"rooflights"

Trade Access Panels are proud suppliers of both the FAKRO LSF Fire Rated Metal and FAKRO LWK Komfort 3 Loft Ladders. FAKRO is a name that you can trust being one of the World’s principal manufacturers of Loft Ladders which allow convenient access to non-inhabited loft spaces negating the need to install expensive and in most cases unnecessary, staircases.

When it comes to fitting a new loft hatch, whether it is a direct replacement or if you are looking to change the size of your current structural opening (hole in the ceiling), Trade Access Panels can provide bespoke insulated Loft Hatches for suit almost any requirement, including both Fire or Non-Fire Rated hatches and those with Youngman ladders or Zip-Ladders attached.

We can make any size and shape access panel: Antibacterial Paint Special Antibacterial Paint available with the added benefit of an effective antibacterial agent which kills most species of bacteria, including the deadly MRSA, Salmonella, E coli and C difficile. Ceramic Tile Doors Plasterboard Faced Metal Faced Loft Hatches Fire Rated Acoustic Rated Airtight Rated Smoke Tested Special Paint Colours for your Project needs. Available Panel Sizes: 100x100mm to 3000x8000mm

The early 20th century saw the development of a distinct architectural movement often termed ‘Stripped Classicism’. Running in tandem with the Modernist Movement of the Bauhaus School, the movement strove for bold massings, severe angles and a stylised reduction of classical elements. This style was frequently chosen by governments when designing official buildings.Perhaps the best known example of this type of architecture in the UK is the Grade II Listed Waltham Forest Town Hall, the headquarters of the London Borough of Waltham Forest Town Council. Designed by architect Philip Hepworth, construction of the building began in 1938 but was interrupted by the Second World War and so not completed until 1942. In 2019 the council approved an extensive programme of renovation works to the Town Hall which included the replacement of all the original steel windows. Clement W20 steel windows were chosen as the right product for their quality. The new white windows include both top hung and side hung opening casements with complementary fittings in a dark bronze finish.Senior Project Manager at Waltham Forest Town Hall John Cattermole said:“The team at Clement provided a great service in supplying new windows as part of the Town Hall refurbishment. Very specific aesthetic and energy performance criteria needed to be met when it came to the window replacement. The W20 windows supplied by Clement were able to meet all of these requirements.  Despite the project being on site at the height of the pandemic, the windows were delivered to programme which enabled seamless installation. Now the building has been brought back into use really positive feedback has been received from both staff and visitors.”

Clement Windows Group have replaced the original steel fenestration at the Old Marylebone Town Hall, recently leased by the London Business School from Westminster Council on a 35 year renewable contract. In order to increase teaching facilities by 70 percent, the building has undergone a major £60m refurbishment and Wates Construction were chosen as the Main Contractors to undertake the challenge of joining the two iconic buildings in an eclectic mix of the traditional and contemporary. The new building, designed by architects Sheppard Robson, is named the Sammy Ofer Centre in honour of the late Sammy Ofer KBE.

A great example of 1930s Art Deco architecture, The Douglas Building sits on Great Titchfield Street in London’s West End. Formerly known as The Media Village, Douglas House was acquired by serviced office providers The Office Group (TOG) from landlords The Langham Estate in 2019. TOG together with Note Design Studio transformed the building with a colourful concept that blends the distinctive 1930s features and gives a sense of fluidity, openness and light throughout.As its former name suggests this area of London is a hub for local media and IT businesses operating out of the West End and the brief for the building was to create a flexible workspace where people can feel stimulated by their environment leading to greater productivity. Wellness was also a central focus and the building includes an oxygen room, a parents’ room and a roof terrace which are all integral to enabling and inspiring everyone who enters.Well ventilated and an abundance of natural light have become buzzwords in the COVID era and the more than 300 new steel windows from the Clement EB24 range which were chosen by office fit out and refurbishment contractors Parkeray perfectly facilitate both. Polyester powder coated in Pure White and furnished with Warren handles in a satin chrome finish the windows lend the building a contemporary look on the outside as well as supporting the 21st century ways of working inside.Peter Clement, Chief Executive of Clement Windows Group, commented:“As with all prestigious window replacement projects of this magnitude Clement took part in a competitive tender process. Whilst this was in play we understand that both Parkeray and the client’s team had the opportunity to compare our EB24 steel window to others being considered. We believe it was the quality and overall finish of EB24 combined with an attractive price and fine references that convinced them and the client to proceed with us.”

