Patent Glazing

Welcome to Lonsdale Patent Glazing and Rooflights, precision manufacturers of contemporary and traditional sloped glazing systems for commercial and domestic buildings. We offer a wide range of aluminium systems for glass roofs for small and large projects. From major stations, museums, shopping centres, schools and universities to modest domestic extensions and bespoke projects, we have the right skylight at the right price. Patent glazing has developed over the years and is no longer only suitable for unheated spaces such as stations, markets and covered ways as modern systems provide excellent thermal insulation and air-tightness when used with double or triple glazing.

Patent glazing was first used towards the end of the 19^th century and the term refers to the number of protective patents taken out by manufacturers at the time that have since lapsed. Importantly, patent glazing is a non-load bearing, dry glazing system where the glass is supported on two long sides and fixed to the structure of the building. It is designed to support itself and cope with wind and snow loading, but is classed as a ‘cladding’ and does not contribute to the primary stability of the building.

The Design

Traditional glazing bars are typically inverted ‘T’ sections with continuous beads that snap in either side of the stalk and retain single glazing between gaskets. These are ideal for unheated spacers such as station roofs, markets, covered walk-ways, verandas and canopies.

Modern sloped glazing systems are typically box design and incorporate a thermal break and continuous screw on pressure plates to clamp double glazed units firmly in place. The thermal efficiency of these modern patent glazing systems, enables designers to make best use of natural daylight and improve the carbon footprint of the building by reducing the need for artificial light. Sophisticated four edge support glass roof systems are available providing greater air-tightness, thermal performance and non-fragility and feature deeper rebates enabling wider panels to be used and glazing bars spaced at nominal 1000mm centres. These can also accommodate triple glass roof panels for even better thermal efficiency.

Common to all systems are integral drainage channels so if any water does penetrate the caps and gaskets, it is transported harmlessly to the outside of the building. In addition to the wide range of patent glazing systems, a range of fixed, opening and walk-on glass rooflights for flat roofs are available complimented with a range of hipped roof lanterns and skylights. Roof ventilators can be inserted into all the roof glazing systems for both natural day to day ventilation or specialist smoke vents are available for smoke evacuation. We’re keen to share our expertise so get in touch with our friendly, professional team if we can help you with any design, practical or regulatory queries.