Guide to Buying a Skylight

This comprehensive guide eliminates the guesswork. We cover everything you need to know, from materials and energy efficiency to planning regulations and professional installation, ensuring you make an informed decision that enhances your space for decades to come.

Key Considerations at a Glance

• Purpose: Is your goal more light, better ventilation, roof access, or a combination?
• Location: Which room will it be in? The room’s function dictates the best type of skylight.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for low U-values, thermal breaks, and advanced glazing to save on energy bills.
• Regulations: Ensure your choice complies with UK Building Regulations, even if planning permission isn’t needed.
• Installation: Professional installation is non-negotiable for ensuring a watertight, secure, and thermally efficient fit.

Step 1: Define Your Goal – What Type of Skylight Do You Need?

The first step is to identify the primary function you need your skylight to serve. Sunsquare skylights come in several forms, each engineered for a specific purpose.

Fixed Skylights

Perfect for spaces where the only goal is to maximise natural daylight. The Sunsquare SkyView is an excellent choice for hallways, living areas, or extensions, offering a seamless connection to the outdoors without the need for ventilation.

Manual and Electric Opening Skylights

Ideal for rooms that require both light and improved airflow, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and loft conversions. The Aero Electric model allows you to expel moist, stale air at the touch of a button, preventing condensation and maintaining excellent indoor air quality.

Walk-On Rooflights

Engineered to withstand regular foot traffic, walk-on rooflights are the perfect solution for illuminating basements or lower floors while providing a durable, functional surface for roof terraces and gardens.

Access Rooflights

For situations requiring safe and convenient access to a roof space for maintenance or a terrace, an access rooflight provides a wide, clear opening without compromising on daylight for the room below.

Step 2: Understand Energy Efficiency – What Makes a Skylight Perform?

A modern skylight is a sophisticated glazing unit that plays a crucial role in your property’s thermal envelope. Here’s what to look for:

• Low U-Value: This measures how well the skylight prevents heat from escaping. A lower U-value means better insulation. All Sunsquare products are designed to significantly exceed the minimum requirements of UK Building Regulations.
• Thermal Break: This is a critical feature. A thermal break is an insulating barrier within the aluminium frame that stops the transfer of cold from the outside to the inside, preventing condensation and heat loss. All Sunsquare skylights are fully thermally broken.
• Advanced Glazing: Opt for double or triple glazing with a Low-E (low-emissivity) coating. This invisible layer reflects heat back into the room in winter and blocks excess solar heat in summer. Argon gas filling between the panes provides further insulation.
• BSI Kitemark: Look for independent certification like the BSI Kitemark. This proves the skylight has been rigorously tested for weather-tightness, wind loading, and safety, guaranteeing its performance.

Step 3: Check Regulations – Do You Need Planning Permission?

While most skylight installations are considered permitted development (meaning no planning permission is needed), you must still adhere to strict rules. Permission is often required if:

• Your property is listed or located in a conservation area.
• The skylight projects more than 150mm from the existing roof plane.
• The unit extends above the highest point of the roof.

Always check with your local authority via the Planning Portal before starting work. However, regardless of planning, you must always comply with UK Building Regulations. These cover structural safety, thermal performance (Part L), ventilation (Part F), and fire safety (Part B). You can find all approved documents on the official government website.

Step 4: Sizing and Placement – Where Should the Skylight Go?

Choosing the right size and location is crucial for balancing light and comfort.

• Sizing Rule of Thumb: The skylight’s area should not exceed 5-10% of the room’s floor area. This ensures ample daylight without causing excessive glare or heat gain. A common regret is choosing a unit that is too small.
• Orientation Matters:
  • North-facing: Provides soft, consistent, all-day light with minimal heat gain. Ideal for studios and workspaces.
  • South-facing: Offers the most intense light and valuable passive solar heating in winter. May require solar control glazing to prevent overheating in summer.
  • East/West-facing: Captures direct sun in the morning or afternoon, respectively.

Sunsquare offers both standard and fully bespoke sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for any architectural vision. Our team can provide expert advice on optimising placement for your specific project.

Step 5: Insist on Professional Installation

This is the single most important factor in ensuring the long-term performance of your skylight. An improper installation will lead to leaks, drafts, and structural issues, voiding warranties and causing costly damage. A professional installer ensures:

• The skylight is fitted on a correctly constructed, insulated upstand.
• Flashing is seamlessly integrated with the roof covering for a 100% watertight seal.
• All work is compliant with UK Building Regulations.

Sunsquare products are available with certified installation for complete peace of mind.

How Much Does a Skylight Cost?

Price varies based on size, type, and specification. As a guide, a high-quality, certified fixed skylight starts from around £700. An electronically opening model for ventilation may begin at around £3,860, while a walk-on unit starts at approximately £1,000. While these are initial investments, the long-term savings on energy bills and the added property value provide an excellent return.

FAQs for Skylight Buyers

How do I get maximum light without my room overheating?

Choose a skylight with high-performance solar control glazing. This specialist Low-E coating blocks a significant portion of solar heat while allowing maximum visible light to pass through, giving you the best of both worlds.

How do I maintain my skylight?

Regularly clean the glass with mild soap and water and clear any debris from around the frame. Sunsquare skylights are designed for minimal maintenance, but annual checks of the seals are recommended. For hard-to-reach units, consider professional cleaning services.

Do skylights add value to a property?

Absolutely. They are a highly sought-after feature that makes a home feel brighter, more spacious, and more luxurious. The combination of enhanced aesthetics and improved energy efficiency is a strong selling point for potential buyers.

Conclusion: Make a Smart, Informed Choice with Sunsquare

Choosing the right skylight is a blend of understanding your needs, appreciating the technical specifications, and trusting in expert guidance. A well-placed, energy-efficient, and professionally installed skylight from a reputable manufacturer is an investment that transforms your space with natural light, improves wellbeing, and increases your property’s value.

At Sunsquare, we combine 20 years of cutting-edge British design, industry-leading certifications, and tailored support to help you get it right. Ready to upgrade your space? Contact our technical team today for bespoke advice and a no-obligation quote.