The Builders and Installer’s Guide to Framed vs Frameless Rooflights
As a builder and/or installer, you know that the right rooflight can make or break a flat roof project. Whether you’re working on a domestic extension or commercial refurbishment, choosing between framed and frameless rooflights affects installation time, client satisfaction, and aftercare.
This trade guide from TuffX, one of the UK’s leading rooflight manufacturers and suppliers, explains the difference between framed and frameless designs, helping you pick the right option for your next job.
Choosing the Right Rooflight for Your Next Job
Most flat roof rooflight installations fall into two categories
- Framed rooflights with visible aluminium frames
- Frameless rooflights with a clean, all-glass appearance
Both have strong advantages but from an installer’s perspective, the right choice depends on the roof build-up, exposure, and the client’s design expectations. How do you guide your client or make the decision for the project?
Framed Rooflights are Reliable, Weatherproof and Quick Easy to Fit
Framed rooflights remain the most practical option for flat roofs, extensions and commercial projects where long term weather resistance and structural performance matters.
Benefits include simple and easy install to your pre-prepared upstand and enhanced weatherproofing, the aluminium frame protects against pooling water and leaks.
TuffX Infinity framed rooflights include thermally broken profiles to achieve excellent U values and meet building regulations. The powder-coated frames offer durability and are corrosion resistant, requiring minimal maintenance.
Choose Infinity Framed Rooflights for residential high exposure roofs and kitchens. For commercial projects like schools and offices, in fact any site where durability and compliance matter.
Frameless rooflights are for a sleek and modern aesthetic
Infinity Frameless rooflights are the on trend choice for homeowners and architects who want a minimal, all glass appearance. From below, the glass edge appears seamless, creating a premium look without the cost of structural glazing.
Benefits include, fast to install, pre-bonded glass to glass construction reduces fitting time. The modern design appeal is perfect as an upsell for domestic extensions, large kitchen living spaces, internal courtyards and for lighting entries and atriums where natural light and aesthetics drive the client sale. Custom sizing means that architects design requirements are met and the homeowners vision is realised.
For Builders and installers quoting both domestic and light commercial projects, offering both options allows flexibility on price, design, and performance.
Why Trade Installers Choose TuffX Rooflights
TuffX is a UK-based trade supplier of rooflights and roof glazing with over 30 years of experience manufacturing high-performance glass systems. Proud to be recognised with the Made in Britain accreditation the key benefits for builders and installers are:
- Fast UK-wide delivery on framed and frameless rooflights
- Trade only pricing and volume discounts
- Bespoke made-to-measure rooflights with short lead times
- Full technical documentation and compliance support
- Trusted by roofers, glazing contractors, and small builders across the UK
Whether you’re ordering one-off units or repeat trade volumes, TuffX rooflights are built for easy fitting, strong thermal performance, and long-term reliability.