After many years of being out of use, the former police HQ (CID) building on Bridewell Island in Central Bristol has been renovated and is now the new YMCA Bristol hostel. John Perkins Construction carried out the work along with Ferguson Mann Architects and assistance from the Bristol City Council Conservation Team. Preserving the beauty of this Grade II Listed Building, which dates back to 1928, was paramount although it was vital that the completed building offered a modern specification for 21st century living. Clement Windows Group were selected to provide the new steel windows.

The Clement Windows Group has manufactured and installed steel windows from its W20 range for the Comet Works in Birmingham’s Princip Street. The original warehouse buildings in the city’s former Gun Quarter have been converted by building re-animator Javelin Block into 20 impressive residential units, including lofts, apartments and mews houses. The Clement W20 range was specified for its ability to provide an almost exact match to the existing metal windows while offering modern advantages such as double glazing and a very long-lasting polyester powder paint coating requiring minimal maintenance.

It was a pleasure for all involved to work on this outstanding project, an original Arts and Crafts home which has been impeccably refurbished.The recent works included extending the house, as well as opening up and changing the layout. The interior has been modernised with a contemporary touch, but cleverly retains and enhances the home’s character. The interior design of the whole home is stunning. The bedrooms and bathrooms have been individually designed and are unique to their user. Mural wallpapers, vibrant pops of colour and striking, high quality fixtures and fittings help achieve this.A combination of leaded EB20 steel windows and W40 steel doors with genuine T bars were chosen to replace the external fenestration. The new windows and doors have slim, elegant frames but bring the benefit of improved thermal efficiency and security. Internally, a bespoke W20 door screen has been used to divide the kitchen and dining area.Both the client and architect are delighted with the outcome. Steven Harp from Harp and Harp said: “This project involved a delicate balance of modernising a home that had been barely touched in a century for 21st Century family life whilst trying to retain the beautiful Arts and Crafts character and charm of the original house. The new doors and windows by Clement were a perfect product to fulfil this brief, providing modern standards or thermal comfort with an aesthetic and quality that blended seamlessly with the elegance of the original metal windows that were still on the house.”The client said: “I was initially unsure about changing the fenestration and doors in our property, as they are such an important part of the building’s character, history and aesthetics. However, from our first meeting with Clement Windows, who were recommended by our building surveyor, I knew I needn’t have worried. They talked us through the different options in detail, provided extensive designs (and were always prepared to amend and refine these subject to our thoughts!) and also worked seamlessly with our architects to ensure that all we asked for was delivered and more. The finished product far exceeds any expectations that we had for windows and doors that matched our original steel windows and doors, now giving us the perfect look for the house with the added bonus of double glazing and additional safety and security. Their communication throughout has been excellent and we have felt looked after every step of the way. Installation was done ahead of schedule and the only issue we’ve had post installation has been dealt with efficiently and they have always had someone available to pick up the phone to us and come to site when needed. Really cannot recommend this wonderful company enough, for both their products and the overall experience. Thank you!”

At Trade Access Panels we are often asked questions regarding the measurement and installation a Loft Hatch within a domestic property. Thankfully, the new TAP12 Loft Hatch is even easier to fit than previously! Please see our guide below where we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

As everyone is aware, the implications of Brexit remain unclear, but what effect do we think it will potentially have on the UK construction industry? Will Brexit cause a recession in construction? The industry, throughout the Brexit campaign, have displayed mixed views on the prospect of Brexit. There has been concern about how it may or may not affect the skills shortage, the import and export of materials, and regulations/standards.

