagonals should be checked. The top surface must also be level and sufficiently wide to support the lantern frame and accommodate the required fixings.

Be aware that the required kerb width varies according to the lantern system and the roof’s thermal requirements, typically ranging from around 75mm to 150mm. A wider kerb can accommodate more insulation and help achieve the required U-value, but it also reduces the clear opening and available daylight. The final width must therefore balance thermal performance, structural support and daylight.

A typical kerb upstand is at least 150mm above the finished roof surface, subject to the requirements of the selected lantern and roofing system. This must allow for the complete roof build-up, including insulation and waterproofing, rather than being measured from the structural deck.

2. Weatherproofing the upstand

The second stage shows the flat roof and kerb covered with roofing felt. The waterproofing must be dressed securely around the upstand without compromising the level fixing surface.

Felt or membrane can also affect the finished external dimensions of the kerb. These should be checked before the lantern is ordered or manufactured.

 

3. Installing the lantern

When the opening, external kerb dimensions, height, squareness and waterproofing have been properly coordinated, the lantern can sit evenly and achieve the clean, symmetrical appearance intended by the architect.

The lantern may provide the daylight and architectural impact, but the detail beneath it determines how successfully that vision is realised.

Are you confident that the roof opening, kerb and waterproofing have all been designed to work together?

Whatever the scale or complexity of your rooflight requirement, Rooflights & Skylights can provide the practical advice and technical guidance needed to help you specify the right solution for your project.

Safe, compliant roof access is non-negotiable in modern building design.

Building Products Index Ltd Access Hatches, Rooflights Leave a Comment

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Whether for maintaining solar panels, servicing rooftop building services plant, or providing access to roof terraces and gardens, every project must ensure that occupants and maintenance teams can reach the roof safely and with ease. Access hatches deliver a permanent, compliant, and secure means of access from within the building – eliminating the risks and inconvenience of external ladders or scaffolding.

And while primarily a safety-critical feature, the right roof access solution can also enhance a building’s appearance. With modern flat glass and dome designs available, today’s systems combine robust performance with clean, contemporary aesthetics, ensuring safety never compromises style.

Rooflights & Skylights supply a comprehensive range of roof access hatches from leading UK manufacturers, helping specifiers match the right product to every application – from residential maintenance to high-traffic commercial use.

For occasional residential access, the Coxdome Trade Range Rooftop Access Rooflight provides a practical and economical solution for routine maintenance.

For more frequent access, such as entry to roof terraces and roof gardens or retrofit installations, options include:

For commercial applications, the Thermadome Commercial Access Hatch offers a durable aluminium construction and high-performance insulation – ideal for plant maintenance and service access.

Visit the Rooflights and Skylights website available from Rooflights & Skylights – your trusted partner for daylighting and roof access solutions.

Pyramid Roof Lanterns: Eye-Catching Centrepiece. Daylight-Catching Solution.

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The Brett Martin Pyramid Roof Lantern, available from Rooflights & Skylights, brings striking symmetry, exceptional thermal efficiency, and rapid installation to contemporary flat roof designs. With its square footprint and clean, pitched form, this lantern delivers evenly distributed natural light – while also serving as a dramatic architectural focal point, both inside and out. It’s ideal for residential, commercial, and public spaces – including atriums, stairwells, or central reception areas – where daylight performance and visual impact are equally critical.

Manufactured by Brett Martin with slender aluminium profiles, precision-cast ridge detailing, and neat sight lines, this rooflight offers architects a crisp, minimalist aesthetic, while providing contractors with a robust, installation-friendly solution. Available in three standard sizes – 1000 x 1000mm, 1500 x 1500mm and 2000 x 2000mm – with bespoke options typically delivered in 15–17 days, it mounts directly to a weathered builder’s upstand for a seamless fit and swift installation.

