Glass links & glass box roofs for Richmond: the essentials
Thinking about glass links & glass box roofs in Richmond? 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.
Mansard and loft conversions are common across London, and roof windows are often set out alongside dormers on the rear slope. Glass links & glass box roofs suit listed and period buildings where the old wall should stay visible.
From Richmond to Twickenham, Isleworth and Kingston upon Thames, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Options we can specify in Richmond
- Structural glass beams and fins
- Heated glass on some systems
- Solar-control and low-iron glass
- Concealed gutters and drainage
- Frameless sliding or pivot doors
- Designed around the existing building
- Keeps period walls on show
Before you order: points to check
- Structural calculations are part of the design
- Thermal performance of large glass areas must be calculated
Do you need permission in Richmond?
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. 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 Richmond
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 |
The process, step by step
- Tell us what you have. Send the TW9 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- 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.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Nearby towns
Related work in Richmond
Common questions
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.
Do glass links need planning permission?
Often, yes — and listed building consent if either building is listed. We can provide drawings and product data for your application.
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 you work alongside my builder in Richmond?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Will I need planning permission in Richmond?
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.