As well as offering our customers a bespoke service in which we can offer any size and any shape access panel, we are now adding Antibacterial Powder Coating as an addition to our extensive range of products. It is available on all our Metal Faced Access Panels and features an effective antibacterial agent which kills fungi and most species of bacteria including the deadly MRSA, Salmonella, E coli and C difficile.

This guide on the different variations of Access Panels, will help you decide which one is best for you.

When you design a building that will be used by lots of people, like a tower block, you need to make sure that the building has the correct level of fire prevention and fire protection equipment. In instances where this isn’t the case, tragedies like the Grenfell Fire can happen. The importance of passive and active fire protection methods are vital for the safety of the intended occupants, but how can you ensure they’re going to be safe?

The benefits of natural daylight far outweigh those from artificial light. Natural daylight can have an effect on both your mental and physical health. We therefore outline below a few of the best ways to harness the benefits of this free resource, Natural Daylight, with your home or place of work.

Customer ordered our fire rated FlipFix panel. We dispatched the same day and the customer received their access panels the following day. Customer comments:-"Easy to order and delivery was quicker than expected which was a bonus for us as we were able to complete the job earlier than planned."

In the heart of Bristol’s City Centre lies The Pithay, now known as Programme. This immense building, originally built in the 1960s was tired and required refurbishment. After being acquired by Resolution Property in 2016 a plan was developed by Buckley Gray Yeoman, based on Resolution’s ambitious brief to revitalise the building. Clement Windows Group was chosen as the preferred company to manufacture and install the 510 new steel windows required. Clement were thrilled to win the job, particularly as the current Chief Executive Peter Clement’s father had installed the original windows back in 1966!

When you design a building that will be used by lots of people, like a tower block, you need to make sure that the building has the correct level of fire prevention and fire protection equipment. In instances where this isn’t the case, tragedies like the Grenfell Fire can happen. The importance of passive and active fire protection methods are vital for the safety of the intended occupants, but how can you ensure they’re going to be safe?

Very efficientCould not fault! Outstanding service, communication was excellent too. Good price for a high quality product. First time for me to use this company but won’t be the last, I am a roofer and do a lot of flat roofs where occasionally we need roof windows (which most merchants don’t stock). To sum up- top quality, top service, very efficient and a fair price. Thank you 😊

Really high quality roof lights and great service.

There are a lot of different official documents about the rules and regulation around fire safety and smoke ventilation, which, in turn, influence the way you should choose and install your AOVs. Building regulations are minimum standards that apply to almost all new residential and commercial buildings, and also alterations to the existing ones. If you are planning to use an Automatic Opening Smoke Vent (AOV) System in your project, you will have to comply with the regulations mentioned.

Installing an access panel or a loft hatch is something which is very important when you’re looking to be able to do more with the space you already have within your home. However, there are certain building regulations you should be aware of when it comes to installing a panel or a hatch, as you need to comply with them. In order to make sure that you definitely understand these regulations, we’re taking a closer look at them here.

A comprehensive set of rooflight solutions has been provided, including Energysaver factory assembled GRP rooflights, to a newly expanded production facility in Dundee. Brett Martin was selected for this project due to meeting for 3 separate specifications. This involved supplying daylighting solutions to an existing building, new building and link corridor. These rooflight play a significant part in ensuring this facility meets its energy targets, whilst enhancing the working environment. Specifications: Factory Assembled Rooflights: 230m2 of Trilite 3.0 Energysaver FAIRs Vaults: 2 x 8m and 10 m Triple skin GRP Multivaults Skylights: 2 pyramid glass Ritchlights, 2.5m x 2.5m

AOV or Automatic Opening Vent systems control the airflow of smoke in a fire. According to EN12102-2 it is a statutory requirement to have an AOV unit on a new construction. Since 2006, Europe has required that the AOVs meet with the standards set forth in DIN EN12102-2. As a result, many companies have made their versions of AOVs. Majority of these options only go as far as barely meeting the before stated regulations. However, the Coxdome Firejet SHEV exceeds the expectations and requirements of a standard AOV.

