Replacing a flat roof might be an unnecessary expense if you are able to fix it instead. You might be able to save yourself precious time and money, by making do with what you have and just carrying out some repair work instead. Whilst flat roofs will definitely need to be replaced fairly regularly, there is no point replacing them sooner than needed and reducing their lifespan.

So what are the alternatives? There are now some very good paint-like solutions, that can be painted directly onto the roof. This will patch it up if it is damaged, and will make it fully waterproof again. It is very easy to apply, so it shouldn’t cost too much for a roofing contractor to do it for you. It will help to prevent leaking and will fill in any holes that might have developed, so if you do notice a leak, call a roofing contractor straight away.

When looking for new rooflights, there might not be the exact version you want available in stock. In this instance, you might not be able to find the style you want, the exact size you need, or the kind of mechanism you want. In this instance, bespoke rooflights offer you the answers.

A bespoke rooflight service is offered by some rooflight companies that supply and manufacture rooflights. They will be able to offer you various different services within this, such as choosing the size, the design, the kerb, the upstanding and the type of glazing. This is perfect if you need a non-standard size, or if you would like to produce a design that has your mark on it. Many people choose to build their own houses, or at least carry out a full restoration on an existing property. This kind of situation might well call for an individualised, fully bespoke rooflight.

Rooflights come in many shapes and sizes, from domes to pyramids to flat glass units. The good news is that if you have a flat roof in place, you can choose from almost any kind of rooflight on the market. Dome rooflights always prove popular, and can bring many benefits to commercial and residential buildings. Here, we discuss the ins and outs of dome rooflights and the benefits they can bring to you, plus some of the considerations you should take into account when you are choosing rooflights for installation in your building.

Domed rooflights – what are they? 

Domed rooflights are set into a flat roof and feature a uPVC or metal exterior and kerb or upstand if required. The rooflight will feature a transparent dome that lets in light, which can be either glass or a polycarbonate material. Both have their advantages, but often polycarbonate materials will be significantly cheaper than glass. If you choose polycarbonate for your roof dome, then this will be a cost effective option and will still let in plenty of light.

Domed rooflights are usually fixed, though there may be some hinged options available. This will allow the rooflight to be opened up, creating natural ventilation by allowing in fresh air. This can be a good option for places like kitchens or bathrooms where there is a lot of steam.

Who installs domed rooflights? 

A domed rooflight can be good for a variety of purposes. They might be used in homes, within an extension or a part of the building that has a flat roof, such as a study or home office. The relatively low price point of a dome also makes it a viable option for a commercial building, such as a block of offices. This will have enormous benefits for the people who use the building, making it much more naturally bight and light inside. If you have a large space, then you may need more than one domelight, though you can get them with different surface areas to fit into different buildings.

One of the main benefits of a domed rooflight is the amount of light it lets in. When you look up at it, it really feels like the rooflight is opening up the space and is letting in plenty of light from outside. The dome makes it almost harder to see the glass and makes it feel like it is a window into the outside world. The shape of the glass will let in maximum amounts of natural daylight, making a domed rooflight ideal for anyone who needs to lighten up their building, be it commercial or domestic.

Many different companies offer rooflight installation, and lots of companies supply rooflights as well. If you want a rooflight for your home, you will need to find an installation professional, unless this is something you have done previously. If you work for a business and need rooflights to fit, then you can often buy in bulk for lower prices when you order from an online supplier.

If you want to bring more natural light into a home, or you are an architect working out how to make buildings beautiful, then rooflights could be the ideal option. They are a popular architectural feature, used on buildings of all kinds in the UK. In this kind of climate, where daylight is sometimes not all that long lasting and people can feel a bit miserable about the dark and the wet weather conditions, it is a good idea to use rooflights to make the most of the light that we do get.

One of the best things about rooflights is that there are so many different types, making them highly versatile. Here are some of the most popular types of rooflight you can install:

Flat glass rooflights 

These are premium rooflights that are designed to sit close to the surface of the roof. They are modern in their design and look quite contemporary, meaning that they are often used on modern house extensions and over areas such as a swimming pool area in a modern home. Their flat surface means that there is plenty of surface area for daylight to come in, bringing in more light than other kinds of rooflights.

Roof domes 

These are often polycarbonate, as opposed to glass. They tend to be used on commercial and industrial buildings to make the atmosphere inside more pleasant, rather than on a home. However, they could very well be used on something like a home office. They will usually come in at a fairly low price point, making them a more affordable style of rooflight.

Roof pyramids 

As the name may suggest, a roof pyramid consists of a glass pyramid construction. This is a decorative type of rooflight that might be used on top of a conservatory or an extension. Equally, they may be used on commercial buildings like shopping centres or office buildings, as they can come in various sizes.

Roof lanterns 

A roof lantern is a large rooflight that is usually a pyramid shape, with sloping sides. It is designed to be large and to bring in a lot of light – and to look beautiful as well. It is the type of rooflight that is used on top of a conservatory or orangery traditionally, though it can also be used on top of an extension to bring in the maximum amounts of light.

Barrel vault

A roof barrel is a type of domed rooflight that stretches across the whole of a building. It is a way of bringing in lots of light, and it is not especially expensive so it is a good way of bringing in as much light as is possible. You will be able to get a lot of light from a barrel vault because of its sheer size.

If you can’t find the exact kind of rooflight you want, you may be able to get a rooflight that is custom made. There will be lots of different types of rooflight available so check with the suppliers thoroughly beforehand.

A conservatory is never going to be complete without a rooflight or roof lantern. It will ensure that the entire room is light and airy, giving it the feeling of bringing the outdoors inside. More often than not, a conservatory will have a roof lantern that will allow plenty of light to penetrate. This gives a conservatory the typical look and feel you would expect, providing a large, decorative roof that gives beautiful panoramic views outwards.

You could also opt for a flat glass rooflight or another type of skylight. However, this is usually not advisable if you want your new conservatory to have excellent aesthetic qualities. A flat glass rooflight would be better fitted into a flat roof on an extension.

Look at the options available for roof lanterns – some will be more ornate than others. You will be able to find something that matches the preferred aesthetic for your conservatory.

Roofs come in many different shapes and sizes. Flat, pitched, glass, GRP, fibreglass… the options are endless. Here are some roof types that will work well for homes and businesses wanting to remain robust in the harsh British climate:

• Bonnet roofs. These have a steeper upper slop and less sloping in the lower part, offering a kind of porch construction. They can be seen as old fashioned but work well on period homes.
• Box gable roofs. The roof slopes at the sides and meets in a triangle on top. This design will withstand rain and snow very well.
• Flat roof. Used on modern and commercial buildings, flat roofs incorporate a very small slope to prevent water buildup.
• Dormer. These can be built into a traditional pitched roof to create an additional window, usually when there is a loft room.
• Simple hip roof. All four sides a symmetrical with vertical sides or gables.