The popularity of walk-on roof lights is growing, reflecting a growing demand for modern, light-enhancing features. Online searches for “flat roof skylight” have increased by 50% in the last 12 months¹, while interest in “flat glass roof lights” has spiked since December 2023.²
Suitable for commercial and residential buildings, walk-on roof lights help housing and commercial developers and even homeowners undertaking home refurbishments to embrace the benefits of natural light and enhance energy efficiency while allowing for contemporary flooring design.
As we explain later in this blog, walk-on roof lights can help homebuilders meet ambitious energy-efficiency goals in the UK, including Net Zero and the 2025 Future Homes and Buildings Standards.
This blog will explore safety considerations, key design features, and how walk-on roof lights are transforming modern architecture. Keep reading to find out more!
Walk-on roof lights: Glass types, processing and safety
Various regulations are in place to ensure the safety of walk-on roof light units, sometimes more commonly known as skylights. As such, glass manufacturers and project developers must work together to ensure a compliant project.
According to the British Standards Institution (BSI), the glass used in any walk-on roof light must be toughened and laminated safety glass. Specifically, section BS 6262-7:2005 (the code of practice for using glass in buildings) emphasises the importance of toughened laminated glass in walk-on glass features to ensure it can support heavy foot traffic without significant risk.
In addition, the BSI regulates load-bearing testing before installation to ensure the roof light is safe enough to handle significant weights without cracking or shifting. To enhance the safety further, an anti-slip coating must be applied to prevent accidents, especially in outdoor applications where rainwater could pose a significant hazard.
Compliance with building regulations and fire safety standards is also vital to ensure the long-term safety and durability of the installation. At Specialist Glass Products, we can support your walk-on glass project by working with bespoke measurements and aligning with relevant safety standards to ensure no delays.
Walk-on roof light applications for domestic properties
Walk-on roof lights are incredibly versatile and can enhance the natural light and aesthetic appeal in various areas of domestic properties.
For example, walk-on roof lights can be installed above basements or lower-level bedrooms to bring natural light into otherwise dark areas. This transforms basements into more livable, inviting spaces, which is critical for smaller properties or if you’re looking to maximise the space and profit from a rental property by adding an extra living space below ground.
Above ground, walk-on roof lights, which sit flush to the garden level support a contemporary design, especially if other glass features such as glass staircases or balustrades are incorporated. Glass roof lights can also be created with bespoke coloured metal or aluminium frames to match the existing colourways of the home.
Walk-on roof lights can also be used in domestic rooftop terraces, such as in multi-story apartment buildings to create a modern feel while providing additional lighting below. Tinted or one-way glass could be incorporated to maintain privacy in bedrooms or common spaces below while not compromising sunlight.
Walk-on roof light applications for commercial properties
Glass roof lights are also a great design choice for various commercial spaces, including hospitality, national parks and office spaces.
In hospitality settings, such as hotels and resorts, walk-on roof lights can be integrated into outdoor areas, like terraces or garden spaces. Oversized glass walk-on units maximise the architectural impact, too. They are well matched alongside large glass balconies, contributing to a brighter feel to the overall outdoor space building.
Walk-on roof lights can also transform the design of courtyards or atriums in commercial attractions like national parks. When used as glass flooring, walk-on roof lights allow natural light to illuminate lower levels, enhancing the ambience and visual appeal while maintaining safety and durability on levels above ground.
Sustainability benefits of walk-on roof lights
Walk-on roof lights are crucial for meeting Net-Zero targets in the UK. The benefits of natural light mean significantly reducing reliance on artificial lighting and electricity use. By optimising daylight levels, skylights help lower overall energy consumption and reduce energy consumption.
In addition, recycled glass materials can be used in construction, which supports sustainable building practices by minimising waste and reducing the reliance on raw materials. Building professionals can also help promote a circular economy by repurposing recycled glass units.
Due to safety regulations, walk-on roof lights are also naturally made from extremely durable glass, which helps to ensure a longer lifespan, decreasing the frequency of replacements and the need to create new materials.
Specialist application walk-on glass
Coloured glass can be used in walk-on glass to create a unique architectural flooring design. Working with a bespoke glass manufacturer like Specialist Glass Products, you can enhance the aesthetic appeal of both residential and commercial spaces using any existing colour palette to suit business branding or fit with the surrounding infrastructure.
Frosted glass is another specialist application of walk-on glass that is ideal for enhancing privacy, especially in lower-ground properties that would benefit from additional natural light. Frosted glass obscures visibility while allowing natural light to filter through, so it doesn’t sacrifice daylight.
Solar control glass enhances the energy efficiency of walk-on glass by reducing heat gain and glare from sunlight. Creating solar-controlled walk-on roof lights could help regulate indoor temperatures in both summer and winter, reducing the reliance on electric temperature control solutions. This is especially important considering the government’s ambitious 2025 Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which require new homes to produce 70-85% fewer carbon emissions.
How can Specialist Glass Products help?
Specialist Glass Products offers toughened and laminated walk-on units for various applications, sizes and requirements. Our friendly team will work with you to advise you on any recommended specialist application glass and any safety guidance.
For more insight into glass applications in commercial or residential settings, check out our blog.
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Sources:
- Google Trends data from July 2023 – July 2024
- Ubersuggest data from December 2023 – July 2024
