Q: What support does Lumen offer to architects, home owners, local authority specifiers and builders?

A: Whilst the needs of our customers may vary, the end results should always be the same. As such we believe that not only do our rooflights have to meet the highest standards but also the service that we provide.

From an architects perspective, we appreciate that our roof windows will ultimately reflect your design. Our experienced team are able to work with you to produce technical drawings and discuss installation queries. As a UK manufacturer we are able to offer rooflights in a variety of materials with several glazing options to meet tight deadlines.

Local Authority specifiers can take confidence from previous projects involving conservation officers and planning officers on projects overseen by the likes of National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Scotland. The Lumen range of roof windows provides products to suit both period refurbishments or modern new build projects. The Lumen range of Conservation Rooflights is fast becoming recognised as a market leader and a trusted brand for quality and service. Other products such as the Lumen Contemporary and Lumen Flat Roof range offer solutions for local authority buildings such as schools and hospitals.

As a building contractor/installer you can be assured that whilst Lumen rooflights are not the cheapest available, they do offer exceptional value for money. Manufactured to a high specification the entire Lumen range are produced in the UK to ensure product consistency. Lumen rooflights are simple to fit, reduce call backs and are available from stock. The ordering process is made easy and full installation support is provided.

The homeowner can be assured that Lumen skylights are not only manufactured to exacting standards in the UK but that our customer service is there to support you from the first enquiry through to the purchasing and beyond with our lifetime guarantee*. We care our about our rooflights and our customers and appreciate the investment made when choosing Lumen. We are not simply box shifters and are always happy to discuss your projects and recommend resources or contacts that you might find useful. Our range of stock sized rooflights are avaible for next day delivery but should these not exactly fit your requirements, we can also manufacture bespoke roof lights to suit both traditional or contemporary settings. *See guarantee details in our download section.

Q: Can I buy Lumen rooflights online?

A: It is possible to purchase our 12 standard sized Lumen Conservation Rooflights and the Lumen Conservation Escape/Access Lights through the website.
As well as purchasing the rooflight you are able to select a manual or electric opening mechanism, choose blinds and linking bars for our Lumen Link Light option.
If you have any additional questions prior to ordering online or are experiencing any problems, please call us on 0845 050 8746.

Q: Is it possible to return products?

A: If you have changed your mind, please call us and explain the problem so we can get it resolved. Initially you need to let us know within 7 days of receiving the delivery that something isn't quite right; or if you need to return or change your products and explain which product it is you wish to return and why. The standard Lumen range consists of the Lumen Light and Lumen Escape/Access and Ironmongery. This means we are always happy to accept these back if they don't quite fit your requirements provided they haven't been damaged.
If your goods are either non-standard or bespoke we can't accept these back due to their individual specification. We are not able to accept returns of blinds and electric mechanisms.
Full details are available in our Terms and Conditions which ae available online or from our office on 01409 255120.
We are able to arrange collection of your goods, or if it is easier you can arrange to return them to us. A collection fee maybe applied should we collect the item.
Once the returned goods are received at our Tamar Business Park, Holsworthy address, our team will inspect the items. Assuming they are in factory perfect condition we will refund the cost of the goods minus the 25% restocking fee. This will be returned to whichever method of payment you used originally - so if you paid by card, we will credit your card.

Q: We have been advised that we might require planning permission for installation of a conservation roof window. Please can you advise.

A: We would always advise that you check with your local authority before installing Lumen conservation rooflights. There are many factors that will decide whether you are granted permission to use rooflights and if your property is Listed or in a Conservation Area you may find restrictions concerning the type of rooflight that is allowed. Fortunately, the Lumen range of conservation rooflights replicate a traditional Victorian pattern. In addition the low profile design will ensure that your Lumen rooflight will sit flush with your roofline.

Q: We are an architectural practice who has a client who requires some large glazed areas on a roof extension on a listed building. The sizes required fall outside of your normal rooflight sizes. Are you able to manufacture special sized roof lights

A: In addition to our range of standard size conservation rooflights, we do offer bespoke sizes. Rooflights can be made from a single outer frame with multiple opening or fixed sections. We can also offer a linking system to allow our standard sizes to be joined side by side.

Q: In your brochure you quote a clear viewable area, an internal rafter and an overalll size. Please can you explain how I size the rooflight required.

A: As the Lumen rooflight is fixed into the sides of the rafter, this is normally the most critical size. The clear viewable size is the glazed area that is viewable from the inside. This measurement takes into account the fitted interior liner that is positioned inside the opening section. The overall size is given to inform the installation team just how much space is required on the outside of the roof. However, much of the outer section will be covered by the tiles or slates so this is not to be taken as the viewable size from outside.

Q: I am interested in buying a skylight but I am not familiar with much of the terminology used on the various rooflight websites. Can you help explain what these mean?

A: There are many different ways to describe skylights and the components used in installing and operating them. Not only this but the term skylight is also referred to as many different things such as rooflight, roof window, sky light or occasionally people refer to them as Velux, who are of course is a manufacturer of skylights.

Actuators - are the mechanisms used to electronically open and close the skylights. Our standard product is the Kato and a rain sensor is available for this system. Other systems are available; please speak to one of the team for further details.

Baseplate - this is the part of the rooflight that contains the hinges for the casement to be bolted onto. The fixing lugs are located on the baseplate along with the American oak interior liner. This piece of the skylight sits between the structural support timbers.

Bespoke Skylights- this term is used to describe a rooflight which is custom made to your specification. This can be our range of conservation skylights, our contemporary rooflights or our range of roof windows for flat roof applications. You provide the sizes, we manufacture the rooflight.