100 domes and 3 continuous rooflights fill a school with daylight and support learning.Read our case study about a refurbishment project that utilizes domes and continuous rooflights to reintroduce daylight throughout a primary school in East London

Rooflights deliver top class performance at new-build educational facilityBrett Martin supplied new-build Tauheedul Islam School with a combination of Marvault vault rooflight systems and Glass Link rooflights meeting no less than 2 design solutions.The Marvaults were installed over the stunning refectory in lengths of more than 15 metres and spans of 2.3 metres, where large continuous runs were needed.These vaults provide the optimum combination of light transmission and UV protection and play a crucial role in reducing demand for electric lighting as well as lowering CO2 emissions and running costs. A series of 8 premium Glass Link rooflights then, which met the requirement for high light transmission and thermal performance, were fitted to flood the multi-sports complex with natural daylight. A laminated inner pane also ensures the safety of those below.Both rooflight systems deliver exceptional levels of daylight into the school optimising internal environment conditions. They play a crucial role in both the aesthetic and thermal performance of the school whilst having a positive impact on students’ wellbeing.

Flat Glass rooflights immerse Belfast Lough residence in natural lightFlat Glass rooflights were supplied as part of a new build private residence located on the shores of Belfast Lough. Details of the specification were important due to the exposed location and Flat Glass was selected due to its high thermal efficiency delivered by a thermally broken frame and double glazing.4 fixed Flat Glass rooflights were manufactured to meet a variety of size requirements which overlook corridors, a stairwell and a dressing room and the aesthetic appeal of the elegant aluminium frame was enhanced by Marine powder coating to harmonize with the surrounding environment. 

Brett Martin added a hat trick of international projects to an already impressive portfolio of major sporting venues - Wembley Stadium, Galway Racecourse and Kensington Oval in Barbados.Over 5,000 square metres of Safelight translucent GRP rooflights were installed on the magnificent 90,000 seat Wembley Stadium. The Safelight rooflights cover and brighten a significant area of the stadium directly beneath the iconic arch, providing 70% transmission of diffused natural light. Supplied in lengths ranging from 12.8m to 15.4m, the sheets were installed running from gutter to gutter, creating a series of individual bays without endlaps. Rooflights are an essential design feature for sports stadia, enabling natural daylight to reach the pitch - vital for promoting grass growth and helping ground staff to maintain an optimum playing surface that also looks impressive for televised events. The diffused daylight from Safelight GRP rooflights also improves the ambience for spectators by creating a brighter, more pleasant environment. 

8 Marvault Vaulted Rooflight Systems were installed at President Kennedy Academy to admit natural daylight into corridors. This formed part of a wider framework project in which Brett Martin Daylight Systems installed rooflights in seven educational facilities. President Kennedy is based in the area local to Brett Martin Daylight Systems and prides itself on its ‘no barriers’ approach to education in which it is committed to ‘Building Brighter Futures’ for its students.

VELUX Commercial won the tender to deliver the 45.6m x 4.3m structural barrel vault rooflight system, with integrated ventilation, planned for the central gallery. The use of a diffused polycarbonate solution also minimises glare on sunny days. A vertical frame was designed to incorporate ventilation.The rectangular aluminium structure sits beneath the rooflight - accomodating 23 EN 12101 certified centre pivot louvres for both smoke and comfort ventilation.

