FAQs
Only walk-on rooflights that have been specifically designed and manufactured for pedestrian traffic should be walked on. Standard rooflights are not generally suitable for this purpose unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.
Rooflights are classified based on their structural integrity and intended use:
Class 0 – Walk-On Specification
Designed to support regular foot traffic. These are suitable for areas where the rooflight forms part of a walkway or terrace.
Class 1 – Stood on infrequently for areas where occasional access is required for maintenance, they are not however to be used for every-day foot traffic.
Class 2 – Non-fragile classification, these rooflights are designed to stop a person falling through if they were to trip and fall onto the rooflight.
Class 3 – Glass is considered fragile and should only be installed where there is no chance of someone falling through the glass and is common in a lot of rooflight applications.
Always check the manufacturer's specifications and safety ratings before walking on any rooflight.
No. The polycarbonate material we use has a UV coating to prevent discolouration from the sun. For this to be effective the dome/pyramid must not be scratched or harmed in any way that may damage the UV coating.
Yes all of our rooflights carry a warranty. Each product has a different warranty period so we advise that you check individual products carefully before you purchase.
Any electrical components used come with a 1 year warranty.
Not necessarily. Most of our rooflights are available as complete rooflights with kerbs and fixings ready to fit them directly to the roof deck, however in some cases we can supply the top of a rooflight on its own ready to fit to an existing builders timber kerb. Please check the specific product information for further information.
If you are buying a complete rooflight with a kerb you need to measure the size of the hole in the roof. If you are only buying the top section to fit to an existing kerb you need to measure the overall external size of the timber kerb including weathering finishes. Each product has specific measuring information on the 'measurement' tab, if in any doubt of where a measurement is to be taken from please give us a call and discuss wit a member of our team.
Polycarbonate dome tops only come with security fixing and fixing caps as standard to screw into your own timber upstand / kerb. Polycarbonate domes with suppled PVC upstands come with security fixings and caps as standard to attach the polycarbonate element to the PVC upstand. Fixings to attach the PVC upstand to the roof deck are not supplied, these can be simple wood screws as any waterproofing will cover over these fixings when the unit is installed.
We have designed our website to make sure it is as easy as possible for you to place and order with us. Simply find the rooflight or skylight product type you wish to purchase.
When you have found what you want you can select your options from the drop down boxes, once happy with your selection please click the green add to cart button and proceed to checkout.
If you have any problems please give us a call and a friendly member of our sales team will be able to talk you through the process however we are not able to take payment over the phone.
We have rooflights, skylights and roof lanterns available from a number of manufacturers including Korniche roof lanterns.
We are only able to deliver to mainland UK addresses at this time however if you have other requirements please give us a call to discuss your options.
We have a wide range of units available however if we don't quite have what you need please ask our helpful team who will be able to quote you for a bespoke option.
We offer a 30 Day Returns Policy on all stock products, if you would like to return your order please ensure that this is carried out within the stated time frame.
No returns will be accepted outside of the 30 day period. Please contact us to request the relevant return address, all returns must be in the original packaging.
Once the product is received and checked and is deemed to be in an unused and resalable condition, we will refund the purchase price minus any restocking fee.
All bespoke items are non-refundable, please see individual product descriptions.
Please ensure that you check the Oder Confirmation details thoroughly and advise us of any discrepancies immediately upon receipt thereof to avoid any issues in regard to bespoke products; if issues are not raised within 24 hours of receipt of the Order Confirmation, we accept no liability if the product once received does not fully match your requirements.
When your unit arrives please take the time to check the unit thoroughly as any claims for damage are not covered by our couriers insurance if the delivery is signed for unchecked.
Any damage or discrepancies must be notified to us at info@rooflights-skylights.co.uk within 24 hours from receipt of delivery together with photographic evidence of the damage in question.
All our units are delivered by courier Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Deliveries are usually made between 8am-5pm and there will need to be someone there to sign for and offload the unit, we are not able to give specific time slots for delivery but please give us a call if you have specific delivery requirements.
Please note we cannot guarantee a delivery time and we will not be held responsible for any losses incurred due to late delivery.
All units are provided on a supply only basis, we do not offer an installation service. As we are a national company we do not have a list of recommended installers however any competent roofer/builder should be able to carry out the work.
Thermal Stress Fracture is rarely caused by a fault in the glass, but rather the glass experiencing a set of extraneous conditions: environmental, architectural, and physical. Most rooflights are double-glazed, with a toughened outer pane and a laminated inner pane. It is only the inner pane that is at risk to Thermal Stress Fracture.
We have made the conscious decision not to offer frameless glass rooflights to our customers, and there are several key reasons behind this choice.
We have seen an increase in people contacting us due to their existing frameless rooflight failing, which can largely be attributed to inadequate structural support and improper sealing. These design flaws often lead to problems such as water leaks, poor thermal performance, and a greater risk of breakages when under pressure.
