A glass roof structure is one of the best ways to bring natural light into your home while adding a visually appealing element. Far from being limited to grand buildings and palaces, a glass roof is a timeless feature. Opening up closed or dimly-lit spaces, they provide a contemporary elegance and a constantly changing, uninterrupted view.
But glass roof structures can take many forms. This article looks into the different types of glass roofs, specialist roof glazing options, and what you need to think about if you’re considering one for your property.
What are glass roofs?
A glass roof, or glass roof structure or glass roof light, can be used in place of traditional roofing materials for any individual rooms or spaces within a property. While providing the structural integrity and strength required of a standard roof, its primary purpose is to bring in as much natural light as possible to lighten any dark areas or rooms with small or no windows.
Glass roof structures are highly effective at transforming the interior of any property, residential or commercial, classic or contemporary. While not something a typical new build home may need, glass roofs can be a versatile choice for homeowners, architects, and interior designers on self-build, extension, or renovation projects, significantly impacting even the largest spaces.
But a glass roof isn’t just a ‘glass roof’. With a range of designs and styles available, there isn’t, and doesn’t have to be a standard glass roof. What you choose will be led by your property type, its aesthetics, the area you want to cover, and your budget.
The benefits of a glass roof
But why choose a structural glass roof, and what benefits do they bring to a property? We’ve briefly mentioned a couple of positives, but let’s look at some of the key advantages a glass roof installation can bring you.
Fully customisable
Many people assume glass roof structures come in a small range of standard sizes with limited features. But they can be any size, shape, and design you choose. Custom-designed and made to your specifications, with a choice of opening or fixed configurations, they can be made to suit almost any space.
High energy-efficiency
A glass roof can be more energy efficient than you think. Glass roof structures from GlasSpace use structural SunGuard® glass with 70/37 solar control for maximum thermal efficiency and insulation from heat, cold – and noise.
Increased property value
Increasing the value of your home beyond market growth is always a goal for homeowners. New features that add efficiency, luxury, or additional space to a home can boost its value almost instantly – and a versatile, stylish, and structurally sound glass roof structure can have the same effect.
Things to keep in mind when considering a glass roof
Whether you’re extending your home or altering its original state for any reason, you’ll need expert advice. And installing a structural glass roof is no exception. While your architect and the team here at GlasSpace can give you more information, here are a few things to keep in mind before you start.
Wall support
The larger your glass roof area will be, the more glass you’ll need to use. The toughened, laminated solar glass used by GlasSpace can be heavy, so get a structural engineer’s advice on how much weight your walls can take and whether you might need support.
Building regulations
Complying with building regulations is essential, especially when installing a glass roof. There are limitations on the amount of glazing your home can have, so a glass roof structure will undoubtedly add to that. Your architect can advise you further and ensure you stay on track and within the rules.
Opening and closing
Many assume glass roofs don’t open, but technology is such that opening is an option. So consider whether you want your glass roof to be fixed to only let in more light, or if you want the entire roof to slide or tilt open manually or remotely, or even just individual panels, for ventilation.
What types of glass roofs are there?
Glass roofs fall into one of two styles – single panel or multi-panel. Choosing the most appropriate for your needs is crucial. So before your architect designs your glass roof, this is one of the first decisions you must make. What are your options?
Single panel
Single-panel glass roofs are best suited to smaller areas, whether for structural reasons, available space, or your preference. While they won’t let as much light in as a multi-panel glass roof, they can still make a big difference and create a real feature for your room.
Multi-panel
For entire rooms or in more significant areas to create a covered space, multi-panel glass roofs will be a better choice. Larger glass roofs ensure maximum light enters and can be designed with framing and opening styles to suit your taste and the property’s architectural style.
Types of glazing
Not only can you design the aesthetics of your glass roof structure, you even get a choice of the type of glazing you can use. These are split into four key categories:
- Toughened glass – a legal safety requirement and used if the glass roof is also used as a glass floor
- Laminated glass – laminated glass is layered for safety to prevent glass from falling if it breaks
- Thermal glass – this uses different coatings to improve thermal and energy efficiency
- Security glass – specialist glass with added security features that provide extra protection
But why should you choose just one of these glass types when GlasSpace uses specialist SunGuard® Super Neutral 70/37 glass that gives you the best of all of them?
Regularly specified by architects and homeowners for structural glass roof lights, high-performance SunGuard® glass offers incredibly high natural light transmission and provides energy efficiency, insulation, and solar protection. This is why GlasSpace uses SunGuard® on every installation as standard.
How much does a glass roof structure cost?
This is a crucial question for homeowners and architects when choosing a glass roof structure. But it’s not as straightforward as providing a flat cost without knowing the size and specifications of your project beforehand.
A glass roof could cost approximately £1,000 per M2, but a key factor is whether you choose a straightforward design or a custom-designed glass roof built specifically for your property.
Glass roof structures from GlasSpace
Glass roofs can bring more natural light to open up even the largest spaces. And, given all the benefits discussed here, will provide an impressive ‘Wow!’ factor for your home. So when you’ve chosen a glass roof for your property, talk to GlasSpace today.
Our team has experience and expertise in every detail of glass roof structures and are available now to help you with any design and installation details. So contact us today for more information on getting your project started and your no-obligation, free quote.
