How we approach glass links & glass box roofs in Ipswich
Our glass links & glass box roofs service in Ipswich covers frameless glass links joining old and new buildings. Every job starts with a survey of the opening, the roof covering and the room below, and a fixed written price.
Coastal towns in the East of England see salty air, so we specify frame finishes and fixings with exposure in mind. In Ipswich, as anywhere, glass links & glass box roofs are the usual choice for joining a period house to a new extension or annexe.
We cover all of Ipswich and the IP1 district, and nearby Harwich and Felixstowe.
Choices for your Ipswich project
- Solar-control and low-iron glass
- Structural glass beams and fins
- Heated glass on some systems
- Concealed gutters and drainage
- Frameless or slim-framed glass
- Can include frameless doors
- Structural glass roof with concealed fixings
What to check first
- Structural calculations are part of the design
- Abutments with old masonry need careful weathering
Consents for glass links & glass box roofs in Ipswich
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.
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.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
Guide prices for Ipswich
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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Tell us what you have. Send the IP1 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Neighbouring towns
Other services in Ipswich
Glass links & glass box roofs in Ipswich: questions
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 long does a link take?
Design and manufacture are the long part. Fitting is often two to five days.
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.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Ipswich?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
How do I book a survey in Ipswich?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
