How we approach glass links & glass box roofs in Braintree
We handle glass links & glass box roofs across Essex, including Braintree. In short: frameless glass links joining old and new buildings. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
Many homes in the East have low-pitched roofs on later extensions, which are better served by flat rooflights than pitched roof windows. Typical uses for glass links & glass box roofs include listed and period buildings where the old wall should stay visible.
We work across Essex, including Braintree, and in neighbouring towns such as Witham and Chelmsford. Access, parking and how the glass reaches the roof are all checked at the survey.
Specification options
- Solar-control and low-iron glass
- Structural glass beams and fins
- Frameless or slim-framed glass
- Heated glass on some systems
- Frameless sliding or pivot doors
- Can include frameless doors
- Structural glass roof with concealed fixings
Before you order: points to check
- Abutments with old masonry need careful weathering
- Structural calculations are part of the design
Do you need permission in Braintree?
Most rooflights on English houses do not need planning permission, provided they keep within 150 mm of the roof surface and below the ridge line. 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.
Under Approved Document L, a rooflight added to an English home must achieve at least 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal plane), and a roof window 1.4 W/m²K or Window Energy Rating Band B. In an extension, glazing including rooflights is normally limited to 25% of the new floor area plus any windows or doors the extension covers, unless a whole-house calculation shows otherwise.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Guide prices for Braintree
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Braintree, 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Braintree
Glass links & glass box roofs in Braintree: questions
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.
Can a glass link be warm enough to use all year?
With insulated glass units, solar control and good detailing, yes — though it will always be brighter and more exposed to temperature swings than a solid room.
Can you work alongside my builder in Braintree?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
How do I book a survey in Braintree?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
