DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi all,
we want to install a new flat roof over our back porch, in replacement of a 2by4 metre upvc / clear panel roof (it is leaking and very old). We want the flat roof as it will blend in with the existing kitchen flat roof, and then since it will be nice and insulated we can make the back porch a part of the adjacent kitchen...

However, since we will lose a lot of light that used to come in through the panels - we would like to know if it is possible to install skylights in a roof that small?

We have had different answers from all the builders. Some have said it will be no problem - others had said that it might reduce the strength of the roof.

The last builder said due to building regs the joists were going to be 400 mm from centre of one joist to the centre of the next joist - and he isn't even sure if we could remove one joist to put a window in.

Or can you get windows that are rectangular and "slot" in between the joists?

So basically we are very confused.

Sorry for the ramble and thanks for reading the post.

Damien

If you have an issue with the weight that your roof deck would be able to support all you need to do is build a small timber kerb (50mm wide by 150mm high) around the aperture you want for your rooflight. You then dress your roofing membrane up and on to the top of the kerb and then you can screw fix a light weight polycarbonate dome on the top. You can get all sorts of sizes which will enable you to get as much or as little light into the room below. Would recommend Xtralite (Rooflights) Ltd. Try looking at there website for contact numbers and technical help.

You can buy light weight upstands along with a polycarbonate dome in sizes as small as 600mm by 600mm. If you want to build your own timber upstand as suggested above you can buy a ready made dome cover to fit on that is only 450mm by 450mm which would easily fit within your structure.