Key Benefits

  • Balanced daylighting: Pyramid geometry offers even natural light distribution across square-plan spaces.
  • Slim frame design: Clean lines and minimal visual obstruction suit both contemporary and heritage buildings.
  • Fast, clean installation: No need for site-applied silicone except at the roof junction.
  • Safety built-in: Laminated inner pane protects occupants in the unlikely event of a breakage.
  • High thermal performance: Thermally broken frame and Low-E double glazing reduce heat loss.
  • Rapid delivery: Standard sizes delivered in just 3–5 days, helping meet tight project schedules.
  • 10-year warranty: Long-term assurance for specifiers and building owners.

Specifications

  • Sizes: Standard – 1000x1000mm, 1500x1500mm, and 2000x2000mm. Bespoke sizes available (typical lead time 15–17 days).
  • Glazing: Clear or blue self-cleaning solar-control glass as standard; optional aqua and neutral solar-control finishes available.
  • Frame finishes: Powder-coated, both internally and externally, in a combination of three colours – RAL 7016 anthracite grey, RAL 9010 white, or RAL 9005 black.
  • Installation: Direct to weathered builder’s upstand; precision-engineered for efficient site installation.

Click for more info: https://www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk/brett-martin-roof-lantern-pyramid/

Looking for high-performance flat glass rooflights on a budget?

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The Whitesales em.glaze Economy series from Rooflights & Skylights delivers exceptional quality and performance at a price that keeps your project costs in check. These economical flat glass rooflights combine excellent thermal and weather performance with enhanced safety, thanks to the laminated inner pane.

Build Options:

Top Only – Ideal for installation on builders’ timber kerb

Fixed Units: Comes with a thermally broken 150mm vertical uPVC upstand.

Manual Opening Units: Perfect for refurbishment projects where electrical access is limited. Operates via a winding spindle and opens up to 200mm. Available with a uPVC em.curb, including trickle ventilation options.

Electric Opening Units: Features a visible motor unit mounted on a 150mm vertical uPVC upstand for a fast and watertight installation. Controlled via the Standard Comfort Control Kit, which includes a control panel, remote control, and rain sensor.

 

em.glaze Economy at a Glance:

  • Versatile options: Available in top only, fixed, manual and electric opening models
  • 11 stock sizes: Ideal for most standard rooflight projects.
  • Low U-values of 1.3W/m2K: Ensures excellent insulation and energy saving.
  • Glass-to-Edge Design: Offers unobstructed views for enhanced aesthetics.
  • Airtight: BS6375-1:2015 and BS EN 12207 Class 4 300 Pa
  • Wind loads: BS 6375-1:2015 and BS EN 12210 Class A3
  • Pre-glazed at the Factory: For easy, hassle-free installation
  • 84mm Black Frit Panel: Provides a sleek, high-end look.
  • Compatibility: Suitable for builders’ timber and uPVC upstands.
  • Thermal Break: Delivers excellent sound insulation and thermal performance.
  • Durable Aluminium Frame: RAL 7016 anthracite grey as standard, or can be powder coated to any RAL colour.
  • Recommended Install pitch (upstand): 5 – 15 degrees for optimal performance

All build options come with a 10-Year warranty, and 1-Year on all electrical components.

Elevate your next project with the high-performance Whitesales em.glaze Economy series – the ideal blend of quality and affordability for today’s market!

Click for more info: https://www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk/brands/whitesales/

Let More Natural Light In for Less Cost: Polycarbonate Rooflights.

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When maximum daylight is essential, and a flat roof profile is not required, polycarbonate rooflights provide a cost-effective solution. Practical, strong and thermally efficient, they also offer ventilation options for improving fresh air circulation. Download your FREE essential guide today!

Rooflights & Skylights’ polycarbonate rooflights are manufactured from ‘enhanced’ polycarbonate, which is resistant to aggressive weathering and UV rays. This means that our rooflights, which come with up to a 20-year warranty, remain unaffected by excessive colour changes or loss of light transmission, as they are UV protected as standard.

Our units come equipped with tamper-proof screwbolt fixings, preventing removal with traditional tools. Additionally, our design aims to protect the glazing from excess pressure and minimise the risk of stress fractures, even if the fixings are overtightened.

