Skylights and Natural Light Solutions

Natural light transforms homes, improving mood, reducing energy consumption, and making spaces feel larger. Many London properties suffer from dark rooms—north-facing aspects, overshadowing buildings, deep floor plans. Skylights and roof windows offer excellent solutions, bringing daylight into the deepest parts of your home. This guide explores options for brightening North London properties with natural light.

Benefits of Skylights

• Deliver up to 3x more light than vertical windows of same size
• Brighten dark corridors, bathrooms, kitchens
• Reduce reliance on artificial lighting
• Improve ventilation in upper floors
• Add architectural interest
• Increase property value
• Provide views of sky even in dense urban areas

Types of Roof Windows and Skylights

Roof Windows (Velux-style): Installed in pitched roofs, can open for ventilation. Most common solution for loft conversions and rooms in roof. Cost: £500-£1,500 each installed.

Flat Roof Lights: For flat roof extensions and conversions. Fixed or opening versions. Modern designs sit flush or slightly raised. Cost: £600-£2,000 each.

Roof Lanterns: Raised glazed structures providing dramatic light and architectural feature. Popular in kitchen extensions and orangeries. Cost: £2,000-£6,000 depending on size.

Tubular Skylights: Reflective tubes channel light from roof through ceiling to dark rooms below. Ideal for bathrooms, corridors, closets. Cost: £300-£800 each installed.

Structural Glass Roofs: Large glazed sections or entire glass roofs create dramatic light-filled spaces. Premium solution for extensions. Cost: £8,000-£25,000+ depending on size.

Where to Install Skylights

Extensions: Kitchen and rear extensions benefit hugely from rooflights. Multiple large units create bright, airy spaces that rival conservatories without thermal issues.

Loft Conversions: Essential for bringing light into roof spaces. Position to frame views and maximise light. Multiple smaller windows often better than single large one.

Bathrooms: Skylights perfect for windowless bathrooms. Provide natural light and ventilation. Opening versions allow moisture escape. Use obscure glazing for privacy.

Hallways and Stairs: Dark circulation spaces transformed by roof lights. Tubular skylights work well where full roof window impossible.

Internal Rooms: Rooms with no external walls can gain daylight through skylights in roof above.

Planning and Building Regulations

Planning Permission: Roof windows in extensions often permitted development if:

• No higher than highest part of roof
• Don't protrude more than 150mm from roof plane
• Not on front elevation or principal elevation facing highway

Conservation areas have stricter rules—check with council.

Building Regulations: Roof windows require approval for:

• Structural modifications to roof
• Thermal performance (U-values)
• Fire safety in loft conversions
• Ventilation provision

Technical Considerations

Glazing: Triple glazing recommended for:

• Better thermal performance (U-value 0.8 vs 1.3 for double)
• Improved acoustic insulation
• Reduced condensation risk
• Worth extra £200-£400 per window

Solar Control: South-facing rooflights can overheat rooms:

• Solar control glazing reflects heat
• External blinds/shutters most effective
• Internal blinds reduce glare but less effective for heat

Waterproofing: Critical—poor installation causes leaks:

• Use manufacturer's flashing kits designed for roof type
• Ensure proper overlap with roof covering
• Create drainage channels around frame
• Professional installation essential

Positioning for Maximum Effect

North-Facing: Provides consistent, cool daylight. Good for artist studios, workspaces. No overheating issues.

South-Facing: Maximum light and solar gain. Excellent for living spaces in winter. Requires solar control for summer comfort.

East-Facing: Morning light, cooler in afternoons. Nice for bedrooms and breakfast rooms.

West-Facing: Afternoon and evening light. Can overheat in summer. Good for living rooms used in evenings.

Roof Lanterns vs Flat Roof lights

Roof Lanterns:

• Raised structure creating architectural feature
• More expensive but more dramatic
• Better for larger spaces wanting statement feature
• Typically 20-30% more expensive than flush rooflights

Flat Roof Lights:

• Flush or low-profile design
• More economical
• Cleaner, more minimalist appearance
• Easier to install in existing roofs

Maintenance

Modern roof windows and skylights require minimal maintenance:

• Clean glass annually (externally may need ladder or poles)
• Check seals and flashing for deterioration
• Clear drainage channels of debris
• Lubricate opening mechanisms if applicable
• Check blinds function correctly
• Quality installations last 25-30+ years