What are glass links & glass box roofs?
Glass links & glass box roofs in Dorset means frameless glass links joining old and new buildings. Every quote follows a survey of the roof and the room below.
Barn and chapel conversions in the South West often need bespoke or shaped rooflights to suit the original structure. Holiday lets and second homes across the South West often want roof windows with blinds and remote opening for when the house is empty.
Towns in Dorset
Specification options in Dorset
- Solar-control and low-iron glass
- Frameless or slim-framed glass
- Frameless sliding or pivot doors
- Concealed gutters and drainage
- Heated glass on some systems
- Can include frameless doors
- Bright circulation space
Planning and building rules in England
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.
For English homes the energy rules ask for rooflights of 2.2 W/m²K or better and roof windows of 1.4 W/m²K (or WER Band B); most modern double glazed units meet both. Replacing a rooflight or roof window can be self-certified by an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme; otherwise building control approval is needed.
What do glass links & glass box roofs cost in Dorset?
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| 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 |
How the job runs
- Tell us about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Glass links in nearby areas
Common questions
How long does a link take?
Design and manufacture are the long part. Fitting is often two to five days.
Who designs it?
Your architect, or we produce a survey-based design that the glass manufacturer engineers.
How is the glass joined to the old wall?
Usually by a slim channel or flashing set into the masonry, sealed and weathered so the old wall can move without cracking the glass seal.
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.
Will I need planning permission in Dorset?
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.