Energy-efficient performer

Our range of polycarbonate rooflights offers exceptional thermal performance, as evidenced by the U-Value. Our rooflights offer U-Values as low as 0.85W/m2K, ensuring warmth is retained during winter while keeping excess heat out during the summer months. With triple and quad-glazed units, achieving such low U-Values is well within reach.

Now add fresh air

Our polycarbonate rooflights not only allow daylight to flood into a building but also allow fresh air to enter. Our range includes tailored ventilation options, offering rotary or hinged solutions that can be controlled manually or electrically based upon the level of access to the rooflight.

To select the right polycarbonate rooflight for your project, consider options from the following brands: Mardome, Coxdome and Thermadome – all featured in our Free 2024 Polycarbonate Guide.

Click on the cover above to read your copy now!

Choosing a Roof Lantern: Get your FREE 2024 Guide from Rooflights & Skylights

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

View the National Domelight Company entry on BPindex

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Discovering the perfect roof lantern for your space is made easy with our essential guide. Explore aesthetics, frame design, materials, impact on energy efficiency and installation tips!

Roof lanterns offer breathtaking sky views, providing the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of one’s interior while flooding the space with abundant natural light. What sets them apart from other rooflights is their distinctive architectural design. Not only does this design serve as a striking feature, but it also elevates the ceiling height of flat roof extensions, creating a sense of spaciousness and grandeur.

Choose from a number of frame options available within the Rooflights & Skylights range:

Frameless: Frameless roof lanterns employ cutting-edge silicone glazing techniques, integrating ultra-slim glass-to-glass panels with structurally bonded hip and ridge joints. This design distinguishes them among the slimmest systems on the market, ensuring exceptionally clear views.

Slim Aluminium Frame: Featuring super-strong yet lightweight aluminium box rafters, this design offers visual elegance and sharp minimalistic lines indoors.

Reinforced PVCu or Aluminium Ridge: With its robust ridge design and minimal sized rafters, it offers some of the narrowest sightlines available.

Energy saving benefits

The additional sunlight provided by a roof lantern diminishes the reliance on artificial lighting, thereby saving energy and decreasing a home’s carbon footprint. Our standard double glazing, featuring an argon-filled cavity, improves heat retention by 30 percent. Moreover, we provide optional triple-glazing for improved insulation, energy efficiency, and noise reduction.

To choose the ideal roof lantern for your project, consider options from the following brands: Brett Martin, Thermalight, Skylantern, Wendland, Lunaglaze and Korniche, all featured in our Free 2024 Roof Lantern Guide

To download a FREE copy, click here

Safety First: Accidental damage needn’t be a glass-shattering experience!

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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Roof Lanterns with a standard shatterproof laminated inner pane – the safest choice for overhead glazing from Rooflights & Skylights.

This roof lantern is unique as it’s the only one with a laminated inner pane as standard. This essential safety feature prevents glass from falling into the building in case of accidents, like a falling object hitting the roof lantern. In contrast, other glass rooflights typically offer toughened glass inner panes.

Recognised as one of the safest on the market, this slim and elegant glass roof lantern, designed and manufactured by Brett Martin, makes an architectural statement – it demands attention!

The 4-panel frame design features clean sight lines and neat junctions, maximising the clear area for natural light to flood into the living area or workspace below. Additionally, two extra glazing bars enhance the classic appeal of the 6-panel design!

As standard, the external aluminium framework is supplied powder coated in Anthracite Grey RAL 7016, and the internal framework is White RAL 9010 (other colours are available on request).

Designed for quick and hassle-free installation, it requires minimal silicone sealant, needing only a final seal between the roof and the rooflight.

  • An extremely energy efficient unit, with a thermally broken frame and Low-E double glazing
  • Solar Control Self Cleaning Glazing supplied as standard.
  • Available in 9 standard sizes
  • FREE Speedy Nationwide delivery within 3-5 days for standard sizes from order placement
  • 10 year warranty available

For more information, click here

 

Your specification partner in daylight solutions for interiors

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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With the unrelenting trend for domestic extensions and customers seeking to make maximum use of available space within their homes, Rooflights & Skylights provide you, the architect, with the ideal solution.

