Colin Wells, Head of Technical at Keylite Roof Windows, explores how tradespeople can specify the right daylighting solutions to create bright, compliant and thermally efficient living spaces.
In a post-pandemic world, the demand for home extensions has only increased. Homeowners are looking for ways to optimise their living spaces, creating dedicated home offices, playrooms, extra bedrooms, or even home gyms. Extensions are often the best solution, providing more room without the disruption of moving. Loft conversions, meanwhile, remain a popular choice for adding space vertically, particularly in homes where ground-level space is at a premium.
A well-designed loft conversion can increase property value by around 21 per cent, making it an excellent investment in today’s fluctuating housing market. When done right, these projects not only provide much-needed space but can also transform underutilised areas into bright, functional rooms that enhance the overall appeal and performance of the property. The key to a successful project lies in thoughtful product selection, particularly when it comes to daylighting.
Roof windows are essential to making a loft or extension feel airy and spacious. Natural light is a major selling point and carefully positioned roof windows can maximise the daylight that floods into a room. This is particularly important in summer, when longer days and better weather make it easier to take advantage of natural light.
Incorporating roof windows that provide a clear view of the sky and surrounding area can enhance the overall ambiance of a room, making it feel more open and connected to the outdoors. This connection to nature is especially valuable in urban areas where outdoor space is limited.
Large expanses of glass not only improve light levels but can also enhance the aesthetic of a property. However, it’s crucial to get the right balance between size and positioning. Protruding windows can disrupt the clean lines of a roof, so products like Keylite roof windows – recessed as standard – are a smart choice, blending seamlessly with the roof and contributing to both the aesthetics and thermal performance of the space.
Ensuring effective insulation and airtightness is another key consideration. Gaps around the window frame, common in many installations, can lead to energy loss, cold spots, potential condensation and mould growth. This issue is particularly important in roof spaces where heat loss can be more pronounced. Keylite has tackled this with its patented Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar, which fills the gap around the window during installation, preventing thermal bridging and ensuring compliance with Approved Document L requirements.
With ongoing pressure to meet energy efficiency standards, selecting the right windows can also improve the overall sustainability of the home. By maximising natural light while reducing the need for artificial lighting, roof windows help lower energy consumption, making extensions and loft conversions a more environmentally friendly option.
Ventilation is also important, especially with changes to Approved Document F. In all habitable rooms, adequate background ventilation is now a mandatory requirement. Roof windows with integrated ventilation, such as Keylite’s top-handle design, ensure compliance while also offering greater control over airflow. These windows provide trickle ventilation even when closed and locked, addressing the issue of poorly ventilated windows that could otherwise fail inspection.
Finally, the ease and speed of installation are crucial to staying on schedule and keeping projects running smoothly. Our roof windows come with features such as Flick-Fit brackets, which make installation quicker and safer. These design innovations help reduce installation time and ensure that contractors can work efficiently without compromising quality.
Whether working on a rear or side return extension, a loft conversion, or any other home improvement project, contractors who choose the right products and specifications can avoid delays and produce high-quality, energy-efficient results that homeowners will appreciate. With the right solutions, tradespeople can continue to succeed in the extension and conversion market, delivering projects that are as compliant and thermally efficient as they are stylish.
To explore the full range of solutions and see how they can make your next extension or loft conversion quicker, simpler and more compliant visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com.
It’s also worth remembering that access to newly converted lofts and storage spaces is an important part of the overall build. Whether it’s a home extension or loft conversion, Keylite loft ladders offer a compliant, thermally efficient solution that helps contractors deliver more value on every job.
Delivered to site as a fully assembled unit, each ladder includes an insulated trapdoor and all necessary components for straightforward fitting – with no specialist tools or cutting required.
With a low U-value of just 1.1 W/m²K on the standard model – and an exceptional 0.67 W/m²K on the new Hi-Therm Loft Ladder – both options also achieve the highest Class 4 airtightness rating. A wide range of sizes are available to suit most ceiling heights and apertures, with pre-fitted Flick-Fit brackets for quick, accurate installation.
Keylite also offers a growing range of loft ladder accessories, including architrave kits for a neat finish, as well as balustrades and grab rails to enhance safety and ease of use.
By specifying Keylite loft ladders alongside roof windows, contractors can ensure the entire space is accessible, energy efficient and built to the highest performance standards.
