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Q) What is a U value

A) The U-value or thermal transmittance, is the rate of transfer of heat through a structure (which can be a single material or a composite), divided by the difference in temperature across that structure. U-values are measured in watts per square metre per degree Kelvin (W/m²K). The better-insulated a structure is, the lower the U-value will be.

Q) What is a structural opening?

A) A structural opening is the size of the hole. For example, if you have a gap off 300x300mm that is your structural opening.

Access Panels:

Q) Can access panels be fitted in a wall and ceiling?

A) Yes they can all be fitted in a wall or ceiling, however the 558x558mm plastic we don’t recommend in a ceiling as it may sag. Fire rated panels have 1-hour fire integrity in a ceiling and 2 in a wall.

Q) How do I know what size I need to order?

A) The size listed in all of our access panels is the size of the back of the panel itself, for example a 300x300mm picture frame access panel is 300x300mm in size with a 25mm picture frame all the way around (we recommend you cut a hole 5 mm bigger 305x305mm so it can be slotted into place easily.

Q) Are all Panels in Stock?

A) Yes all panels we have listed on the website are in stock, we keep a large quantity in stock so a bulk order is not a problem either. Any panels out of stock are temporarily removed from website.

Q) What is the difference between Picture Frame and Beaded Frame?

A) A picture Frame is a 25mm frame all the way around the panel so it can be put into place just like a picture on the wall, once the hole is cut you don’t need to worry about how neat it is as the picture frame will cover it. The beaded frame is designed to be plastered over so all you will see is the white door and no frame.

Q) What is a plasterboard door beaded frame?

A) A plasterboard door Beaded frame is when you plaster over the door and the frame so all you will see is the outline of the panel in the wall or ceiling (looks very neat and tidy). 

Q) How big does the opening need to be?

A) We recommend cutting the aperture (structural opening) 5mm bigger than the panel. EG A 300x300mm panel we say cut a hole 305x305mm.

Q) Can you make bespoke size panels or change the locking option?

A) Yes we can make any size panel and we have various locking options, please email [email protected] or call 01922 500145 for a quotation. Please note lead time on bespoke panels is 3-5 working days.

Monodraught Sunpipe:

Q) What Overall length can my sunpipe be?

A) There is virtually no limit on the length on a sunpipe or how many bends you use, howvever its better to go for a bigger size if you are extending longer as a reduction in performance will be experienced.

Q) What Guarantee come with a Sunpipe?

A) 10 Years

Q) What size would you recommend?

A) General rule of thumb is go as big as the rafters/trusses and ceiling joists will allow. For example, if you have 450mm rafters go for the 300mm tunnel over the 230mm. We tend to recommend a 300mm for a hallway or landing and a 230mm for a bathroom. Just remember the bigger you go you get roughly 60% more light.

Q) Do sun tunnels work on a cloudy day?

A) Yes, if you imagine as sun tunnel as a window in a tube, you still get light through your windows on a cloudy day just like you will with a sun tunnel, just not as bright as a sunny day. There is a chart on the website which give the approximate performance on a cloudy and sunny day.

Q) How much do Sun Tunnels cost to install?

A) It should take a good roofer around half a day/1 day to fit a sun tunnel, so this can cost anything from £200-£400 on average.

Polycarbonate Rooflights:

Q) What size is the rooflight I am ordering?

A) The size that we list is the size of the structural opening (hole size in roof). The size of the polycarbonate dome will be 100mm less each side as the upstand tapers in. For example if you order an 800x800mm dome, you need to cust a hole 800x800mm and the daylight size (size of dome) will be 600x600mm.

Q) Do I need to order a winding rod with a manual ventilation dome?

A) No we supply a winding rod with every order.

Q) Should I go for Double or Triple Glazing?

A) Triple layers will reduce solar gain, lower the u value and decrease sound reduction. They also reduce the light transmission slightly. So if you are trying to keep the heat loss down go for the Triple layer. Also a triple layer will meet current building regulations.

