To Glaze or Not to Glaze

Natural light and a feeling of space are top of the wish-list for most homes we have some top tips on how to get them in your home.

Natural light and a feeling of space are top of the wish-list for most homes and there are plenty of ways to create an airy interior without needing to add a conservatory or an extension. One of the most effective ways is to introduce extra glazing, but before you do, here are a few of the ins and outs.

Enhance your entrance

A clear-glass exterior door will undoubtedly allow light to flood your hallway and create a sense of space, but most of us want more privacy. The answer could be to opt for obscure glass or go for toplights or sidelights – small windows placed above or beside your door. In the past, people worried that glazed front doors were not secure enough, but times have changed and modern uPVC residential doors from Independent Network are fitted with toughened or laminated glazing and the very latest security features.

Improve your outlook

One of the most effective means of inviting light into your home is by installing glass doors at the rear of the house. The advantages of a large expanse of glass in the form of bi-folds, French doors or sliding patio doors speak for themselves. They allow you amazing views of your garden, in the process blurring the line between the outdoors and interior space. However, do think first about whether the wall you remove would be better as a surface for shelves or to place furniture against.

Consider light from above

Before you install overhead glazing, take into consideration the orientation of the room and where the sun’s rays will be strongest. Installing blinds is a simple way to ensure that your new openings aren’t a liability at certain times of the day, as they will both soften the light and create an attractive accent feature. As well as giving you more natural light, roof lights also create the illusion of a higher ceiling, making a room feel more spacious.

Weigh up your options

If you have a room with very little natural light, the natural solution is to install a window, but firstly check that it would provide you with adequate extra light – and a view that’s more than just a close-up of your neighbour’s wall. If all’s well in both respects, you can choose from a huge selection of window styles, from the ever-popular Casement windows to the versatile Tilt and turn.

Who can install your glazing?

Home improvements are an investment of your time and money, so it’s important they are carried out in a professional way. To avoid having to get the work approved yourself by the local authority or an approved inspector, you can employ an installer who can do this via a Competent Persons Scheme, meaning once the work is complete, you will be given a certificate to prove the work was done by a registered installer. Alternatively, before work begins, remember to get written for your plans from your local authority’s building control and planning department. Then all that’s left is to do is create window of opportunity in your diary!