What are glass links & glass box roofs?
Across Somerset, our glass links & glass box roofs work covers frameless glass links joining old and new buildings. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Many South West towns mix Georgian and Victorian terraces with modern estates, so the right product differs street by street. Western coasts take wind-driven rain, so we pay close attention to upstand height and flashing laps on exposed roofs.
Towns in Somerset
Options we can specify
- Heated glass on some systems
- Structural glass beams and fins
- Frameless sliding or pivot doors
- Concealed gutters and drainage
- Frameless or slim-framed glass
- Keeps period walls on show
- Structural glass roof with concealed fixings
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.
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. 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.
Guide prices
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Somerset, 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 |
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
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.
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.
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 I need to be at home for the survey in Somerset?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
