The Future Homes Standard is a government-led initiative that will require all new homes built from 2026 onwards to produce 75–80% lower carbon emissions than those constructed under current building regulations. This reduction will be achieved through a combination of improved fabric efficiency, low-carbon heating systems, better airtightness, and stricter thermal performance requirements across all building elements.
Skylights Roof Lanterns are included within these enhanced fabric standards because glazing remains one of the most common sources of heat loss in residential buildings. As a result, roof glazing must now perform a much higher thermal benchmark than in previous years.
What Is the Future Homes Standard 2026?
The Future Homes Standard is a government-led initiative that will require all new homes built from 2026 onwards to produce 75–80% lower carbon emissions than those constructed under current building regulations. This reduction will be achieved through a combination of improved fabric efficiency, low-carbon heating systems, better airtightness, and stricter thermal performance requirements across all building elements.
Rooflights are included within these enhanced fabric standards because glazing remains one of the most common sources of heat loss in residential buildings. As a result, roof glazing must now perform to a much higher thermal benchmark than in previous years.
Why Rooflights Are Critical Under the Future Homes Standard
Rooflights play a dual role. On one hand, they reduce reliance on artificial lighting by maximising daylight. On the other, poorly specified rooflights can undermine a home’s energy efficiency by allowing excessive heat loss in winter and unwanted solar gain in summer.
Under the Future Homes Standard, the emphasis is firmly on performance rather than appearance alone. Every element of the building envelope must contribute to reduced energy demand, and rooflights are no exception.
Understanding U-Values and Rooflight Performance
A U-value measures the rate at which heat escapes through a material. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation performance. For rooflights, this figure includes not just the glass but the entire unit frame, spacer bars, and seals.
Historically, rooflights were allowed higher U-values than vertical windows. However, this gap is narrowing significantly under the Future Homes Standard 2026, with roof glazing expected to match or closely align with window performance.
Expected U-Value Requirements for New Build Rooflights
While final regulations are still being confirmed, industry guidance and consultation documents provide a clear direction of travel. New build rooflights will need to achieve substantially lower U-values than those installed under current standards to meet the energy efficiency targets set by the Future Homes Standard 2026. Selecting high-performance rooflights that already exceed current U-value benchmarks is a proactive way to ensure compliance and reduce heat loss, while also enhancing daylight and overall comfort in your home. For practical solutions that meet these requirements, explore our range of Flat Glass Rooflights designed for optimal thermal performance and modern design.
Indicative Rooflight Performance Targets
|
Building Element |
Typical Current U-Value |
Future Homes Standard Target |
Best-Practice Target |
|
Standard double-glazed rooflight |
~1.6–1.8 W/m²K |
≤1.2 W/m²K |
~0.8 W/m²K |
|
Triple-glazed rooflight |
~1.0–1.2 W/m²K |
≤1.2 W/m²K |
≤0.8 W/m²K |
|
High-performance roof glazing system |
~0.9 W/m²K |
Compliant |
Exceeds standard |
This table highlights why many developers are already moving toward triple-glazed, thermally broken rooflight systems to future-proof their projects.
How to Achieve Compliance With Future Homes Standard Rooflights
Achieving compliance is not about one single feature—it is about the combined performance of glass, frame, and installation quality.
Advanced Glazing Technology
Most compliant rooflights will rely on triple glazing, combined with low-emissivity coatings and insulating gas fills such as argon or krypton. These technologies work together to reduce heat transfer without sacrificing daylight transmission.
Thermally Broken Frames
Frames play a larger role in heat loss than many people realise. Modern thermally broken aluminium or composite frames significantly reduce thermal bridging and help maintain consistent internal temperatures.
Whole-Unit Testing
Under the Future Homes Standard, default or generic U-values are becoming less acceptable. Manufacturers must provide tested, whole-product U-values, ensuring real-world performance aligns with design expectations.
Beyond U-Values: Other Compliance Considerations
Although U-values are central to compliance, they are not the only factor that matters.
Solar Gain and Overheating
As homes become more airtight and insulated, overheating risk increases. Rooflights must be carefully sized and positioned to balance daylight benefits with solar control. Glazing specifications may include solar control coatings to reduce excessive heat gain.
Ventilation Integration
The Future Homes Standard works alongside updated Part F ventilation requirements. Rooflights can play a supporting role through natural or hybrid ventilation, but only when properly integrated into the overall ventilation strategy.
Airtight Installation
Even the best rooflight can fail to perform if poorly installed. Correct sealing, insulated upstands, and airtight junctions are essential to ensure the rooflight contributes positively to the home’s energy performance.
Practical Guidance for Specifiers and Developers
Rather than relying on lengthy checklists, the most effective approach is strategic planning. Start by selecting rooflights that already exceed anticipated minimum standards. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and avoids costly retrofits later.
Early collaboration between architects, energy assessors, and rooflight suppliers also ensures that glazing choices align with SAP calculations and overall building performance targets.
Benefits of Energy Efficient Roof Glazing in the UK
Complying with the Future Homes Standard 2026 delivers benefits that go well beyond regulation. Energy efficient roof glazing reduces long-term heating demand, improves occupant comfort, and supports stronger EPC ratings. For homeowners, this translates into lower energy bills, a healthier indoor environment, and a more comfortable living space year-round. For developers, it enhances sustainability credentials, strengthens property value, and future-proofs housing stock against tightening energy efficiency regulations.
To explore options and make informed choices, check out our Ultimate Rooflight Selection Guide.
Conclusion:
The Future Homes Standard 2026 represents a fundamental shift in how new homes are designed and built in the UK. Rooflights, once considered a potential weak point in the building envelope, are now expected to perform at the highest thermal standards.
By prioritising low U-values, high-performance glazing, and quality installation, future homes standard rooflights can deliver daylight, comfort, and energy efficiency in equal measure. Acting now ensures compliance, avoids delays, and positions your project at the forefront of sustainable building design.
👉 Contact us today to start your project and discover our high-performance, energy-efficient roof glazing solutions!
