Back to newsOur clear glass allows for maximum light transmission, making dark spaces more vibrant and reducing the need for artificial lighting. Before starting your installation, it’s important to understand the different types of Sunsquare skylights available and how our advanced glazing options, including standard laminated glass, manage solar heat and thermal performance.
You’ll also need to consider how your roof structure will accommodate our industry-leading rooflights. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you should know to ensure your Sunsquare skylight installation is safe, efficient, and truly transformative.
What Is a Glass Skylight and Why Consider a Sunsquare One?
A glass skylight is a high-performance rooflight that brings natural daylight into a room through a glazed roof opening. More than just a stylish feature, a Sunsquare skylight reduces reliance on artificial lighting and can lower energy bills. All our skylights are designed and manufactured in the UK, carrying the prestigious Made in Britain accreditation.
Properly positioned, a skylight also improves ventilation and creates a healthier indoor environment. In colder months, our skylights provide passive solar heating, adding warmth and reducing heating costs.
Crucially, a professional installation using our proprietary insulated upstands is essential for preventing leaks and ensuring market-leading thermal performance, which is vital in the UK’s unpredictable climate.
What Types of Glass Skylights Are Available from Sunsquare?
Here are some of our most popular choices for glass skylights, designed and manufactured at our UK facility:
- Fixed Skylights: Our SkyView Fixed Rooflight is a non-opening unit that provides exceptional natural light. It’s perfect for spaces where extra ventilation isn’t the primary goal but maximising daylight is.
- Ventilated Skylights: The Aero Electric Skylight can be opened electronically, offering both natural light and fresh air. It can even be integrated with smart home systems for automated climate control.
- Walk-on Glass Skylights: Designed for flat roofs or terraces, our Walk-on Rooflights are engineered to handle regular foot traffic while flooding the space below with light.
Sunsquare Glass Options:
- Laminated Safety Glass: All Sunsquare skylights feature a laminated inner pane as standard, exceeding market requirements for safety and durability, as recommended by the Glass and Glazing Federation.
- Low-E Glass: Our units come with a Low-E (low emissivity) coating that reflects heat, achieving outstanding U-values and enhancing energy efficiency year-round.
- Advanced Glazing: For ultimate thermal performance, we offer C.U.in glazing with suspended-film technology to achieve U-values as low as 0.4 W/m²K, alongside options for triple glazing.
- Specialist Coatings: Choose a self-cleaning glass coating for easier maintenance or our SN70/35 coating for superior solar protection against glare and heat gain.
What to Consider Before Installation?
Glass skylights can transform your living space, but before you install one, there are several critical factors to consider to ensure long-term satisfaction and safety.
1. Assessing the Roof Structure
Before installing a skylight, it’s essential to evaluate your existing roof structure. Is it flat or pitched? Is it structurally sound enough to support the weight of the unit? For peace of mind, a professional assessment from a member of an organisation like The Institution of Structural Engineers may be required to assess load-bearing capabilities and suggest reinforcement if necessary.
2. Choosing the Right Sunsquare Skylight and Glass
The right skylight depends on your room’s purpose. For pure daylight, our SkyView Fixed model is ideal. For kitchens and bathrooms where airflow is crucial, the Aero Electric is the perfect choice. Our team can help you select the right model and glazing options, from our high-performance standard units to fully bespoke solutions tailored to your needs.
3. Skylight Placement and Orientation
Skylight placement is key to capturing maximum light without overheating your space. South-facing skylights receive the most sun, while north-facing units offer softer, more consistent illumination. All Sunsquare skylights filter 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your furniture and artwork from sun damage. A well-placed skylight can improve mood and make spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways feel open and bright.
4. Understanding Installation Components
A professional installation is non-negotiable for performance and safety. Every Sunsquare skylight should be installed on one of our insulated upstands, which are made from premium marine ply—not inferior chipboard—for superior durability and moisture resistance. This ensures the skylight is correctly positioned and fully compliant with building regulations like Part L, while also guaranteeing a perfect, weatherproof seal.
5. Professional Installation Matters
A DIY installation can lead to poor sealing, structural issues, or water ingress, voiding warranties. A professional installation ensures your Sunsquare skylight is fitted to last, compliant with all UK building regulations, and covered by our comprehensive warranties, including 10 years on the frame.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is choosing an inferior product or attempting a DIY installation. This can lead to leaks, poor thermal performance, and safety risks. By choosing a fully certified, British-made Sunsquare skylight and having it professionally installed, you avoid these pitfalls. Our team can advise on everything from roof orientation to the correct glazing, ensuring your skylight enhances your home and functions reliably for years.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Proper care is key to keeping your Sunsquare skylight in pristine condition. Our durable aluminium frames and optional self-cleaning glass make maintenance minimal. We recommend regular checks of the surrounding roof area to ensure no debris has built up and gentle cleaning of the interior glass with mild soap and water.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Glass Skylight in the UK?
The cost depends on the model, size, and complexity of the job. Sunsquare’s standard fixed rooflights are available from £775 plus VAT, offering incredible value for a market-leading, certified product. An electronically operated skylight for ventilation starts at around £3,860, while a walk-on skylight begins at roughly £1000. While these are premium products, investing in a quality, energy-efficient Sunsquare skylight reduces long-term energy bills and comes with robust warranties, preventing costly future issues. For a precise price, it’s best to request a free, no-obligation quote.
Is a Sunsquare Glass Skylight Right for Your Home?
If you want to maximise natural light, improve ventilation, and invest in a product with market-leading safety and energy efficiency, then a Sunsquare skylight is the right choice. Our skylights are ideal for homes with darker rooms or flat roof extensions, adding significant comfort and value. With a wide range of glazing options and professional installation guidance, a Sunsquare skylight offers the perfect combination of style and certified performance.
FAQs
What’s the difference between roof lights and traditional windows?
Sunsquare rooflights are installed directly into the roof, allowing natural daylight to flood downward into a space. Unlike vertical windows, they provide a more generous and direct amount of light from above, making them ideal for areas where wall space is limited or for creating a dramatic architectural feature.
Do I need planning permission to install a glass skylight?
In most cases, planning permission isn’t required for skylights, as they fall under permitted development. However, if your home is a listed building or in a conservation area, you must check with your local council via the Planning Portal. Sunsquare products are designed to meet all UK building regulations.
Will a skylight cause heat loss during colder months?
No. Sunsquare skylights are engineered to prevent heat loss. With features like thermal breaks in the frame, high-performance double or triple glazing, and low-emissivity coatings, our skylights have exceptionally low U-values, retaining warmth during colder months and improving your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Is a skylight installation weatherproof, especially against rain?
Absolutely. When professionally installed with the correct Sunsquare upstand and flashing, our skylights are completely watertight. Every Sunsquare product is BSI Kitemarked, meaning it has undergone rigorous testing against extreme weather conditions to ensure it performs reliably for years.
Conclusion
Installing a glass skylight can transform your home, but achieving the best result requires a superior product and expert planning. By choosing Sunsquare, you are investing in a BSI-certified, British-made skylight that guarantees safety, thermal performance, and durability.
At Sunsquare, we specialise in designing and supplying fully certified glass skylights tailored to your architectural vision. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage, from specification to installation, ensuring a seamless and high-performing result.
📞 Call us on +44 (0)1922 714087
📧 Email: sales@sunsquare.co.uk