We met digital content creator and charity ambassador Sally, in her gorgeous detached house in the English countryside in Surrey. Sally, her husband Gav, their three sons, dog and cat live in a beautiful cottage with lots of outdoor space for football, dens and four chickens (all named Barbara). They’re an active, outdoorsy family who love embracing nature, from scuba diving to surfing Cornwall’s finest beaches.Over the years they have built two extensions to their house. In the most recent extension project, Sally chose to illuminate the end of her gorgeous country kitchen/diner with a Vario by VELUX bespoke rectangular rooflight, so we went to visit her for a cuppa and a lovely chat about her impressions and experience on the importance of daylight. Sally, what a bright and stunning space you have in here. Could you please tell us more about your extension project?"We love this house; it has plenty of space and we absolutely love the country lifestyle. We bought a house 12 years ago and that time it was much smaller. The first big extension we did was 9 years ago, but we didn't quite get what we wanted as the building restrictions at the time were very strict.The key thing for us was to bring the light in. A wall of glass made perfect sense, but as the extension has a flat roof, we also started to think about what was above. In a room like this, I think the roof should be seen as the fifth wall.”Your original plan was to put a glass lantern in the extension. What made you change your mind and choose a flat glass rooflight instead?“Initially we thought we would put a glass lantern in like everybody else and it didn’t even occur to me that I could have anything else until I was invited to a rooflight launch event by Vario by VELUX. At the event, I completely fell in love with the idea of having a rooflight in my house. I got all the information and, after I realised that even a modern flat rooflight comes with an upstand and you also get the height of the roof built in, which would also give the room the height we wanted, and that the cost would be less than having a lantern of the same size and with no breaks in the glass, choosing a flat glass rooflight was a no-brainer! What do you love most about owning a bespoke rooflight?“It’s so cool and yet functional. Rooflights brings so much more light in than you would get from a normal side window and the fact is that daylight does make you feel better, especially in winter. On top of that, the customer service was excellent, there is always a backup call from Vario by VELUX to make sure you are ordering the right window, they hold your hand through the whole thing and the whole process of designing and ordering was made fun and easy. They helped me with things like setting the window at a slight angle, so the rain just runs off and we don’t end up with a swimming pool situation on the roof! It’s a really hands on, personal service from a small team, but backed by a big name like VELUX so you know you can really trust them. It’s like the gold standard of roof windows.”How did you perceive the installation process of the rooflight?“The process was really simple, easy and quick. Our constructor was provided with all the information they needed to know, in order to put the rooflight in. Our bespoke rooflight was delivered in 6 weeks and we rented a small crane for a day to lift it in. The crane was literally tiny, it fitted through our side gate. Then it was simply a matter of dropping it into the opening and letting the builders do their thing to seal it in. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous on the installation day as the dog insisted on sitting under the opening and it was very windy, but it all went very well. That moment when the hardboard comes off and you get your first glimpse of the sky above, it’s just magic.”Do you think changing your house has improved your everyday life?“Extending the house, and how we use it, has changed the way we live, the way we work and the way we relax. Having an extension, an extra room, the flow and the light we wanted has definitely increased the value of the house but also the saleability of the house. How many older properties have flat roof extensions and haven’t put in a rooflight? There must be loads and they’re definitely missing a trick. We wanted to build personality and I believe that with the extension and bespoke rooflight we got exactly what we wanted. With more daylight and space, I feel more active, I feel more awake, I feel fresher, I get things done. It has definitely changed the way we live.”

Multi module Glass Link extends natural light throughout open plan living spaceA multi module Glass Link rooflight was chosen for an extension for a private residence located in a suburb of Newcastle Upon Tyne.The rooflight which is dual module, consists of a standard glass specification and overlooks an open plan kitchen dining area.Glass Link was selected due to its aesthetic appeal including its low profile exterior as well as its ability to extend daylight along the length of the kitchen area.