Casement - this is the opening piece of the rooflight which contains the Pilkington double glazed glass units. This section is fixed onto the baseplate hinges. The casement is viewable once fitted in the roof

Cill - bottom section of the Rooflight

Coastal Location - We produce the rooflights to the very best of our ability. As such we are proud to offer our customers an exceptional guarantee. Whilst the guarantee gives assurances about our commitment to you and the quality of the product, there are some exemptions.
Firstly the location of your property is very important. Our zintec rooflights are treated with an Interpon APP120 primer before the application of a Cromadex Extra Life coating system for C3 Environment. As well protected as our products are the harsh salty environment of a costal location is likely to result in the faster deterioration of the protective coating and ultimately the metal.
As such we do not recommend installation of our standard range in coastal regions or areas which are subject to a corrosive or polluted environment. If your property is located in one of these areas, please talk to us about our range of paint options or stainless steel rooflights.
As with almost all exterior building materials, you should undertake regular maintenance to ensure that the product continues to work efficiently. We supply a copy of our guidelines with the order but please contact us on 0845 050 8746 should you require additional copies.

Condensation - condensation is the water that results from the conversion of water vapour in the atmosphere. The air in our homes always contains water vapour, which is usually invisible. The warmer the air, the more water vapour it can hold but there is a limit to the amount it can hold for a given temperature. Should you require additional information, please ask our team for a copy of the Glass & Glazing Federation fact sheet.

Conservation Rooflight - during the 18th century rooflights, in their most primitive form, were used to bring light into agricultural buildings. It therefore seems uncanny that todays rooflights are yet again providing an architectural design solution to the increasing trend of converting old or disused industrial buildings into domestic dwellings or business premises. Conservation rooflights are easily recognised by their low profile which means they sit flush and remain unobtrusive to the buildings original architecture. Another characteristic is their slender appearance as conservation requirements stipulate that a minimal amount of framework should be visible. This design feature becomes even more significant when rooflights are placed next to each other.

Contemporary Skylights - A stylish and streamlined roof window for customers who are seeking a more modern look for their roof glazing. The design remains low profile and unobtrusive whilst offering a high specification of energy efficient, self clean glazing

Escape Rooflights - although some rooflights are hinged on the side, our escape version are top hung to reduce any possible issues with light rain and to retain a matching appearance when installed alongside our standard range. Lumen escape skylights and are fitted with gas struts so the skylight stays open on its own accord. Supplied with a brass winding mechanism for daily use, the gas springs should only be deployed for emergency use. Further details can be found by clicking this link

Gas Struts- are pressurised cylinders that are attached to the rooflights so that they can remain open unaided in a similar way to the boot of your car.

Hand Winder- is the mechanism used to open and close the rooflights when the rooflights are within reach. Manufactured in the UK from solid brass these can also be supplied in a chrome plated finish.

Head Detail- is the top section of the rooflight

Jamb Detail-are the side sections of the rooflight

Linking bars-are the bars used to link skyflights together so that they are in continuous runs. Occasionally specifiers refer to these as Studio-Linked but we call them Lumen Link Light.

Listed building-is a building or other structure officially designated as being of a special architectural, historical or cultural significance. If your property is Listed you will need to work closely with your local authority before making changes to the building fabric. An excellent resource for Listed property owners

Non-Standard Rooflight-is a rooflight from our standard range that has a slight variation from others i.e. a different colour or a different glazing spec. Also see Bespoke.

Overall Sizing-the maximum width and length of the baseplate, much of which is covered by the tiles or slates.

Pitched Roof- is a roof structure where the roof is set at a slant. Our conservation skylights can be used between 17 and 70 degrees in slate and tile or 30 and 60 degrees in a pantile roof.

Pole Winder-is the mechanism used to open and close the rooflights when the rooflights are out of reach. Manufactured in the UK from solid brass these can also be supplied in a chrome plated finish.

Roof Window- is an architectural term for the frameset with glass which is fitted to an opening in the roof to admit daylight.

Rooflight- is another way of describing the frameset with glass in that is fitted to an opening in the roof to admit daylight

Self-Cleaning Glass- An important technological breakthrough was introduced to the UK in 2002, in the form of the worlds first self-cleaning glass, Pilkington Activ, considered by many to be an impossible dream. Pilkington Activ is effectively the same as conventional glass, but with a specially developed coating on the outside, that once exposed to daylight, reacts in two ways. Firstly, it breaks down any organic dirt deposits through a photocatalytic process, and secondly, when it rains, instead of forming droplets, the water spreads evenly over the surface and takes the dirt off with it. It is kinder to the environment than ordinary glass and it is the ideal choice for situations where cleaning will be costly or difficult.

Skylight-is another word to describe the frameset with glass in that's fitted to an opening in the roof to admit daylight.

Special Rooflight-is a sky light that is specifically designed according to the customers exact specification, see bespoke rooflight.

U-Value- often called the overall heat transfer coefficient and describes how well a building element conducts heat. Our standard Pilkington units have a U-Value of 1.2.

Viewable Sizing-is the unobstructed viewable area most notable the area of glass inside looking out. For Lumen products this is the measurement between the internal faces on the American oak liner.

Winding Crank-is used with the pole winder to open and close the rooflights when the rooflights are out of reach.

Q: Your rooflights are manufactured with Pilkington toughened glass, does this mean that you can stand on them?

A: Definately not. Toughened glass provides additional safety to ensure that any falling objects do not come through the rooflight into the room below. Toughened glass is designed to shatter in safe pieces to minimise the risk of injury.

If you need to stand on a rooflight it will require specialist glazing. Please speak to us for further details.