Richmond · Greater London
Glass Roofs in Richmond
We cover Richmond and the rest of Greater London for structural glass roofing, from single frameless rooflights to full side-return and rear extension roofs.
- SW13
- SW14
- TW1
- TW2
- TW9
- TW10
- Guide from £1,095 per m²
Frameless rooflight in Richmond
Fixed frameless rooflights sit on a flat roof upstand with the glass edge overhanging the kerb, so from inside you see only sky and plaster. The upstand must be level, insulated and weathered into the roof covering, and the roof needs a fall so water drains off the glass.
Glass floors and walk-on rooflights bring daylight into basements, lower floors and rooms beneath terraces. Each panel sits on a continuous, level support with gaskets or setting blocks so the glass never touches metal or masonry directly, and the structure below is checked by an engineer.
A structural glass roof replaces most or all of a roof with large glass units carried on glass beams, slim steel or aluminium supports. Side-return extensions often use a single run of glass from the house wall to the boundary, giving a bright kitchen without the ridge and bars of a framed roof lantern.
The price of a glass roof or walk-on panel depends on glass size and make-up, the number of laminated layers, coatings, support beams or framing, structural design, lifting equipment and access. Bespoke shapes and very large panels cost more. See the guide prices for typical ranges.
What's included
- Site survey and structural assessment of supports
- Lifting, positioning and fixing of every glass unit
- Weather sealing of joints, edges and upstands
- Glass specification with laminated make-up and coatings
Working in Richmond
- Postcodes covered
- SW13, SW14, TW1, TW2, TW9, TW10, TW11, TW12 and the surrounding area, including Twickenham, Isleworth and Hounslow
- Coast
- Richmond is well inland, around 47 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Richmond the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.6 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.4 hours in midsummer. Overhead glass admits far more daylight than vertical glazing, especially in summer when the sun is high. South-facing glass roofs usually need solar-control coatings or fritting, while north-facing roofs can use clearer low-E glass to maximise winter light.
- Access and setting
- Rural sites may have long or narrow access tracks that limit crane positions and panel sizes, so access is surveyed early. Exposed locations face higher wind and snow loads, and leaves and debris from nearby trees mean gutters need regular clearing.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Richmond
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Frameless glass roof, per m² | £1,095 – £1,795 |
| Walk-on glass panel, per m² | £1,495 – £2,395 |
Get a guide price for your size
Replacing windows and doors with similar ones is usually permitted development for houses in England. Flats, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas or covered by an Article 4 direction can need permission, so check with the council first.
Choosing your glass roofs
Glass floor panel
Laminated glass floor sections that let light through to a basement or lower floor, supported on a level, engineered frame.
Fixed frameless rooflight
A flat glass unit bonded to a minimal edge frame on an upstand, giving an unbroken view of the sky from inside.
Side-return glass roof
Large glass units spanning from the house wall to the boundary, supported on glass beams or slim steel, for extended kitchens.
Glass Roofs in Richmond: questions
Is a glass roof safe if the glass breaks?
A properly specified glass roof is designed so that a broken pane stays in place. The inner pane is laminated, so fragments remain bonded to the interlayer instead of falling into the room. The glass thickness, supports and edge details are designed for the expected loads, including snow, wind and maintenance access.
Do I need planning permission for a glass roof extension?
It depends on the extension and the property. Some single-storey extensions on houses fall under permitted development, while others need planning permission. Flats, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas or under Article 4 directions have additional controls. Check with your council or an architect early, before the glass is ordered.
How is a glass roof installed?
A glass roof is installed onto supports already built and checked, such as walls, steel beams, glass beams or upstands. The glass units are lifted with a crane, glass robot or vacuum lifters, set onto gaskets or setting blocks, fixed and then weather sealed. Most domestic roofs are installed in a day or two once supports are ready.
What is the difference between a glass roof and a roof lantern?
A glass roof replaces most or all of a roof with large structural glass units on minimal supports, giving a near frameless view of the sky. A roof lantern is a framed, pitched glazed structure that sits on an upstand within a solid flat roof. Glass roofs suit side returns and link extensions; lanterns suit openings in flat roofs.
Do you cover Richmond for glass roofs?
Yes. We can quote for glass roofs across Richmond and the surrounding Greater London area, including postcode districts SW13, SW14, TW1, TW2 and TW9, and nearby Twickenham, Isleworth and Hounslow. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Richmond
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.