Making a good glass roofing

The evolution of glass technology means roofing, glass extensions and sun pipes can flood dark areas of the house with light thus increasing the feeling of space and simultaneously providing an uninterrupted view of the garden and the immediate environment. Natural light is one of the key factors to be considered when constructing a house and architects have always experimented on ways to accentuate and make the most of it. Sloping glass panels are mostly used by architects in the design of a single-storey extension to create the illusion of space. As much as it is difficult to install and more expensive compared to other roofing materials, glass has proved to have a staggering impact on homes since it dramatically improves the way you view your home.

High-performance glass has three major properties. Before installation, it is prudent always to ensure that a glass roof has high thermal performance. The primary consideration is to have a 'U' value as low as possible. A typical value of 1.0 is usually recommended for double glazed units. In addition, the glass panels should have solar control. With the correct specification, it is possible to exclude up to 80% of the earth's solar energy. Also important to consider is the ability of the glass unit to self-clean. The best high-performance units use the sun's energy to burn off organic deposits like bird droppings and fingerprints. An ideal panel should have a smooth coating that allows water to 'sheet off,' removing the debris and dust as it flows.

Most glass roof systems can be installed in just one or two days. However, this depends on the size of the house. Always use relevant Personal Protective Equipment when erecting a glass roof unit. The installation consists of a five-stage procedure. First, an eaves beam is installed and fixed to the window frames. Next, secure the Eaves to Frame fixing bolts and wall end bars to the wall using the particular fittings. Fittings must be of suitable diameter and length and not more than 600 mm apart. Next, attach the horizontal threaded bars into the Eaves beam. The fourth step involves the preparation of panels.

Before fitting each glazing panel, peel off the protective film carefully ensuring that the panel's external face is to the outside. Centralize the panel and push it firmly between the ridge cloaking trims provided in the package. Prior to fitting PVC Top cuppings, the gaskets should be lubricated with a silicone spray and knocked down at 350mm intervals. Finally, the eaves enclosure backing tape is removed, and the panel is pressed down into the eaves enclosure. However simple the procedure seems, installation of glass panels is not recommended as a DIY project because glass is fragile and therefore the installation requires the input of an expert.