January 2024

Roof Glazing
SUPPLYING SUCCESS
Tracey Jackson, Business Development Manager for Howells Patent Glazing,
explores what installers should look for in a roof glazing supplier.
Glazed extensions are a modern way to
add more space and light to a property.
A popular choice with homeowners,
they work equally well on new-build properties
right through to mid-century houses. They are
also being used increasingly by architects to
create separation between the old and the new
when extending period properties; a design choice
seemingly approved by most planning authorities.
While there’s the onerous and expensive glass
structure, most homeowners opt for a more
conventional glazed extension usually with
a steel frame, large, often floor to ceiling glazing
and sliding or bi-folding doors. This option doesn’t
typically require any specialist services. Instead,
the suitably experienced architect and builder/
self-builder will choose to work with a glazing
and/or door specialist.
There are opportunities aplenty across the UK for
installers and home improvement companies who
are either already established in delivering this
service or wanting to extend their offering.
If you fall into the latter and are looking for ways
to tap into this lucrative corner of the home
improvement market, then there is a key product
which you must make available to your customers
– a roof glazing solution, be it rooflights, roof
lanterns or patent glazing.
Roof glazing is essential in a single-storey
extension. Not only does it let in more light
than vertical glazing, but it also allows daylight
to penetrate deeper into the property. This is
the reason behind its popularity. In extending,
homeowners are finding it harder to get light into
the heart of the home, roof glazing helps them
overcome this issue, without having to rely on
costly electric lighting during the day.
So, having decided to add this product solution to
your portfolio, what should you be seeking from
your supplier?
Consider: experience
You want a supplier who knows their stuff. Look
for well-established specialist manufacturers.
They will have the necessary experience, skill and
knowledge to guide you through the selection and
order process, and ensure you are choosing the
right product for the job.
Be sure to check out their website and social
media too – are they sharing images and project
updates? Do they show a range of applications,
old and new buildings, a variety of products? If
so, then they will likely be a one-stop shop – a
good, solid and reliable supplier who can help you
with pretty much anything. Building relationships
with trusted suppliers is invaluable when
developing areas of your business.
Consider: range
You don’t want to limit your options by choosing
a supplier with limited capabilities. If they’re
selling off-the-shelf rooflights and not a lot else,
then this will impact your customer reach. Glazed
extensions call for large expanses of glass. Often,
standard rooflights simply won’t cut it.
Look at the breadth of the range. Do they provide
a bespoke service? Do they use a systems house,
or do they design and manufacture their own
system, giving them greater flexibility?
Quality is also a critical factor. Look for proven
performance and independently verified test
certification for weathertightness, resistance
to snow and permanent load and thermal
performance.
Pay attention to material choice too. While you
may be used to supplying PVC fenestration
products, aluminium is gaining awareness
and popularity and is truly the best option
for any roof glazing solution. Slim sightlines,
durability and superb aesthetics make this a
desirable, premium option for homeowners.
Then, of course, there’s the option to choose
from thousands of colours and textures for the
powder-coated finish.
Consider: support
This is particularly important if this is your
first foray into roof glazing. While they may
appear simple, often they require a technical
specification to achieve the correct outcome.
Large expanses of glass can lead to overheating,
for example, so the right glass is essential,
as is the orientation of the glazed roof system
(something which a professional architect should
consider first). Then, your customer may also
require ventilation.
A good supplier will guide you through this
process. They will have the skill and expertise to
support you from design to install. Look for those
who also offer installation guidance/instructions
and training. Support such as this can save manhours
and keep call-backs to a minimum.
Howells Patent Glazing is an established
manufacturer of roof glazing systems with more
than 50 years’ experience supplying to the
domestic and commercial markets. The company
provides products on a supply only and supply
and fit basis.
Contact Howells Patent Glazing:
01384 820060
www.howellsglazing.co.uk
46 T I JANUARY 2024 PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST