When installing a flat roof window or rooflight, one of the most important yet often overlooked components is the upstand. It might not be the most visible part of your rooflight system, but it plays a crucial role in performance, safety, and energy efficiency.
At The Rooflight Centre, we supply pre-fabricated insulated upstands designed to save installers time, ensure compliance with building regulations, and improve the overall performance of the rooflight. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional installer, understanding the benefits of a pre-fabricated upstand can make a big difference to your project’s success.
Explore our full range of Flat Roof Windows to see how our upstands simplify installation while maximising performance.
What Is an Upstand and Why It’s Important
An upstand is the raised frame that sits between your flat roof and the rooflight itself. Its job is to elevate the rooflight above the roof surface, creating the correct pitch for rainwater drainage and ensuring a watertight seal around the opening.
Building regulations require rooflights to be installed at least 150mm above the finished roof level. This helps prevent standing water from reaching the glazing unit, protecting both the rooflight and the roof membrane from potential leaks or damage.
While some installers build timber upstands on-site, pre-fabricated options are now the preferred choice. They’re engineered for precision, designed to integrate perfectly with the rooflight, and ensure that compliance and performance are built in from the start.
The Installation Advantages of Pre-Fabricated Upstands
One of the biggest benefits of using a pre-fabricated upstand is how much time it saves during installation.
Traditional upstands, usually built from timber, require on-site measuring, cutting, assembly, and sealing – a process that’s not only time-consuming but also leaves room for error. Even small inaccuracies can cause issues with fit, insulation, and waterproofing.
In contrast, a pre-fabricated upstand from The Rooflight Centre arrives ready to install straight out of the box. Each unit is precision-made to the exact specifications of the matching rooflight, ensuring a perfect fit every time. This eliminates guesswork and reduces the need for adjustments or rework on-site.
Installers benefit from faster, cleaner installations, while homeowners enjoy peace of mind knowing the upstand meets the correct pitch, insulation, and waterproofing standards.
Improved Thermal Efficiency and Condensation Control
Pre-fabricated upstands aren’t just convenient – they also provide superior thermal performance. Many are made from insulated materials, helping to reduce thermal bridging around the rooflight opening.
This insulation barrier plays a vital role in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and preventing heat loss. It
also reduces the risk of condensation forming where warm interior air meets a cold roof surface – a common problem with poorly insulated, site-built upstands.
By maintaining the correct thermal break, pre-fabricated upstands help improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep your rooflight performing at its best all year round.
Consistent Quality and Full Compatibility
Every pre-fabricated upstand from The Rooflight Centre is manufactured to meet strict quality standards. Unlike timber structures built on-site, which can vary depending on the installer’s methods and materials, pre-fabricated upstands offer consistency and reliability across every installation.
Each upstand is:
– Manufactured to match specific rooflight dimensions and angles
– Tested for waterproofing and load-bearing performance
– Designed to integrate seamlessly with our glazing systems
This compatibility ensures a tight, secure fit that maximises both structural integrity and insulation. It also eliminates the common problems that arise when mismatched components are combined from different suppliers.
The result is a professional, long-lasting installation that meets both aesthetic and performance expectations.
Cost and Time Savings Over Site-Built Alternatives
While pre-fabricated upstands may have a slightly higher upfront cost than basic timber versions, they deliver significant savings in the long run.
Consider the time and labour saved during installation: there’s no need to measure, cut, or assemble anything on-site, which reduces both build time and waste. Because the upstand arrives perfectly matched to the rooflight, there’s also less chance of costly installation errors or leaks that require rectification later.
In addition, pre-fabricated upstands are built from durable, weather-resistant materials that won’t warp, rot, or degrade over time. That means fewer maintenance costs and a longer lifespan – giving homeowners a much better return on investment.
When you factor in labour efficiency, performance, and reliability, a pre-fabricated upstand offers excellent overall value.
Why Choose The Rooflight Centre?
When investing in a skylight or roof window, choosing the right supplier is just as important as the product itself. At The Rooflight Centre (RLC), we’re more than just an online retailer – we’re the e-commerce division of Lonsdale Metal Company (LMC), a fourth-generation family business founded in 1954. With decades of experience behind us, we’ve built a reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and outstanding service.
Our rooflights have been trusted on some of the UK’s most iconic buildings, including Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, and 10 Downing Street. We’ve also supplied household names like Rod Stewart, Lord Alan Sugar, and Tracey Emin – proof that our products are chosen by both leading architects and discerning homeowners alike.
But our focus isn’t just on prestige projects. Since 2020, we’ve worked hard to make the same exceptional quality available to homeowners looking to brighten and modernise their living spaces. Every rooflight in our range is handpicked to meet exacting standards for performance, design, and durability.
When you choose The Rooflight Centre, here’s what you can expect:
– Beautiful, high-performance rooflights that enhance your home
– Fair pricing without compromising on quality
– Fast delivery and easy ordering from our online store
– Dedicated support from a team that genuinely cares about your project
This combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and personal service makes us a trusted choice for homeowners who want a roof window that truly delivers on its promise.
Ready to Simplify Your Rooflight Installation?
A pre-fabricated upstand makes rooflight installation faster, safer, and more efficient – while improving thermal performance and long-term reliability. Whether you’re a professional installer or a homeowner looking for a hassle-free solution, The Rooflight Centre provides everything you need for a high-quality finish.
Explore our full range of Flat Roof Windows here and discover how our pre-fabricated upstands can help you achieve the perfect installation every time.
By choosing The Rooflight Centre, you’re not just buying a rooflight – you’re investing in quality, expertise, and a brighter, better-performing home.
