Engineered for Light and Load
Walk-on glass rooflights serve a dual purpose: they are structural floor panels that bear the weight of foot traffic from above while functioning as rooflights that deliver natural light to the spaces below. This dual-function glazing is essential for basement conversions, lightwells, terraces above habitable rooms and garden-level walkways over lower-ground spaces — applications that are increasingly common across Surrey and London's premium residential properties.
The engineering requirements for walk-on glass are significantly more demanding than standard rooflights. Every panel must be designed to withstand the uniformly distributed loads (UDL) specified in BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 — a minimum of 1.5 kN/m² for domestic applications, rising to 4.0 kN/m² for commercial and public areas. The glass itself must be a laminated safety assembly, typically comprising three panes of toughened glass bonded with structural interlayers, to ensure that if any single pane fails, the remaining structure maintains its load-bearing capacity.
We design every walk-on glass panel to your project's specific loading requirements, with full structural calculations verified by an independent engineer. The upper surface receives an anti-slip treatment — typically sandblasting or ceramic frit application — tested to BS 7976-2 to ensure safe walking in both dry and wet conditions.
- Minimum 25.5mm toughened laminated glass for domestic use
- 31.5mm–33.5mm assemblies for larger panels and higher loads
- 1.5 kN/m² UDL for domestic (BS EN 1991-1-1:2002)
- 4.0 kN/m² UDL for commercial applications
- Anti-slip surface treatment to BS 7976-2
- Fail-safe laminated construction — maintained integrity if one pane breaks
- Full structural calculations by independent engineer
Walk-on glass rooflights are a bespoke, architect-specified investment. The glass assembly, support frame, waterproofing and drainage must be designed as an integrated system, and we produce AutoCAD detailed drawings for every installation. Popular applications across our Surrey and London service area include terrace panels above basement kitchens, garden walkways over lightwells, and flush-mounted pavement lights for commercial frontages.
Applications Across Surrey and London
Basement Light Wells — The most common application. Walk-on glass panels replace traditional metal grilles or solid covers over basement lightwells, transforming a dark subterranean space into a naturally lit room. Particularly valuable for basement conversions in Victorian and Edwardian properties across London and Surrey.
Terrace and Patio Panels — Glass panels set flush into an external terrace or patio, delivering light to rooms below. Ideal for properties with lower-ground-floor living spaces that benefit from overhead natural light.
Internal Floor Panels — Walk-on glass set into an upper floor to bring light down through the building. Creates a dramatic visual connection between floors while distributing natural light to the interior.
Roof Terrace Rooflights — Flush-mounted glass panels in a roof terrace that function as rooflights for the rooms directly below. Combines the amenity of a usable roof terrace with natural light for upper-floor rooms.