As well as delivering natural light to areas of a living space that might otherwise be difficult to illuminate naturally, well considered rooflights or skylights provide opportunity to free up wall space and overcome planning hurdles in ways that traditional windows can’t resolve.

And with the multitude of styles and functionality available, it’s easier than ever to provide you with the perfect solution to meet your customers’ needs in terms of aesthetics, intensity of illumination, thermal performance and ventilation.

However, there’s still plenty to consider. So, Scott Couldrey, Managing Director, Rooflights & Skylights, discusses the options…

Glass or polycarbonate

For many customers, the choice of rooflight styles available on the market can be intimidating, so we always suggest the first choice to make is between a glass or polycarbonate rooflight.

Pro Tip!.. If the rooflight can be seen from the outside of the property, then choose Glass!

There’s no denying that glass rooflights are a more aesthetically pleasing solution – particularly in domestic settings where it might form an architectural centrepiece within the interior, or impose a visual impact on the exterior of the property.

 

However, polycarbonate rooflights come into their own where functionality and budget trump aesthetics – with a wide range of shapes and sizes as well as different coatings and ventilation options available.

 

 

 

Function and style 

Allowing huge amounts of daylight to flood into an interior space and providing a clean, minimalist, yet stunning design feature, it’s easy to see why roof lanterns and pyramid skylights are such a popular solution when it comes to making a statement.

Pro Tip!.. Looking for a discrete means of introducing light into a single storey extension where the roof acts as a balcony or terrace…choose a Walk-on skylight!

Access hatches are a cost-effective method of allowing occasional access to a rooftop for the purpose of inspection or maintenance, while providing an invaluable source of natural light into an interior.

Our range of AOV smoke vents can serve the dual purpose of allowing natural light into a building, while adhering to fire safety and ventilation regulations – particularly relevant in buildings of multiple occupancy.

Thermal performance

With energy efficiency a growing concern among customers, thermal performance comes under tight scrutiny. As well as different styles and sizes having an impact on the thermal performance of a rooflight or skylight, the range of glazing options and their associated U-value ratings, also determine how much the glass reduces heat loss.

Pro Tip!.. Argon-filled glazing units act as a more efficient thermal buffer than air-filled units and can help your customer save money in reduced energy bills long-term.

Expert support with product specification

With years of experience, working on hundreds of extension projects, Rooflights&Skylights can help you specify the best solution – taking into account budget, aesthetics, functionality, building regulations and planning requirements.

Bespoke rooflight and skylight design

In non-standard spaces or unusual sites, building regulations and planning restrictions can turn up some unusual challenges and our expertise comes into its own…we’re here to help!

And, if our team can’t find a standard product fit for your project then our bespoke support service will ensure a solution is designed and manufactured to your custom-build specifications.

Contact us today for expert support with your next project.

Custom-made glass rooflights at off-the-shelf prices!

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

View the National Domelight Company Entry on BPindex

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When it comes to bespoke projects – whether custom build or the renovation of a protected building, it’s rare that high specification and ‘budget-friendly’ go hand-in-hand.

However, with their own R&S range of custom-made flat glass rooflights, Rooflights & Skylights achieves just that. Combining quality – backed by attractive guarantees on all components – with a selection of glazing options to suit your customers’ needs, Rooflights & Skylights provide an affordable solution for all of those one-of-a-kind projects.

The Rooflights & Skylights (R&S) range

Ideally suited to flat roof constructions, the R&S range offer a variety of stylish hinged and fixed glass solutions to allow customers maximum enjoyment of their space.

