People who want to build a flat roof project for their garden shed or garage or home extension tend to concentrate their efforts on waterproofing. Choosing between GRP and EPDM systems needs careful thought. However, adding natural light can save a lot of money. Your design of skylights, or bubble lights, does more than just look good. It changes how the building feels. Improve your property value with a smart, low-cost investment. The installation system enables you to reduce your utility expenses while creating a professional-looking organized space. This guide explains why these lighting solutions are important for flat roofing systems. The guide shows you how to pick the right lighting solutions which match your work requirements. The Big Benefits: Why Add Light to Your Roof? Before looking at the different types of buildings, let’s look at the three main reasons why every flat roof should consider a light element. 1. Significant Electricity Savings Most garages and sheds function as dark spaces which block all incoming light. The moment you walk in, you have to flick a switch. The total kilowatt-hour usage showed continuous growth from the start until the end of vehicle ownership. By installing a bubble light or skylight, you can almost entirely remove the need for electric lights during the day. Standard LED bulbs do not match the brightness which natural light provides for DIY work and gardening tasks. 2. Boosted Property Value and Style Natural light is a premium feature. A dark and damp-feeling garage functions as a storage facility. The garage space with its SkyPod Skylight creates a bright and open atmosphere which extends the house into an additional living area. The value of this space which buyers perceive, will draw future homebuyers because they want to purchase properties that look finished and serve their intended purpose. 3. Better Ventilation and Health Modern roof lights can open for ventilation. To prevent shed water buildup and garage gas leaks, this feature is essential. Natural light makes people happier. It also helps them be more productive.. This is very important if your building with a flat roof is a home office or a place to work on hobbies. Skylights vs. Bubble Lights: Which is Right for You? Skypods are glass skylights. Bubble Lights are dome-shaped lights made from acrylic or polycarbonate. These are the two most popular choices. Skylights (Skypods): These are the stylish choice. Made from uPVC frames, they match your existing house windows and offer incredible insulation. They provide a view of the sky and make a room feel much taller. Bubble Lights (Domes): These are the practical choice. Their curved shape "catches" light from all angles, making them very efficient even on cloudy days. They are extremely durable and often more cost-effective for utility buildings like sheds. Applying Light to Your Specific Project Every building has different needs. Here is how to plan your lighting based on what you are building. The Garden Shed or Workshop A shed is usually small, but it needs a lot of light for safety when using tools. Recommendation: One medium-sized bubble light or a single small flat skylight. The Look: Placing a bubble light directly over a workbench creates a "natural spotlight." It removes shadows that side windows usually cause. Why it works: The system allows you to maintain open wall space for tool storage and shelving units while providing complete visibility of your work area through the absence of extension cords and lamps. The Flat Roof Garage Garages are often built without windows to maximize security and wall space. This makes them incredibly dark. Recommendation: Two large skylights or a "run" of 4 to 6 small bubble lights. The Look: For a long, single garage, 4 small bubble lights spaced evenly create a consistent "grid" of light that covers the whole car and storage area. Why it works: Adding a garage turns a dark cave into a functional home. The system protects moving vehicles and helps users find items in remote storage areas. The Home Annex or Garden Room Annexes are often used as guest rooms or home offices. Here, style is just as important as function. Recommendation: One "Hero" Skypod. The Look: A large, central Skypod creates a stunning architectural focal point. It draws the eye upward and makes a small annex feel twice as large. Why it works: These units have a 1.0 U-Value, meaning they keep the heat in during winter. You get all the light without the cold drafts. The Main Home Extension Kitchen or lounge extensions often suffer from a "dark middle" where the new roof blocks light from reaching the old part of the house. Recommendation: Multiple large skylights or a very long lantern-style Skypod. The Look: Large glass panels create a "glass roof" feel. It looks modern, clean, and expensive. Why it works: It brings light deep into the center of your home, reducing the "tunnel effect" that many flat roof extensions create. Configuration: Small vs Large? Should you go for two large lights or six small ones? Go Large if: You want a "view" and a high-end look. Large skylights are better for living areas where you want to see the clouds or stars. They create a "wow" factor that adds significant value to the property. Go for More Small Lights if: You need "even" light. For a workshop or a large garage, six small bubble lights will ensure there are no dark corners. This is better for utility and prevents "glare" in one specific spot. Installation Tips for Flat Roofs When installing these units, the waterproofing is key. The "upstand" frame which supports the light needs complete sealing regardless of whether you use a GRP roofing kit or an EPDM system. The design of contemporary uPVC skylights makes them easy to install but they need to connect with the roof membrane to stop water from entering The roofing trim at the base of the light fixture help direct water away. They channel it into the gutters when installed correctly. Should You Choose Skylights or Bubble Lights? Feature Bubble Light (Dome) Skylight (Skypod/Lantern) Best For Garages, Sheds, Utility Annexes, Kitchens, Offices Material Polycarbonate / Acrylic Glass & uPVC Durability High (Impact resistant) High (Standard window glass) Cost More Budget-friendly Premium Aesthetic Light Style Diffused and wide Clear and directed Conclusion Installing a bubble light or skylight is a clever move for a flat roof. It elevates a standard structure, instantly giving it a more refined, architectural feel. Your investment in electricity reduction and aesthetic improvement for your garage and shed and home will create a building which provides better usage experience and better resale value. If you are currently planning a roof project, don't leave the lighting as an afterthought. The current investment for additional costs will produce lasting advantages because it enhances both the visual design and operational power efficiency of the system. For more advice on building the perfect flat roof, check out our guide on choosing the right roofing system for your house type All the best, Paul & the Apex Team Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. How costly is adding a skylight to an existing flat roof? A new roof is definitely the cheapest time to add some natural light but you can also do it as an afterthought - the cost of a bubble light is a small drop in the bucket compared to how much it boosts the place up. 2. Do skylights turn the garage into an oven in summer? The present design emphasis for skylights involves creating buildings which stay at comfortable temperatures during summer and winter months without experiencing thermal issues. Our uPVC frames work with top-shelf glazing to keep things nice and steady. 3. How many lights does a double garage need? For a double garage, we usually recommend two big skylights right in the middle, or six smaller bubble lights in two rows of three, that way no spot gets left in the dark. 4. Are bubble lights secure? Yeah they are - any decent bubble light is made from impact resistant polycarbonate and bolted down pretty tight so no one can just lift the thing off from the outside.
