Victorian Conservation Rooflights
from The Rooflight Company

Rooflights have existed since early in the last century when they were mainly used to bring light into agricultural buildings. In their most primitive form rooflights were simply substitutes for slates. however, after 1851 - the date of the construction of Crystal Palace - glass technology and iron founding improved significantly allowing Victorians to develop larger rooflights in cast iron. Like today these were often used in attic situations and subsequently became a very popular way of introducing light into a hitherto unlit space.

There are a number of rooflights available on the market, but the majority are not acceptable in listed or historic buildings unlike the Conservation Rooflight from The Rooflight Company. The Conservation Rooflight is different from modern roof windows due to its ultra-low profile and unobtrusive appearance on your roof. In addition the genuine glazing bar brings a traditional look to your property, and complies with planning requirements to listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas. Although a faithful reproduction of a traditional rooflight, performance is not compromised, since the high specification incorporates double glazing with 'K' glass to ensure energy conservation. In addition the patented Thermoliner thermal lining ensures that no condensation occurs.

The Conservation Rooflight is easy to install on all roofs, and its steel construction and protective finish provides a long low-maintenance service life. A testimony to its weathering properties is the British Standard report where the Conservation Rooflight 'substantially exceeded' the performance requirements for weather-tightness.

Case Study

Coach House, Cardiff

In order to create natural light from above for a converted Victorian Coach House, Penarth-based architect, Chris Loyn specified the Conservation Rooflight Studio Range. This utilizes standard Conservation Rooflights with a linking bar and a specifically designed ridge detail.

Top of the list of priorities for the clients was to make a major feature of the hall and to create an open stairwell reaching up to the original oak roof beams on the first floor. This is where the open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area was created with the three bedrooms situated on the ground floor. One problem this design presented was how to introduce more light without drastically altering the external appearance of the building. The solution was to install a total of ten linked Conservation Rooflights -five either side of the roof ridge.

The architect was particularly pleased with the Conservation Rooflights, due to the slender sight lines on the roof as opposed to the somewhat "chunky" appearance of modern-style rooflights. Build-up of heat in summer does not present a problem since the ten rooflights can be opened should the temperature soar.

The extensive use of the rooflights has ensured that the living spaces are light and airy and that natural light spills all the way down to the ground floor.

For further information tel. 01993 830 613 or visit The Rooflight Company's website at www.therooflightcompany.co.uk