These include:

– Glass rooflight top only

– Glass rooflight with PVC kerb

– Glass manual hinged rooflight to fit builder’s kerb

– Glass manual hinged rooflight with PVC Kerb

– Glass electric opening rooflight to fit builder’s kerb

– Glass electric opening rooflight with PVC kerb

The sky’s the limit when it comes to glazing options…

Whether they’re seeking protection from the effects of the sun or privacy from surrounding vantage points, there’s a glazing option to meet your customer’s requirements.

Clear – allowing natural light to flood in and fill the space.

Solar Control – reduces solar gain, while maintaining optimum light transmission.

Grey Glass – a decorative option used to reduce light transmission.

Satin Glass – a white laminate layer allows light through while offering high concealment of the room below.

Stippolyte Textured Glass – increased privacy is achieved with a level 4 medium / high obscuration.

Clear, Solar Control and Grey Glass options are also available with ‘easy clean’ coating – reducing the accumulation of dirt and debris on the rooflight and making it easier to clean.

Top spec and easy to install

Rooflights come with a fully sealed laminated double glazed unit as standard. The thermally broken construction ensures no cold bridging and a reduction in condensation. The aluminium frame of each rooflight is supplied with a powder-coated finish in Anthracite (RAL 7016).

Technical support and regulatory advice

The technical team at Rooflights & Skylights are on hand to help determine the right product for your project as well as advising on industry policy and regulation – saving you time and budget.

Quality: Guaranteed

 While all rooflight units are made to a high specification by a leading manufacturer, for added peace of mind customers can enjoy a number of guarantees, which include:

10 years on the unit

5 years on the double glazed unit

1 year on electrical components, where applicable.

View the whole range and order today from as little as £399

Custom-made glass rooflights at off-the-shelf prices!

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

View the National Domelight Company Entry on BPindex

Visit the Rooflights & Skylights Website

When it comes to bespoke projects – whether custom build or the renovation of a protected building, it’s rare that high specification and ‘budget-friendly’ go hand-in-hand.

However, with their own R&S range of custom-made flat glass rooflights, Rooflights & Skylights achieves just that. Combining quality – backed by attractive guarantees on all components – with a selection of glazing options to suit your customers’ needs, Rooflights & Skylights provide an affordable solution for all of those one-of-a-kind projects.

The Rooflights & Skylights (R&S) range

Ideally suited to flat roof constructions, the R&S range offer a variety of stylish hinged and fixed glass solutions to allow customers maximum enjoyment of their space.

These include:

– Glass rooflight top only

– Glass rooflight with PVC kerb

– Glass manual hinged rooflight to fit builder’s kerb

– Glass manual hinged rooflight with PVC Kerb

– Glass electric opening rooflight to fit builder’s kerb

– Glass electric opening rooflight with PVC kerb

The sky’s the limit when it comes to glazing options…

Whether they’re seeking protection from the effects of the sun or privacy from surrounding vantage points, there’s a glazing option to meet your customer’s requirements.

Clear – allowing natural light to flood in and fill the space.

Solar Control – reduces solar gain, while maintaining optimum light transmission.

Grey Glass – a decorative option used to reduce light transmission.

Satin Glass – a white laminate layer allows light through while offering high concealment of the room below.

Stippolyte Textured Glass – increased privacy is achieved with a level 4 medium / high obscuration.

Clear, Solar Control and Grey Glass options are also available with ‘easy clean’ coating – reducing the accumulation of dirt and debris on the rooflight and making it easier to clean.

Top spec and easy to install

Rooflights come with a fully sealed laminated double glazed unit as standard. The thermally broken construction ensures no cold bridging and a reduction in condensation. The aluminium frame of each rooflight is supplied with a powder-coated finish in Anthracite (RAL 7016).

Technical support and regulatory advice

The technical team at Rooflights & Skylights are on hand to help determine the right product for your project as well as advising on industry policy and regulation – saving you time and budget.

Quality: Guaranteed

 While all rooflight units are made to a high specification by a leading manufacturer, for added peace of mind customers can enjoy a number of guarantees, which include:

10 years on the unit

5 years on the double glazed unit

1 year on electrical components, where applicable.

View the whole range and order today from as little as £399

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