Can I Have A Skylight In My Garden Room Roof

Unfortunately, we cannot offer our customers a skylight or skylights in our garden room roofs.

This is because we used a specialist Kingspan interlocking roof panel which is constructed of multi layers of steel and insulation. If we cut into these roof panels it will impair their strength and weaken the structural capabilities of the garden room roof.

We have been using these specialist structural roof panels since our inception in 2006 and we are proud to say we have never had one single issue with a leaking garden room roof and we prefer to keep it this way.

A leaking roof is probably the worst thing that could happen to a garden structure and would cause immense damage to the plastered wall, floors and customers contents.

We do receive many emails and phone calls from customers of alternative garden room companies stating that their garden room roof is leaking and can we repair the roof for them – unfortunately this is not something we can do for other garden building clients.

Many alternative companies use timber frame roof sections and cover them with felt or bitumen thinking – this will last a few years but eventually water will break through the felt or bitumen covers and enter the garden room causing damage.

We understand that having a skylight in a garden room roof is quite popular for a reason and people believe that they will add extra light to the inside of the garden building.

To be honest all our garden rooms come supplied with large 2.4m sliding doors or patio doors with large glass panels so light is not a problem. Also, if the interior is painted white it will create a light and airy feel to the inside of the garden room.

In addition, all our garden rooms are supplied with a flush mounted LED light panel which actually gives the impression of a skylight. With the advent of LED light technology these lights emit more than sufficient light and the LED light simulate natural light!

Disadvantages of Skylight In A Garden Room Roof

Skylights can have several disadvantages when installed in a roof:

Heat gain and heat loss: As skylights are not insulated, they have a negative impact on both your cooling and heating costs inside the garden room. In cooler months the heat escapes through the skylight and in warmer months additional heat enters the garden room. Skylights can allow a significant amount of heat to enter the building in the summer and escape in the winter, resulting in increased energy costs.

Leakage: Skylights are infamous for leaking. After time the seals and flashings deteriorate and allow water to enter the building. Constant changes in temperature from heat to cold, snow and ice add to the eventual breakdown of the seals and flashings. If not properly installed, skylights can leak, causing damage to the roof and interior of the building.

Glare: Skylights can cause glare, making it difficult to see and work near them, particularly in the afternoon.

Fading: Skylights can cause fading of furniture, carpets, and other interior items by allowing UV rays to penetrate the building.

Maintenance: Skylights require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they are working properly and to prevent leaks.

Lack of privacy: Skylights can also cause lack of privacy if they are in a room where you want to keep things private.

Cost: Skylights can be more expensive than traditional windows, both in terms of the initial cost of installation and the cost of maintenance over time.

Storm damage: As normal roofs are susceptible to storm damage – skylights are even more so as storms, hail, debris, snow can easily damage the skylight.

It's important to consider these disadvantages before installing skylights in a roof and weigh the pros and cons of the situation.