Laminated roof and conservatory glass

What is laminated roof and conservatory glass?

Laminated roof glass is overhead glazing with a laminated inner pane, so if the glass is broken by impact, a falling branch or an intruder, the pieces stay bonded in place rather than dropping into the room below. It is the usual specification for roof lanterns, flat rooflights and glass conservatory roofs.

Glass above people's heads is treated differently from glass in walls. If a toughened inner pane breaks overhead, its small pieces fall into the room; a laminated inner pane cracks and stays put. That is why overhead units are normally made with a laminated inner pane and often a toughened, self-cleaning or solar control outer pane. Laminated glass over a flat roof extension also makes an easy route from the garden much harder to use.

Replacing roof glass is mostly about safe access and getting the unit size and pitch right. Lantern units are often shaped, and their bars, caps and seals have to be refitted carefully so the roof stays watertight. We survey each pane, check the bars and seals, and replace damaged, misted or toughened-only units with laminated units made to match. Converting a whole conservatory from polycarbonate to glass is a structural change and is not covered by this service.

How much does laminated roof and conservatory glass cost?

Our guide range is £234 to £774 including VAT (£195 to £645 plus VAT) per pane, supplied and fitted. The exact figure depends on size, glass makeup, frame condition and access, and your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the free survey. See all glass prices.

Specification and options

Laminated inner pane for overhead safety
Self-cleaning, solar control and blue or neutral tints
Shaped units for hipped lanterns
Units for flat rooflights and walk-on surrounds where specified
New seals, gaskets and caps refitted to keep the roof watertight
Safe access with towers or scaffolding where needed
Replacement of misted or broken roof units
Matching existing tints where possible

Where laminated roof and conservatory glass is used

Roof lanterns over kitchens and extensions
Flat rooflights over stairs and landings
Glass conservatory roofs
Orangery roofs with lantern centres
Single-storey extensions reached from walls or fences

What to decide before you order

Solar control

Roof glass gets more sun than any other pane. Solar control or tinted outer panes reduce heat and glare.

Self-cleaning outer pane

A self-cleaning coating cuts how often the roof needs washing, which helps where access is awkward.

Access

Most lanterns can be reached from a tower or ladder system. High or steep roofs may need scaffolding, which is itemised in your written quote.

Repair or replace the roof

If the roof frame is failing or leaking at the bars, we will say so rather than putting new glass into it.

Rules across the UK

Safety glazing, building regulations, planning and listed building rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the points most relevant to laminated roof and conservatory glass; local pages show the version for your nation.

England (similar principles apply in Wales, Scotland and NI)

Safety glass in critical locations

In England, section 5 of Approved Document K treats glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door edge, from floor level up to 1,500 mm, and any other glazing below 800 mm, as a critical location. Glass there should break safely, be robust, or be guarded. Laminated or toughened glass meeting BS EN 12600 class 3 is the usual answer, rising to class 2 for door and side-panel panes wider than 900 mm.

Replacing glass in an existing frame

Replacing only the glass or sealed unit in an existing frame is generally treated as a repair in England rather than notifiable building work. Replacing a whole window or door is notifiable and is normally certified through a competent person scheme or approved by building control. Either way, new glass in a critical location should still be safety glass.

Planning permission

Changing the glass in an existing window or shopfront does not usually need planning permission, because the building looks much the same afterwards. A new or altered shopfront, or security features added to the outside of a building, may need planning permission from the council. Bollards or barriers on the pavement need the highway authority's consent, which is normally the council.

How it works

Tell us what needs securing

Use the guide price tool or form, or call. Pane sizes and a few photos help us give a guide figure straight away.

Free survey

A surveyor measures each pane, checks the existing glass, frame and beads, and talks through the rating that suits the risk.

Fixed price in writing

You get a written quote listing each pane, the glass type and class, the price and the lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.

Made to measure and fitted

Glass is made to order and fitted by glaziers working under our contract with you, then cleaned, checked and explained.

Laminated roof and conservatory glass: questions

How much does laminated roof glass cost?

Most roof and conservatory panes cost from £195 to £645 plus VAT (£234 to £774 inc VAT) each supplied and fitted, depending on size, shape, coatings and access. Any scaffolding needed is itemised in the written quote. Your fixed price follows a free survey.

Why should roof glass be laminated?

So that if it breaks, the pieces stay in place overhead instead of falling into the room. A laminated inner pane is the usual specification for overhead glazing.

Can you replace one pane in my roof lantern?

Yes. Each pane is a separate unit, so we can replace one damaged or misted unit and match the rest.

Can roof glass reduce heat in summer?

Yes. Solar control glass on the outer pane reflects much of the heat, and tints reduce glare.

Can you change my conservatory roof from plastic to glass?

Replacing polycarbonate with glass adds a lot of weight and is a structural change, so it is not part of this service. We can advise once a structural plan is in place.

Will laminated roof glass stop someone getting in?

It makes breaking through the roof slow and noisy, so the roof is a much harder way into a single-storey extension.

Find laminated roof and conservatory glass near you

Choose your county or region for local information and the rules that apply where you are.