George Abbott SchoolBauder Thermofol single ply waterproofing system with Bauder Euroglaze rooflightsSynopsisLocated in Guildford, George Abbot School is a secondary education school which provides education for 2000 people aged 11 to 18. The school had a history of leaks in the DT rooms above which a profiled sheet metal roof was installed.Following many attempted repairs, Bauder was commissioned to carry out a roof survey on the 228m² profiled sheet metal roof. The report identified issues with not only the gutter area, which was originally believed to be the problematic area, but also with the adjoining profiled roof and also with the large rooflight unit.Bauder Building BoardProject: George Abbott SchoolLocation: Guildford, SurreyRoof Area: 228m²Specifier: Baily GarnerApproved Contractor: Inspire Contract ServicesThe specification Bauder submitted a proposal to refurbish all areas of the failing roof:The gutter area needing standing water to be removed for which Bauder tapered insulation was proposed to create effective drainage falls.The adjoining profiled sheet metal roof requiring a new waterproofing system. The Bauder Profiled Roof Overlay system was determined to be the best solution, using bespoke profiled insulation boards specifically designed to fit the shape of the roof. The Thermofol U15 Fleece Back membrane was then specified as the waterproofing layer providing a robust yet lightweight waterproofing system to the roof.The existing rooflight unit, being one of the problematic areas of the rooftop, was also replaced with Bauder Euroglaze rooflights. Products appliedInsulation infill systemIntended for refurbishing profiled sheet metal roofs or increasing the thermal performance of existing insulated cladding systems.Bauder Euroglaze rooflightsModular rooflight designed to provide high standards of illumination, insulation and ventilation to the interior of flat roofed buildings. These are made to order and the size can therefore be tailor made to fit any roof aperture. The resultBauder approved contractor, Inspire Contracts, installed the roof system and rooflights. Bauder’s expert site technicians carried out over 10 site visits during the 4 months of works on the site. Following a final site visit and a leak test Bauder was able to issue a 20 year product and workmanship guarantee to the client.The choice to use Bauder, a single source of manufacturing for the roof systems and the rooflight, proved beneficial as it enabled Bauder’s flat roof technician team to design out a number of the detailing issues responsible for the historic leak problems and it also eased the installation process for the client and the approved contractor, as Bauder provided its integral service from the roof survey to the final site visit and the issue of the guarantee.System installed Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system 1 Bauder THERMOFOL U15 FRA 1.5mm thick, reinforced PVC waterproofing membrane. Stated within BBA certificate 06/4354, the Thermofol PVC waterproofing membranes have a service life in excess of 35 years. 2 Bauder PIR MTissue-faced flat board insulation, benefitting from a zero ODP and a Green guide rating of ‘A’.3 DeckProfiled sheet metal

Ballyseede Castle located near Tralee, dates back to the 16th century but was transformed in the 1960s into one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels. As part of a new extension Brett Martin Daylight Systems was called upon to provide an aesthetically pleasing daylight solution for the orangery. Brett Martin supplied a comprehensive bespoke rooflights package helping to create a light, bright environment for guests and staff, whilst blending beautifully with the character of this stately, listed building. Our bespoke rooflight systems are precision-engineered and highly adaptable, providing specifiers with a versatile way to create architecturally stunning pitched skylights.

In 2017 BMDS supplied Multivault GRP rooflights to a new build, 180,000 sq ft ambient warehouse constructed as part of a growth and expansion redevelopment at the Henderson Group headquarters in Mallusk outside Belfast. The new 12.5million warehouse which incorporates cutting edge design, was designed to streamline logistics and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland. BMDS supplied Multivault GRP Barrel rooflights to cover just over 2,200m2 or approx. 13% of the roof area – 22 runs extending over 16 metres with a further 2 runs of 8 metres streaming natural light into the group warehouse.

Project: Surespan designed and manufactured these huge electrically operated sliding glazed roof hatches also provide free airflow of 7m² for smoke ventilation!These bespoke designs were part of a redevelopment on Great Portland Street in London. The covers were 4610 x 1955mm and featured an electrically driven opening motor.Product:The covers provide 7m² free airflow (As it is sliding there are no obstructions to the ventilation) according to approved document B (fire safety) paragraph 5b diagrams C.7.The glazing features laminated and heat-strengthened low iron glass to L40.A further fixed rooflight was also supplied to the size of 4935mm x 1955mm, the thermally broken multi-pane rooflight provides natural daylight