A few random thoughts and tips on the subject:
- The lowest angle a standard opening rooflight can used at is 15 degrees – lower and it could leak. Below this angle the window can be placed on a sloped upstand. Or there are plastic bubbles and domes. And now glass curves. Pop-ups. Or architectural glass. Or a lantern. Sliding glass. And possibly more besides…
- A series of rooflights is more expensive and less efficient than one big one, but the visual impact of several can be very striking – think of rows of downlights.
- Take a look at Google/Bing images and supplier catalogues for some inspiration. There is often no need to reinvent the wheel.
- Roofs that meet structural and thermal building regulations can be very thick, especially preferred ‘warm’ roofs where the insulation is above the rafters or deck joists. By the time floors have also been upgraded, loft conversions can be short on headroom – a potential show-stopper when trying to meet building regulations regarding headroom above loft stairs. Happily, rooflight glass is above the outer skin of the roof, potentially giving 8, 10, 12 inches of extra internal height – very useful for ‘pinch points’ and sometimes enough to make the impossible, possible.
- Generous use of rooflights can lead to failure to meet overglazing regulations. Zollikon has been able to avoid this potential show-stopper using off-setting or whole-build calculations.
- A flat roof (technically 10 degrees or less) still needs a slope, to gently migrate water away and avoid puddles. Internal ceilings (that aren’t sloped skeilings) are normally horizontal. Slope outside + flat inside = diminishing reveal. Unless… a compensating upstand or multi-pitch roof and internal gutter/valley could avoid the issue.
- Privacy can be an issue with rooflights. 3D software can be helpful in analysing any potential problems and solutions.
- Or a sun tunnel? Or a clerestory? Glass blocks?
- Long poles are available for opening and closing high rooflights. As are remote control electric rooflights and blinds, with rain sensors…
- And finally, rooflight or roof light? Or anyone for skylight?!