Safety of Your Roof Glazing
When you think about rooflights, the first thing that comes to mind is probably daylight. But what sits above your head needs to do more than just let light in — it needs to keep you safe.
Whether you’re building an extension or renovating an older property, safety is something you need to think about early. Especially when it comes to the glazing used above living spaces.
1. Why Roof Glazing Safety Should Come First
Glazing in a roof or overhead position needs to be taken seriously. If the wrong type of glass is used, or the unit isn’t strong enough, it can become a real danger over time.
There are a few reasons why safety matters:
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The glass sits directly above people
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If it breaks, shards can fall — especially if it’s not laminated
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Poorly designed units may fail under snow or wind pressure
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If not installed correctly, water ingress or frame movement can cause long-term issues
You might be tempted to save money by going for cheaper options. We understand, but safety and peace of mind should always come first.
For more information on laminated glass, [click here] to learn how it compares to other types and why some laminated glass options may fail in overhead applications.
2. Not All Rooflights Are Built the Same
A lot of people assume that rooflights are basically the same. Same shape, same look, same function. But there’s a lot going on behind the glass.
Here’s what can affect the glass spec and build-up:
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The size of the glass
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The number of supports or upstands
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Whether the unit is fixed or walk-on
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How exposed the location is
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Internal environment below (like a kitchen or nursery)
These things change how thick each pane of glass needs to be and what safety layers it must include.
This also impacts on the manufacturing cost. Two rooflights might look identical on a website, but one might have much thicker glass, a high performance laminated inner pane, or a reinforced frame.
Toughened glass is used in most glazing, and it breaks into small pieces if it fails. But laminated glass holds together. If it cracks, the layer inside keeps it in place.
3. Rooflights Need to Handle Real-World Loads
A rooflight isn’t just a window in your ceiling. It’s part of the roof structure, and it has to stand up to the weather and the unexpected.
There are three key loads rooflights are exposed to:
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Snow — Heavy snow puts pressure on the glass and frame
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Wind — Strong winds can create lift or suction, trying to pull the unit off
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Impact — From tools, falling branches, or even someone stepping on it by accident
Walk-on rooflights need to be manufactured based on the foot traffic load for that specific area. Depending on the application, they’re designed to support the weight of people walking across them or a car driving over them. That includes extra layers in the glass, anti-slip coatings, and reinforced frames.
All of this must meet building standards like BS EN 1991.
If a rooflight hasn’t been tested properly or designed for these loads, it can fail. And when it’s above your head, failure isn’t just expensive — it’s dangerous.
Real-Life Example: We Don’t Compromise
We once worked on a project where the client questioned the need for a laminated inner pane. They were concerned about the added cost and said their architect didn’t specify it. They’d even checked with the council and confirmed it wasn’t a legal requirement.
Despite that, we strongly recommended using laminated glass — even though there was a chance we could lose the sale.
A year later, we returned to the property for an inspection and to take some photos. During the visit, we saw a newborn baby playing on a mat directly beneath the rooflights, enjoying the sunlight.
That moment really stuck with us. It’s exactly why we pushed for laminated glazing — not because regulations demanded it, but because we knew it was the right thing to do. SAFETY!
If laminated glass had been left out to cut costs, the outcome in the event of a failure could have been devastating. Some manufacturers do reduce the spec to win a job — we don’t.
When planning or tendering for a project, always check with your builder and make sure laminated inner panes are included in any overhead glazing. It’s easy to overlook — but when safety’s involved, it’s never worth the risk.
We’ll always stand by this principle. Because for us, it’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting what matters most.
