Glass links & glass box roofs in Harlow: what is involved?
Glass links & glass box roofs in Harlow means frameless glass links joining old and new buildings. We cover the CM17 district and the rest of Essex, with a survey before any price is fixed.
Many homes in the East have low-pitched roofs on later extensions, which are better served by flat rooflights than pitched roof windows. Think of glass links & glass box roofs for joining a period house to a new extension or annexe.
We work across Essex, including Harlow, and in neighbouring towns such as Hoddesdon and Bishop's Stortford. Access, parking and how the glass reaches the roof are all checked at the survey.
Specification options
- Heated glass on some systems
- Solar-control and low-iron glass
- Frameless or slim-framed glass
- Structural glass beams and fins
- Concealed gutters and drainage
- Visually light connection between buildings
- Designed around the existing building
What to check first
- Structural calculations are part of the design
- Abutments with old masonry need careful weathering
Do you need permission in Harlow?
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. 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.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
What do glass links & glass box roofs cost in Harlow?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Harlow, 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
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Harlow, measures and checks structure and access.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Glass links & glass box roofs near Harlow
Other services in Harlow
Common questions
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.
How long does a link take?
Design and manufacture are the long part. Fitting is often two to five days.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Harlow?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Is the survey in Harlow free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
