It lifts your spirits, it has the ability to open up a space, it can transform a dreary room into something truly desirable, plus it’s totally free. Yes, a little bit of natural light can go a long way, so why not welcome as much into your home as possible with some smart glass solutions.
“Improved manufacturing techniques mean that modern glass is stronger, greener and much more versatile than ever before,” says Hugo Tugman, architecture expert at Architect Your Home. “And there are many cost-effective options you can use to maximize the potential of any home, regardless of age or character.”
So whether you want to expand your horizons with bi-fold or sliding doors, or add glass roofs to direct some sunlight into dark corners, we’ve asked the experts for their advice so you can find the ideal solution for your space. .
PATIO AND SLIDING DOORS
before buying
When choosing doors, you should consider the style of your home, your budget, security, how airtight the doors are, whether you will need any structural modifications to your home, and of course planning permission and building codes. “If you can, go to a showroom and see what you’re buying,” advises Nick Morris, Solarlux’s director of sales. “Brochures give you an idea of a product, but it’s important to touch and handle the doors to get an idea of them.”
patio doors
If you’re on a tight budget, patio doors are cost effective and can still make a difference. There are plenty of out-of-the-box options that won’t break the bank. And, if you need a set of doors that are not a standard size, some manufacturers can build them to meet your requirements. If you’re handy with a set of tools, you could even save pennies by installing them yourself. “Keep in mind that the best light enters at the highest angle,” says Hugo Tugman. “Standard French windows are just over seven feet tall, so if there’s room, you could create an extra set of windows above the doors to bring light to that all-important level.”
Sliding doors
At the other end of the patio door scale, modern sliding doors allow you to bring the feeling of being outside inside. The huge panels (up to three meters wide) offer clear views, and several sections can be stacked, one behind the other, to create a large open space. The strong frames, usually made of aluminum, can be powder coated in any color to blend in with the building. Note, however, that unless there is enough wall space to one side of the void to create a hole for the panels, there will always be at least one panel visible in the opening.
choose glass
With a large expanse of glass, heat loss, overheating, and glare can be issues, but there are several modern options that address these issues. They can be used in combination to create the perfect glazing for your space.
* Low E Glass saves energy and reflects heat back into the room, reducing CO2 emissions.
* Argon-filled glass reduces heat loss and has a low U-value (the lower the value, the lower the heat loss).
* Solar control glass reduces sun glare and therefore the need for blinds and air conditioning.
All construction projects must comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to thermal efficiency. The amount of glass you can use is limited to some extent, but the calculations are complex, so it is worth seeking professional advice from a glass company.
FOLDING DOORS
before buying
“Bifold doors have become a huge trend in the last five years,” says Jason Messervy, director of Sun Paradise. Composed of a row of glazed panels that are cordoned off on one side, they also have a traffic door, which allows access to the outside without having to open the entire bench. The doors travel can be as long as you like, folding in or out (although out-folding doors are more weather resistant and don’t interfere with internal furnishings). Since most modern designs incorporate flush rails, there is a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. “But the downside,” says Jason, “is that when they’re closed, the studs between the panels can make it hard to see.”
materials and finishes
Doors can be made from a wide variety of materials:
* Smart aluminum frames offer the option of choosing one powder-coated color for the interior and another for the exterior.
* Anodized aluminum comes in elegant finishes, such as gunmetal or metallic black, and is exceptionally strong.
* There are all kinds of beautiful wood options, which are built in layers to prevent warping. Some types also offer the option of a painted finish.
*Composites (combining a wood finish on the inside and an aluminum skin on the outside) are good for harsh environments where wood could be damaged by weathering.
* For greater privacy, some manufacturers can incorporate blinds into the frames or insert them between the double glazing.
GLASS COVERS
before buying
There are many types of skylights, specialized windows, and glass roofs that can help bring sunlight and ventilation into a space. When deciding which one is best for your building, consider if your house is a new construction or a traditional property, so that you can choose one that is in keeping with the style; if the roof you are looking to adapt is sloped or flat; and if you live in a conservation area and therefore may be restricted. Also remember that many renovations, even seemingly minor ones, require planning permission, so always consult an expert.
The options
If you have a flat roof extension, it is possible to replace the entire roof with glass. “This is very popular and effective, and it’s not usually much more expensive than other glass roof options,” says Michael Barnes, MD of Apropos. ‘The slope, or slope, of the roof can be as low as 15 degrees, although 30 degrees is more common. This means that the ceiling is still well below the windows above, while adding a meter to the original height. And glass roofs can be used to transform a bleak side return or shed, giving an otherwise dark space added ventilation and light.
* Designs can be clean-lined and contemporary, or more traditional, with painted wooden frames.
* Very large areas of glass can have a hard time meeting thermal efficiency building regulations, but there are ways to compensate for this in the rest of your home, such as improving insulation.
* At night, artificial light will bounce off a normal ceiling, but in a glass-roofed building, the light will simply be absorbed by the vacuum. This means that you need to think carefully about how you are going to light the space.
* Instead of a full roof, consider creating a narrow glass channel between the original building and its flat roof structure. In addition to generating light, a smaller glass surface will have a better chance of complying with planning regulations.
SKYLIGHTS AND LANTERNS
skylights
“Skylights are a low-cost option, and if placed in a row, they can create the appearance of a glass roof without the cost of the actual roof,” says Hugo Tugman. There are many types, both bespoke and off-the-shelf, but while a small skylight can cost £300-400, a series of bespoke skylights can cost several thousand so it’s important to assess your budget and your needs. .
“The latest trend is discreet windows that sit flush with the ceiling,” says Peter Soddy, commercial director of The Rooflight Company. “With edge-to-edge glazing, the windows appear to be frameless, so your view is unobstructed and the unit blends into your interior.”
* Most high-spec skylights now come with rain, wind and even heat sensors, which automatically open the window if the room gets too hot, or close it if it starts to rain.
* The type of glass you choose will differ depending on the space. A bathroom may need frosted glass if it’s overlooked, while for an inaccessible area self-cleaning glass may be worth considering. If the roof is easily accessible, in the meantime, opt for stronger glass for added security.
lantern lights
In addition to standard skylights, lantern lights, which come in all sorts of shapes, are a perfect solution for flat roofs. “Lanterns are ideal in urban areas: they bring in a lot of natural light, but block the neighbors’ view,” says Alice Barrington-Wells, design director at Marston & Langinger. “Pair a large lantern with a set of sliding or bi-fold doors to make a real statement,” suggests Michael Barnes, MD of Apropos. ‘This can transform a flat roof extension and give a true greenhouse effect.’
