Clearview National June 2017 - Issue 187 | Page 86

CONSERVATORIES&ROOFS 4 reasons to install roof lights » » ROOFLIGHTS AND SKYLIGHTS CAN be one of best additions to a home. While brighter rooms are more aesthetically pleasing, rooflights can also be fitted in difficult places where traditional windows just won’t go – and can even add value to a property. However, while rooflights are very attractive on the surface of it, when installed correctly, they can also have a positive effect on the homeowner’s outgoings and carbon footprint. Roof Maker, a UK leading manufacturer of sky lights, explains how… 1. THE EFFECT OF NATURAL LIGHT Depending on the position of the building and other external factors, it is not always possible to take advantage of those bright and sunny days. That’s why rooflights are so effective. In fact, they can provide up to three times more natural light than standard windows. It should come as no surprise therefore, that when you install rooflights or skylights, you cut down on the need for artificial lighting. With less need for lamps and other standard lighting, there will be a noticeable reduction in electricity bills – especially in the brighter months. 3. ECO-FRIENDLY HOME Research has shown that when rooflights are covering roughly 15%-20% of the total roof area, it will dramatically cut energy consumption compared to buildings without roof lights. In fact, The National Association of Rooflight manufacturers, found that the total CO2 emissions associated with operating a building without rooflights can be 50% higher than for a building with them. 2. KEEPING HEAT IN AND OUT Passive heat or solar heat gain is a natural by-product of rooflights. Again, this natural heat gain in the home ensures there’s less need for using central heating or other off-the-wall heaters that keep monthly costs up. You can also install ventilating skylights that open outwardly at the bottom and release unwanted hot air that naturally accumulates near the ceiling. 4. A HAPPIER HOME It’s not just a theory, more natural light is proven to have a positive effect on how we feel. Luckily, when you install rooflights, you allow natural light to flow into the home in abundance. Natural light is clinically proven to increase focus, reduce stress levels and even improve sleeping patterns. No Muntin bars means No Problems » » SINCE TUFF X PROCESSED GLASS launched the Ambi-Oversized glass in 2012, their manufacturing capabilities have proved to be valuable to many installation companies. They have helped many clients solve numerous leaking conservatories roof for homeowners and improve them aesthetically at the same time. A homeowner approached one installation company after her conservatory roof had started leaking a couple of months after being installed. With the company who fitted the conservatory originally no longer trading, the homeowner started to look farther afield for a reputable glass company who could solve their 86 » JUN 2017 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M problem. Whilst researching, they came across TuffX’s oversized glass units and provided the installers with TuffX’s details. Having read about its benefits, they believed if they eliminated muntin bars from the roof, the complications would stop. The old conservatory roof had a total length of 3.35 metres; however, it had been fitted using two separate units, joined together with a muntin bar. TuffX understood that problems can come from Muntin Bars, this being one of the main reasons they wished to expand into supplying the oversized glass back in 2012, they invested in new machinery to manufacture glass up to lengths of 4000mm in 4mm Toughened. TuffX desire to give their customers endless choices to take to consumers, ensuring they get the most out of their conservatories. TuffX supplied an Ambi-Aqua conservatory glass roof for the homeowner’s conservatory and the installer fitted it successfully. The glass is self-cleaning and offers up to 82% reduction from the sun’s heat rays, reducing the internal temperature of a conservatory in summer. The homeowner was delighted with the completed result, which gives her peace of mind. She stated, “I am so happy with my new glass roof. To say goodbye to the unsightly muntin bars was wonderful and now the leaks are fixed, I feel that my conservatory is finally a habitual environment to live in. My advice would be to make sure your installation company use TuffX as their glass supplier; I simply cannot fault their glass.” TuffX manufactures a wide range of toughened processed glass for domestic and commercial use from its factory based in Merseyside. Call 0845 3400 200 or email [email protected]