Electric opening rooflights for Thatcham: the essentials
Thinking about electric opening rooflights in Thatcham? The short answer: hinged rooflights that open on an electric actuator for fresh air. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Larger gardens in much of the South East mean deeper rear extensions, and deeper rooms need light from above rather than only from the doors. Think of electric opening rooflights for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms that need fresh air as well as light.
Jobs in Thatcham are planned around access: whether the roof can be reached from the garden, whether a hoist or crane is needed, and where we can park. We check this when we measure.
What you can choose
- Frame colour to match your doors
- Double or triple glazing
- Manual winder on smaller units
- Insect screen
- Integral blind
- Same slim look as a fixed unit when closed
- Daylight and purge ventilation from one unit
Before you order: points to check
- Lid opening height is limited by the actuator stroke, typically a few hundred millimetres
- Electrical connection should be made by a competent electrician to BS 7671
Planning, building control and Thatcham
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. A rooflight on a side-facing slope must be obscure-glazed, and fixed shut unless the opening part is more than 1.7 m above the floor.
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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Guide prices for Thatcham
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Thatcham, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large with rain sensor and blind | £4,195 – £5,995 | £3,495 – £4,995 |
| Mid-size electric with rain sensor Typical | £2,995 – £4,195 | £2,495 – £3,495 |
| Small manual or electric opening unit | £2,395 – £3,115 | £1,995 – £2,595 |
The process, step by step
- Tell us what you have. Send the RG18 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Thatcham, measures and checks structure and access.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Thatcham
Questions about electric opening rooflights in Thatcham
What happens if it rains while it is open?
With a rain sensor fitted, the actuator closes the lid automatically when the sensor detects water. Without one, the lid stays where you left it, which is why we recommend the sensor on any unit over a kitchen or bedroom.
Is it noisy?
Actuators run for a few seconds and are about as loud as an electric blind. Once closed, an opening unit is as quiet as a fixed one.
Does it need an electrician?
The rooflight wiring needs a suitable supply. We can arrange it, or your own electrician can provide the spur and we connect the unit.
Can you work alongside my builder in Thatcham?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Is the survey in Thatcham free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
