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What are the advantages of glass roofs?

There are a range of benefits to installing a glass roof in your home. Depending on your needs, a glass roof may be the perfect option to brighten up your living space. Glass roof advantages range from aesthetic to practical and include:

• Light - Choosing a glass roof is the best way of flooding your home with natural light. This can open up a previously dark area of your home.

• Energy efficiency - Glass roofs are energy efficient, preventing heat loss and reducing your energy bills.

• Appearance - For a stunning, luxurious finish to your extension or conservatory, a glass roof is a great choice.

• Views - Adding a glass roof to your home is a brilliant way of improving the view from inside your conservatory. Even on cloudy days you will be able to look at the sky from the comfort of your home.

• Variety - When it comes to choosing a glass roof, there are a wide variety of different options to suit any design scheme. Your glass roof can be completely customised to your needs.

• Features - Modern glass roofs come with a range of optional features. You can choose glass with UV protection, roofs that slide open or even a glass roof that automatically shuts when it detects rain.

• Property value - Adding a glass roof is a great way of making your property more attractive to buyers.

What are the disadvantages of glass roofs?

When deciding whether a glass roof is right for your home, it’s important to also consider the disadvantages. Glass roofs have the following drawbacks:

• Maintenance - Glass roofs need to be cleaned regularly otherwise they can look quite dirty and block the flow of light.

• Cost - Glass roofs are often more expensive than tiled roofs.

• Leaks - Unless your glass roof is installed by an expert, leaks can start to develop.

• Heat - During hot summer days, glass roofs can make your conservatory or extension feel stifling.

What are the alternatives to glass roofs?

Of course when it comes to adding an extension or conservatory to your home, a glass roof isn’t your only option. Depending on your needs, consider the following three alternative options to a glass roof:

• Polycarbonate roof - More affordable than glass, polycarbonate roofs are a great choice if you’re sticking to a tight budget. They’re also stronger than glass meaning they’re less likely to break. Polycarbonate roofs also reduce glare but are less insulating than glass roofs.

• Tiled roof - Adding a tiled roof to your conservatory or extension is a great way of making the space more comfortable on summer days. Tiled roofs are still energy efficient, meaning less heat is lost on chilly days, reducing your energy bills. In addition, tiled roofs can look very attractive and come in a variety of colours, styles and designs.

Roof lanterns - Rather than have an entirely glass roof, adding roof lanterns gives you the benefits of a glass roof with less drawbacks. Installing roof lanterns in a solid roof allows light to enter the space without overheating during the summer.

It can be tricky to give an accurate cost for your new glass roof as this price is affected by a range of different factors. Consider the below variables when budgeting for a glass roof:

• Location - Where you live in the UK can affect the amount you pay for labour. For example, London labour prices are usually the highest in the country.

• Condition of current roof - It's important to make any necessary repairs before fitting your new glass roof. This can increase your glass roof cost.

• Materials - There are a wide variety of different glass options for your roof. Depending on the quality, style and design, the price will vary.

• Property age - Older properties may require extra support to bear the weight of a new glass roof. This is an extra cost to consider.

• Scaffolding - If scaffolding is needed to install your glass roof, this will increase the price.

• Accessibility - If your roof is hard to access, this will push up the amount you pay.

Glass roof cost

Now that we've considered the above factors, we can look at average glass roof costs. Generally, you can expect to pay between £3,200 and £8,800 for your new roof. For more prices and information, check out our conservatory roof replacement cost guide.

Building a glass roof is a risky job. Glass is very heavy and breakable so building a glass roof yourself is definitely not recommended. In addition, you’d need to work at height, adding another element of danger. It’s also worth noting that if your glass roof isn't installed to the highest standards, leaks are very likely.

For quick, stunning results, we’d strongly recommend hiring a professional for this job. However, if you’re curious how to build a glass roof, below is a summary of the process:

1. Ensure the space is prepared and create a plan

2. Build a metal frame

3. Install vertical rails onto the frame

4. Fit glazing beads

5. Attach the frame

6. Install the glass panes

7. Seal the glass to the frame

Want to speak to glass roof specialists in Kirkwall?

Ready to get started? Great, you now need to find an experienced glass roof installer you can depend on. The good news is that our members each pass thorough checks so you can feel confident you’ll get excellent service. In addition, they come with the recommendation of your neighbours.

Unsure how to find a glass roof specialist in Kirkwall? We can help you find the right professional for your job in two easy ways. The first option is to try our online search feature. It’s free to use, just type in your postcode and we’ll show you a range of experts in your area.

If you’re struggling to find time to look for a glass roof specialist in Kirkwall, our request a quote feature is the ultimate time saving tool. Fill in our handy online form and we’ll pass your information to three glass roof installers in your area. You can then get back to your busy day while they draw up three personalised quotes. It really is that easy.