While frameless options may come with a lower price tag, the reality is that they compromise heavily on quality and durability. These products are essentially just a piece of glass with adhesive tape and silicone applied to an upstand—leaving much to be desired in terms of long-term performance and reliability.
We strongly advise anyone looking for rooflights to research their options carefully. While we would be delighted if you choose to purchase from us, the most important thing is that you invest in a trusted supplier who provides framed, rigorously tested, and guaranteed rooflights—ensuring your peace of mind and the longevity of the product.
Nickel Sulphide (NiS) inclusions are microscopic impurities that can occur during the glass manufacturing process. While relatively rare, these inclusions can pose a risk of spontaneous glass breakage, particularly in toughened (tempered) glass, which is commonly used in rooflights and skylights.
Understanding NiS inclusions, how they can impact glass installations, and what measures can be taken to mitigate risk is essential when choosing the right glazing solution for your project.
What Causes Nickel Sulphide Inclusions?
Nickel sulphide inclusions form when small traces of nickel, often introduced from metal machinery or raw materials, combine with sulphur during the melting process in glass production. These inclusions become embedded within the glass and can remain stable for years without issue.
However, in toughened glass, which is rapidly heated and cooled during the tempering process, NiS inclusions can be "frozen" in a high-temperature phase. Over time, these inclusions naturally revert to their lower-temperature phase, expanding slightly in size. If the expansion occurs in a highly stressed area of the glass, it can lead to spontaneous breakage.
What Does Nickel Sulphide Breakage Look Like?
Spontaneous glass breakage due to NiS inclusions typically occurs without warning and is not caused by impact or pressure. The breakage often exhibits a distinctive "butterfly" fracture pattern at the centre, which is unique to NiS-related failures.
As toughened glass shatters into small, relatively harmless fragments, this type of breakage can be disruptive and concerning, particularly in overhead glazing applications such as skylights and rooflights.
How Can the Risk of Spontaneous Breakage Be Reduced?
While it is impossible to entirely eliminate NiS inclusions, several key strategies can significantly reduce the risk:
1. Heat Soaking
One of the most effective ways to mitigate NiS breakage is through a process called heat soaking. This involves placing pre-toughened glass into a special chamber and heating it to approximately 290°C for several hours.
- If NiS inclusions are present, the accelerated thermal expansion may cause the defective glass to shatter during the testing process, meaning only stable panes are used in final installations.
- While heat soaking reduces the risk of NiS breakage, it does not provide a 100% guarantee, as some inclusions may still remain undetected.
- Despite this, many industry-leading glass manufacturers strongly recommend heat soaking for toughened glass used in rooflights, skylights, and other critical applications.
2. Using Laminated Glass Instead of Toughened Glass
Laminated glass consists of two or more glass panes bonded together with an interlayer (usually made of PVB or SGP). In the unlikely event of breakage, the interlayer holds the fragments in place, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring continued weather resistance.
For rooflights and skylights, laminated glass is often recommended as an alternative or additional layer to toughened glass, providing:
✔ Enhanced Safety – If a breakage occurs, the glass remains in place.
✔ Improved Security – Laminated glass is harder to break through compared to toughened glass.
✔ UV Protection – Many laminated interlayers provide protection against UV radiation, reducing fading of interiors.
3. Strict Manufacturing Quality Control
High-quality glass manufacturers, such as Pilkington, Guardian Glass, and Saint-Gobain, implement rigorous processes to minimise the presence of nickel in raw materials and production equipment.
Selecting glass from a trusted manufacturer ensures that every step of the glass-making process follows best industry practices to reduce impurities.
4. Heat-Strengthened Glass as an Alternative
If the project does not strictly require toughened glass, another option is heat-strengthened glass. This is a type of semi-tempered glass that undergoes a slower cooling process than fully toughened glass, reducing internal stresses.
- Heat-strengthened glass is less likely to suffer spontaneous breakage from NiS inclusions, but it does not break into small, safe fragments like toughened glass.
- It is often used in combination with laminated glass for overhead glazing solutions.
Should You Be Worried About NiS Inclusions?
While the occurrence of NiS-related breakage is low, it is not impossible. If your project involves rooflights, skylights, or large glazed areas, it is worth considering additional safety measures such as:
🔹 Specifying heat-soaked toughened glass
🔹 Choosing laminated glass for added security and safety
🔹 Working with reputable suppliers who follow strict manufacturing standards
Speak to Our Experts for Guidance
Choosing the right glass for your project can feel overwhelming, especially when safety is a priority. If you have concerns about Nickel Sulphide Inclusions, Thermal Stress Fracture, or selecting the best glazing solution for your needs, speak to our Technical Support Team today.
📞 Call us on 01276 450626 for expert advice and practical support on specifying the right glass solution for your project.