Tracey Jackson of Howells Patent Glazing explains why daylighting is a vital consideration for self-builders and renovators and how to achieve the best results.

Natural light is a powerful resource and one of the most important elements in architectural design, with the ability to transform a space and the people within it. Maximising natural light inside our homes contributes to lower energy bills, enhances building performance and improves occupier wellbeing. 

Strategically incorporating daylighting (natural light) solutions into a self-build or renovation project will provide diffused illumination. More dynamic than electric lighting as it changes constantly, natural light can be more stimulating and the effect boosts mood, increases focus, reduces eye-strain, promotes productivity, and regulates the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle known as circadian rhythm. 

With homes now places to work, rest and play, and with many homeowners experiencing higher energy costs, reducing dependency on expensive electric lighting must be factored into decision-making. Using daylight to illuminate spaces reduces the need for artificial lighting, leading to energy savings and a more sustainable home. 

LET DAYLIGHT IN

One of the best ways to allow natural light to enter a space is with glazed roof products. Rooflights, roof lanterns, lightwells and patent glazing all maximise light during daylight hours and are proven to deliver up to three times more daylight than a vertical window, illuminating spaces beyond their reach. 

For best results, strategic placement is critical. Self-builders and renovators must consider the location, orientation and gradient of their rooflight as part of the design process to avoid glare and unwanted solar gain. 

Most rooflight manufacturers manage solar gain with glass. Modern glass technology is incredibly advanced. Solar control glass, for example, can help retain heat in cooler months which helps improve the property’s energy performance. Adequate ventilation will also help dissipate unwanted heat in the warmer months: for this, explore motorised and automated opening rooflights, including voice-activation for easy operation. 

WHICH ROOFLIGHT? 

With an abundance of styles, materials and finishes, there’s a glazed roof product for every home, whether it’s a new build, renovation or restoration of a listed building. ‘Off the shelf’ rooflights are perhaps the most well known, with household brands leading the market. They’re less expensive but use and suitability depends on the size, location and scale of the application. Often, they are best suited to a loft conversion. 

While a new build can be designed and built to accommodate standard sizes, some applications require a bespoke solution, tailored to their specific requirements. For this, we recommend speaking with several rooflight manufacturers early in the design process, coupled with advice from an architect. 

FINDING A SUITABLE ROOFLIGHT SUPPLIER

A high-quality and trusted supplier is likely to have a good digital footprint. Start with magazines and platforms such as Pinterest, then support your findings with Google reviews, testimonials and case studies – both of which can typically be found on the company’s website. 

Once you’ve identified a few prospects, consider their product range. Is it limited? Do they provide a bespoke service? Do they buy in from a manufacturer or do they design and make their own products, giving them greater flexibility? 

Focus should then turn to the products. Quality and proven performance are critical. Reviews will give a good indication of this but more formally, look for independently verified test certificates for weathertightness, resistance to snow and permanent load and thermal performance.

CHOOSE ALUMINIUM

Pay attention to the material too as it can impact performance and style. Aluminium is truly the best option for any roof glazing solution. Slim sightlines (the amount of frame/bar you see when you look directly at the rooflight), durability, thermal performance and superb aesthetics make this a desirable, premium option for self-builders and renovators. 

Access to thousands of colours and textures, means the rooflight can be powder coated to match or complement other aluminium window and door products in the home, too.

SUSTAINABLE CHOICE

Aluminium is also the most sustainable choice. With more people opting to include energy-efficient technology, modern methods of construction and eco-friendly solutions in their project, aluminium is a natural ally. 

Blending style with sustainability, aluminium is infinitely recyclable – homeowners can be assured that at the end of its life, the aluminium frame can be recycled to begin another useful life. It is corrosion resistant and a good conductor of heat – aiding solar gains in winter and minimising it during the summer months. Also, the use of thermally broken aluminium bars significantly reduces heat transfer and stops cold bridging which aids thermal performance and coupled with other attributes, helps reduce energy usage.

For a practical and stylish daylighting solution, choose an aluminium rooflight tailored to suit the requirements and aspirations of your new home.

Tracey Jackson is business development manager at Howells Patent Glazing