Importance of Rooflight Placement and Location

Triple glazing incorporates three panes of glass, offering superior insulation and energy efficiency. This setup is particularly beneficial in colder climates or for those seeking optimal thermal performance.

Lower U-values = better insulation which leads to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.

Pros:

• Exceptional thermal insulation, reducing energy bills.

• Enhanced soundproofing capabilities.

• Improved security due to additional glass layer.

• Helps meet Part L Building Regs and Passivhaus standards

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to double glazing.

• Increased weight, requiring stronger structural support.

• Heavier units may require mechanical lifting

• Laminated inner pane may not be supported for overhead glazing

While the initial investment is higher, the long-term energy savings and comfort can justify the cost for many homeowners.

Solar control glass is designed to reduce heat gain from sunlight, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and minimising glare. The solar control glass coating also include soft coat Low-E glass found in double or triple glazed units.

It’s ideal for areas that get strong, direct sunlight, like:

• South-facing extensions

• Garden rooms

• Living areas with large rooflights

• Glazed corridors or walkways

Pros:

• Reduces cooling costs by limiting solar heat gain.

• Protects interiors from UV damage.

• Enhances occupant comfort during sunny periods.

Cons:

• Slight darker tint than double glazed which may reduce natural light transmission.

• Higher initial investment.

Expert Insight: Sunsquare emphasises that solar control glass is beneficial for overhead glazing, helping to maintain energy efficiency and comfort.

Acoustic glazing is engineered to reduce sound transmission, making it ideal for environments requiring minimal noise disruption—such as music studios, classrooms, meeting rooms, and urban residential areas. These units typically include laminated panes with sound-dampening interlayers and variable pane thicknesses to disrupt sound waves.

Pros:

• Excellent noise reduction performance (often achieving reductions of 40dB or more).
• Enhances focus and comfort in learning or creative spaces.
• Improves building acoustics without sacrificing natural light.

Cons:

• Heavier and more expensive than standard glazing.
• Requires correct framing and seals to maintain sound insulation effectiveness.

Expert Insight:

According to the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC),

“High-performance acoustic glass can make the difference between a functional creative space and a compromised one. Particularly in educational settings, lowering background noise is shown to significantly improve student engagement.”

Heated glass is a specialist glazing solution designed to prevent condensation buildup, particularly useful in high-humidity environments like indoor swimming pools, spas, and wellness centres. These rooflights are fitted with an invisible conductive layer that gently warms the glass, keeping its temperature above the dew point.

Pros:

• Prevents condensation on glass, maintaining clear views and avoiding drips.

• Improves comfort and aesthetics in humid environments.

• Enhances insulation when combined with double or triple glazing.

Cons:

• Higher installation and operational cost due to embedded heating elements.

• Requires professional electrical connection and controls.

Laminated glass is composed of two or more layers of glass bonded together by a durable interlayer, typically made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ionoplast (SentryGlas). This construction ensures that, in the event of breakage, the glass fragments remain adhered to the interlayer—significantly reducing the risk of injury and enhancing structural resilience.

Pros:

• Overhead Safety:
  One of the primary advantages of laminated glass in overhead glazing is its ability to hold broken shards in place. This feature provides critical protection against falling glass, making it ideal for skylights and rooflights installed above areas of frequent use.
• Structural Glazing Applications:
  Laminated glass enables walk-on rooflights and glass-to-glass modular rooflight systems by providing the strength and rigidity necessary for structural installations. Its layered construction ensures load-bearing capacity while maintaining optical clarity.
• Security Compliance:
  The robust nature of laminated glass helps prolong forced entry attempts, offering improved resistance to break-ins. This performance allows it to meet or exceed the requirements of Building Regulations Part Q (2015), which mandates secure building elements in new dwellings.

Cons:

• Weight and Cost:
  Laminated units are heavier and more expensive than standard glazing, requiring reinforced framing and support structures to ensure safe installation.
• Product Variation and Misrepresentation:
  Multiple grades and interlayer types are available (e.g. PVB vs EVA vs SentryGlas), which can lead to consumer confusion or even mis-selling if the specification is not clearly understood.
• Installation Sensitivities:
  Correct framing and compatible sealants are crucial. For instance, PVB interlayers can suffer from delamination if exposed to moisture or incompatible silicones, compromising performance and clarity over time.

Expert Insight

According to the technical team at Overhead Glazing:

“Laminated glass is not just about safety, it’s about designing with confidence. Whether it’s a walk-on rooflight, a minimal-framed skylight, or a bespoke architectural feature, the right type of laminated glass ensures long-term performance and compliance.”

Tip: For a deeper understanding of the differences between PVB, SentryGlas, and other interlayers, we recommend reading our full guide on laminated glass types