Paul Higgins, Commercial Director at TuffX, shares expert advice on planning roof glazing across various projects
Roof lights and walk-on glass can dramatically transform the feeling of any space by bringing in natural light and adding architectural impact. However, getting the specifications and installation right is essential for long-term performance.
He also explores how to elevate basement renovations with the walk-on glazing solutions, highlights the options to upgrade from standard glass and outlines what to look for when choosing high-quality, easy-to-install products and trusted suppliers.
Specification selection
Roof glazing is gaining traction as an innovative solution to further enhance the natural daylight from windows installed within side elevations. Rooflights reduce reliance on artificial lighting, cutting energy costs while creating brighter, more appealing interiors. They also offer a low-maintenance way to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Incorporating natural light from above can dramatically improve a room’s atmosphere, with rooflights often becoming a central architectural feature. As homeowners place increasing value on creating a sense of wellbeing within the property, demand for roof glazing solutions continues to rise. Whether for contemporary extensions, period refurbishments, or new-build homes, rooflights can be specified to suit a range of architectural styles, delivering performance, style, and flexibility in one. For builders, they offer a high-impact, easy-to-install upgrade that adds value to any project.
Options to upgrade
Standard glazing is evolving fast, and builders now have access to high-performance alternatives that offer real value, both on site and over the building’s lifecycle. Two standout innovations are low-carbon glass and heated glass, which are easy to sequence and compliant with the incoming future home standards (FHS).
Low-carbon glass supports sustainability targets by using up to 64% recycled content and renewable electricity in production. With a 42% lower carbon footprint than standard float glass, it also offers excellent thermal performance, helping reduce heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer, cutting reliance on HVAC systems.
Heated glass infill panels offer a practical upgrade for roof glazing, providing natural daylight and radiant heat in a single unit. The sealed glass features an invisible, electrically conductive coating that generates even warmth when powered, with no impact on clarity. Thermostatically controlled and easy to install, it’s an ideal solution for projects with limited wall space and combines energy efficiency with comfort in one integrated system.
Getting the details right
Proper installation of roof windows is essential to ensure structural integration, effective weatherproofing, and thermal performance. While accuracy is key, the process can be straightforward with a well-designed product and the right preparation.
TuffX Infinity rooflights are supplied as complete, ready-to-fit units designed to streamline the installation process. The first stage is to construct a timber upstand with a minimum pitch of 5° to ensure effective water runoff, then apply a thick bead of silicone around the top edge of the upstand before positioning the powder-coated aluminium frame. Fixing holes 100mm from each corner can then be pre-drilled at regular intervals along the upstand. Secure the frame using suitable fixing screws with horseshoe packers to maintain alignment, then finish with caps for a clean, weather-sealed finish.
This efficient system simplifies on-site sequencing, saving time without compromising quality or compliance and is ideal for tight build schedules and high-spec results.
Walk this way
Walk-on rooflights are an increasingly popular way to introduce natural light into basement spaces without sacrificing usable outdoor areas above, allowing light to flood into spaces. Designed for strength, safety and visual impact, these rooflights can be installed flush with patios, terraces, or internal floors while maintaining a seamless walk-on surface.
Typically manufactured using toughened, laminated glass with high load-bearing capacity and non-slip options, they’re suitable for both internal and external applications. Many units also come with thermally broken frames and insulated glazing to support energy efficiency and comply with building regulations. Supplied as complete units, TuffX’s walk-on glazing solutions streamline installation for builders while enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of basement conversions, making them a practical and attractive choice for modern residential or commercial projects.
Quality as standard
In today’s competitive construction industry, prioritising quality at every project stage begins with selecting quality suppliers and materials, even when budgets are tight. Products that carry the ‘Made in Britain’ standard, such as TuffX’s, represent high manufacturing standards and rigorous testing and assure quality consistency from project to project.
For installers, this means smoother installations, fewer defects and reduced likelihood of callbacks. Then, for homeowners, superior products offer value through enhanced durability, safety and long-term performance. Investing in trusted, high-quality products is a smart specification choice that will continue to pay off throughout the lifetime of the building.
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