At Roof Maker, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge innovation to manufacture high-performance glazing units in-house, right here in Britain. In this blog, we take a closer look at the technology behind triple glazing, solar control coatings, and thermal performance – and why it all matters.
The Role of IGUs in Rooflights: What They Are and Why They Matter
An IGU, or Integrated Glazing Unit, is the sealed unit of glass inside your rooflight. It typically consists of two or three panes of glass separated by spacer bars and filled with insulating gas. These layers work together to deliver essential benefits like thermal insulation, reduced noise, and enhanced security.
Because rooflights are positioned overhead, performance is even more important. High-quality IGUs help keep your room warm in winter, cool in summer, and shielded from outdoor noise. At Roof Maker, every rooflight we make includes a bespoke IGU, engineered for exceptional performance.
Manufactured In-House for Complete Control
Unlike some manufacturers who outsource their glazing, we make our IGUs at the same facility as our rooflights. Because controlling every step of the process enables us to have greater control over quality, precision, and consistency.
This vertical integration means our rooflights are designed and built to work as a complete system. It eliminates compatibility issues, improves performance, and gives us total oversight on quality standards. As a proud member of “Made in Britain”, we believe this hands-on approach is the best way to maintain excellence.
The Power of Triple Glazing
Triple glazing adds a third pane of glass to the IGU, creating two insulating cavities instead of one. The result? A significant boost in thermal performance. This is especially important in roof glazing, because heat rises.
Our triple-glazed units offer ultra-low Ug-values from just 0.6 W/m²K, meaning they excel at retaining heat in winter and keeping interiors cooler in the summer. They also reduce external noise, helping create a calm, peaceful environment beneath your rooflights. Read our guide to understand the difference between double and triple glazing.
Many of our products, including the Fixed Flat Rooflight, Slimline Roof Lantern and Luxlite® pitched rooflight, are available triple glazed.
Solar Control Glass: Let in the Light, Not the Heat
More glass means more natural light—but in sunny locations, that can also mean unwanted heat. That’s where solar control coatings come in.
Solar control glass features a special coating that reflects a portion of the sun’s heat, without significantly reducing the amount of daylight entering your space. This helps prevent overheating and maintains a comfortable indoor temperature, particularly in south or west-facing rooms.
At Roof Maker, our solar control option is available on most glazing units. It combines all the benefits of our standard glass—thermal insulation, noise reduction, and easy-clean coating—with an added layer of protection against solar gain. Ask our friendly sales representative for a quote.
Built for Thermal Efficiency
Thermal efficiency isn’t just about the glass. It’s about the whole unit, and how every part works together.
Our IGUs use warm-edge spacer bars to reduce thermal bridging and improve insulation. They’re filled with insulating gas to limit heat transfer and fitted into thermally broken aluminium frames for an added layer of performance.
The result is a rooflight that doesn’t just look stunning but actively contributes to a more energy-efficient home. Less heat loss in winter, less overheating in summer, and lower energy bills all year round.
Designed and Built for Performance
Glass technology has come a long way—and at Roof Maker, we’re proud to be at the forefront. By manufacturing our IGUs in-house and engineering them for the highest standards of thermal performance and solar control, we ensure that every rooflight we produce is built to last, built to perform, and built in Britain.