What do glass links & glass box roofs in Runcorn involve?
Thinking about glass links & glass box roofs in Runcorn? The short answer: frameless glass links joining old and new buildings. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Rear kitchen extensions on North West semis often have small domes from decades ago that leak or have yellowed. In Runcorn, as anywhere, glass links & glass box roofs are the usual choice for listed and period buildings where the old wall should stay visible.
We work across Cheshire, including Runcorn, and in neighbouring towns such as Widnes and Halewood. Access, parking and how the glass reaches the roof are all checked at the survey.
Options we can specify in Runcorn
- Frameless or slim-framed glass
- Heated glass on some systems
- Structural glass beams and fins
- Concealed gutters and drainage
- Solar-control and low-iron glass
- Can include frameless doors
- Structural glass roof with concealed fixings
Before you order: points to check
- Thermal performance of large glass areas must be calculated
- Listed building consent or planning permission is commonly needed
Consents for glass links & glass box roofs in Runcorn
In England a rooflight on a house is usually permitted development under Class C if it projects no more than 150 mm beyond the roof slope and sits no higher than the ridge. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
Building Regulations Approved Document L sets a limiting U-value of 2.2 W/m²K for new or replacement rooflights in existing homes, measured in the horizontal plane; roof windows need 1.4 W/m²K or a Band B energy rating. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards, published in March 2026, apply from 24 March 2027 and keep the 2.2 W/m²K limit for rooflights.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Guide prices for Runcorn
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Runcorn, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Fully frameless link with glass beams | £20,395 – £35,995 | £16,995 – £29,995 |
| Glass roof and glazed sides Typical | £13,195 – £20,395 | £10,995 – £16,995 |
| Glass roof between existing walls | £9,595 – £13,195 | £7,995 – £10,995 |
What happens next
- Tell us what you have. Send the WA7 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
Other services in Runcorn
Questions about glass links & glass box roofs in Runcorn
Is structural glass safe?
Structural glass is laminated so it stays in place if a ply breaks. The manufacturer designs it for the loads involved.
Who designs it?
Your architect, or we produce a survey-based design that the glass manufacturer engineers.
How long does a link take?
Design and manufacture are the long part. Fitting is often two to five days.
Will I need planning permission in Runcorn?
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof.
Is the survey in Runcorn free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
