There has been an update to this blog which was first published in March 2017 and has been revised to reflect the changes as a result of the UK leaving the European Union and the end of the transition period during which nothing much changed. Please visit our new blog post for the most accurate… Read more
Adding glazing to a roof can provide a variety of benefits for a building and its occupants, such as increasing the amount of natural light and providing natural ventilation. However, if you want to make the most of these products, you need to make sure you specify the right one. Here at Glazing Vision, we… Read more
Rooflights and roof windows are both popular choices for bringing natural daylight into a property, and rooflights can also provide a variety of other benefits, such as natural ventilation and access to roof terraces. When selecting a rooflight or roof window, there are several specification considerations to think about – and one factor that could… Read more
*This post has been updated as of 29.03.18 We all have a predilection to well lit, inviting spaces, so increasing the use of glazing products in the built environment is almost always an efficient way of improving an internal space. But what is the difference between these glazing products: is a skylight different to a… Read more
Part K of the Building Regulations defines what requirements must be met in order to prevent injuries due to falls, collisions and impacts. While Part K deals with safety around a variety of building components, if you’re specifying an access rooflight, it will be of particular interest because of its focus on stairs. Stairs can… Read more
Designing an access rooflight isn’t just about the glass structure overhead. There’s also the “access” part to think about — how will users approach the rooflight and what are the safety considerations? Unless a rooflight is intended for maintenance purposes, where personnel will only use it on an occasional basis, the access will need to… Read more
When specifying a glass building element, safety is a major consideration. This is certainly true for access rooflights, since users will have direct contact with the glazing. For example, users will be opening and closing the doors of access rooflights. This means that they might lean on or impact the glass walls of box rooflights… Read more
Since in many installations, an access rooflight creates a hole in a surface where people will be walking, safety is a crucial consideration. Approved Document K provides guidance for meeting the Building Regulations regarding protection from falling, collision and impact in and around a building. Section 3 specifically addresses protection from falling and describes situations… Read more
When it comes to specifying roof access, there are a lot of things to consider, from how often roof access will be needed, through to the appearance and maintenance requirements of the finished system. Rooflights are an excellent option, thanks to their attractive, space saving design and ease of use. They’re also suitable for a… Read more
If you’re looking to construct a terrace or roof garden box rooflights can be the key to unlocking vital roof top space. Essentially a ‘sliding glass box’ these roof lights can provide a technical solution as well as an aesthetically pleasing one for architects and building occupants alike. These contemporary styled rooflights are designed to… Read more
We’re in stormy, unchartered waters. The UK’s vote to exit the EU saw an immediate period of volatility in the financial markets as they look to offload their positions, which has seen the pound weaken against the dollar to a level not seen since 1985. All of us are looking to the political establishment for… Read more
In October 2015, changes to the Building Regulations meant that anyone wishing to install rooflights in ‘easily accessible areas’ on a building must make sure that the product complies with security requirements, as outlined in Approved Document Q: Security in Dwellings. In Part Q, doors and windows (including rooflights) installed in ‘easily accessible areas’ are… Read more