Q) On the opening Rooflights are they hinged on long or short side?

A) They come as standard hinged on long side, however can be made to be hinged on the short side if requested

Q) Is the opening access hatch Lockable?

A) it has a catch like a window so it can be opened from outside, however its not locked.

Atlas Roof Lanterns

Q. How quickly can I get my Roof Lantern delivered?

A. Bespoke Roof Lanterns are usually delivered to your site within 10 working days from receipt of Order and confirmation of layout drawing. The glass and the Lantern frame itself are delivered separately by way of two separate deliveries. Please ensure that there is adequate access to the delivery address for the delivery vehicles. If there is not access, please let us know and we can try to make alternatively delivery arrangements for you.

Q. Can I have vents in the roof?

A. Yes. We use aluminium roof vents which can be operated manually or electrically either with a rocker switch or with an automatic climate-control system. All vents are at additional cost.

Q. What colours can I have my Roof Lantern?

A. The stock Lanterns are either White, Grey or Black (or a combination of these i.e. White internally with Grey externally). We can however provide the Roof Lantern in almost any RAL number, however this is at an additional cost and may slightly affect the lead-time.

Q. Can you supply Double or triple glazing options for your Roof Lanterns?

A. Yes. As standard the Roof Lanterns are supplied with Double Glazing however we can provide Triple Glazing at an additional cost if required. We cannot supply Triple Glazing if roof vents are in the Roof Lantern.

Q. What is a U-value?

A. The U-value of a product measures how effective its insulation properties are. As a rule, the lower the U-value, the better the insulation.

Q. Do you do supply and fit?

A. We do not provide an installation service, however there is a short installation tutorial video on our website. Any local competent/reputable/experienced roofer or builder should be more than capable of fitting the Roof Lantern for you.

Q. Where do you deliver to?

A. We deliver to Mainland UK during normal weekday working hours.

Q. How much does delivery cost?

Delivery to most the Mainland UK is free of charge. As mentioned above, please ensure that there is adequate access to site for the large delivery vehicles. If alternative smaller transport is required, then this may be at an additional cost.

Q. Do you supply a kerb for the Roof Lantern?

A. We do not supply kerbs for Roof Lanterns however your Builder should be more than capable of producing this for you.


Q) How quick is Delivery and how much is it?

A) Free Delivery to Mainland UK, Delivery charges will apply to other areas of UK. Delivery Costs will update at checkout for other areas of UK.
We aim to deliver Access Panels within 48 hours Monday to Friday.
All Access Panels ordered before 14.30 (Monday - Thursday) will be despatched same day for delivery within 48 hours (They should be delivered next day but this cannot be Guaranteed). Orders placed on a Friday before 11.00 will be despatched the same day for delivery the following Monday, any orders after 11.00 will be despatched Monday.
Sun Tunnels 2-3 working days
Roof Hatches, Polycarbonate domes and retractable Ladders 2-3 days however they do vary so please see delivery details in description or call 01922 500145 or email [email protected] for more info.

Q)How are deliveries made?

A) All deliveries are made by a courier and require a signature. They will usually be delivered between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday only. Please assist us by ensuring that someone will be available to sign for the goods. Please let us know if you need deliveries outside these times.
Please note we cannot guarantee a delivery time and we will not be held responsible for any losses incurred due to late delivery.

Q) What is the Returns Policy?

A) Please check your goods on receipt to ensure that they have arrived in good condition. Claims for damaged goods are not covered by our carrier’s insurance if the delivery is unchecked. Any breakages or deficiencies should be notified to us within 24 hours of delivery. Please contact us by email [email protected] to arrange for items to be collected for inspection. The postage will be refunded upon confirmation that the fault is ours. You will be responsible for the item(s) until they reach us.

If you wish to return a standard stock item we will refund providing it is received in perfect condition, 100% complete, unused and includes all packaging within 30 days from date of order. Please note that a restocking charge will apply. Bespoke items are non-refundable.