Insulated Upstands

Insulated Upstands: The Missing Link in Your Rooflight Installation

You’ve chosen the perfect rooflight. Measured twice. Ready to transform that dark space. Then your installer drops the bombshell: “You’ll need an upstand, and standard ones will wreck your U-values.”

Suddenly, your energy-efficient rooflight project faces a thermal bridge nightmare. Cold spots. Condensation. Building regs failures. All because of a few inches of inadequate upstand, turning your installation into an energy-sapping disaster.

Stop the thermal madness. Our Part L-compliant insulated upstands eliminate cold bridging completely. Made-to-measure for any size, starting at just £243.91. They integrate seamlessly with your chosen rooflight whilst maintaining the thermal performance you’re paying for.

No compromises. No condensation. No compliance issues.

Types of Insulated Upstands

• Premium Structural Options: The Insulated Upstand is crafted from high-quality, 18 mm-thick WBP hardwood structural plywood. This isn’t just about durability – the uniform quality of WBP hardwood ensures that the upstand can be fitted accurately, eliminating gaps that compromise performance. These suit projects where quality matters more than initial cost.

• Custom-Made Solutions: Every roof is different, which is why custom upstands are made to order and non-returnable. The precise manufacturing ensures a perfect fit the first time, eliminating on-site modifications that weaken thermal performance. Whether you need unusual dimensions or specific thermal values, bespoke manufacturing delivers exactly what your project requires.

• Standard Size Range: For common rooflight dimensions, standard upstands offer quick availability with proven performance. These stock items balance cost and efficiency, perfect for straightforward installations where custom sizing isn’t required.

Why Buy Insulated Upstands for Your Kitchen

While kitchen worktop upstands protect kitchen walls from splashes behind sinks, rooflight insulated upstands serve a completely different purpose. They create the vital thermal barrier between your roof and your stunning new skylight.

The Kitchen Connection

Here’s why kitchens specifically benefit from properly insulated rooflight kitchen upstands:

• Condensation Control: Kitchens generate serious moisture – cooking, dishwashers, and kettles constantly boil. Without proper insulation at the rooflight junction, warm, moist air hits cold surfaces and creates condensation. Water dripping onto your pristine worktop? Not ideal.

• Temperature Stability: Kitchen spaces need consistent temperatures. Cold bridges from poorly insulated upstands create uncomfortable drafts right where you’re trying to cook and socialise. Our Part L compliant upstands maintain the seamless finish between the roof and skylight, eliminating cold spots.

Design Integration of Kitchen Worktop That Works

Modern kitchens demand clean lines. Bulky standard upstands disrupt the style you’ve carefully crafted. Our range offers:

• Slim profiles that don’t dominate sightlines

• Internal finishes in white to suit any colour scheme

• Made-to-measure sizing ensures perfect proportions

• Smooth surfaces that complement modern cabinets

The material choices protect both performance and aesthetics. Unlike basic timber that warps in kitchen humidity, our engineered upstands remain stable year-round.

Budget-Smart Thermal Performance

Skip proper insulation now, pay forever in heating bills. Kitchen extensions already push budgets, but cutting corners on upstands creates expensive problems:

• 20-30% heat loss through thermal bridges

• Mould risk from condensation

• Building control failures are costing thousands to rectify

For the price of a few lengths of quality worktop, you’re securing long-term efficiency. The laminate may create the look, but insulated upstands create the performance.

Beyond Basic Building Regs

Part L compliance isn’t just box-ticking – it’s about creating kitchens that actually work. Proper upstands ensure your space stays comfortable whether you’re baking in summer or slow-cooking stews in winter. They protect the junction where the roof meets the rooflight, preventing the moisture and temperature issues that plague poorly planned installations.

Choose upstands that suit your project’s thermal requirements. From brown flat roofs to modern grey membranes, proper insulation adapts to any roof type whilst maintaining the performance your kitchen deserves.

Key Features of Insulated Upstands

Modern insulated upstands aren’t just boxes of insulation. They’re engineered solutions that solve real problems whilst simplifying installation.

Thermal Performance That Delivers

Our Sunsquare upstands achieve U-values of 0.15 W/m²K – that’s better than most walls. The secret? Multi-layer construction:

• High-density PIR core for maximum insulation

• Vapour control layers preventing moisture ingress

• Thermal breaks eliminate cold bridging

• Weather-resistant exterior grade plywood

This isn’t theoretical performance – it’s tested, certified, and Part L compliant as standard.

Made-to-Measure Precision

Forget cutting and bodging standard sizes. Every upstand is manufactured to your exact dimensions:

• Heights from 150mm to 500mm

• Any length or width to match your rooflight

• Mitred corners for a professional finish

• Pre-drilled fixing points for accuracy

Order online with instant pricing. No waiting for quotes, no minimum quantities.

Smart Construction Details

The devil’s in the details:

• 18mm WBP plywood faces inside and out

• Weatherproof membrane pre-fitted to the exterior

• Smooth internal finish ready for decoration

• Reinforced edges prevent damage during installation

Compatible with all major rooflight brands – Korniche, Sunsquare, Atlas, and more.

Who Should Consider Insulated Upstands

• Homeowners Installing Skylights: If you’re adding rooflights to bring natural light into your space, proper insulated upstands are essential. Superior insulation reduces energy loss in buildings, meaning those beautiful skylights won’t become expensive heat drains. Custom Size Upstands are tailored for both flat and pitched roof skylights and roof lanterns, ensuring perfect integration.

• Energy-Conscious Builders: With U-values as low as 0.58 W/m²K achievable with insulated upstands, you’re meeting Part L requirements whilst future-proofing builds. Insulated upstands can help reduce heating and cooling costs for your clients, adding genuine value beyond compliance.

• Renovation Specialists: Upgrading existing rooflights? Don’t let poor upstands undermine your work. The insulation core of the upstand is specifically engineered to reduce heat transfer, transforming problematic installations into efficient solutions.

• Commercial Property Managers: Large roof areas with multiple skylights need consistent thermal performance. High-quality insulation materials like advanced XPS insulation prevent condensation and eliminate leaks – critical for protecting interior spaces and reducing maintenance calls.

• Anyone Serious About Thermal Efficiency: If you’ve invested in quality rooflights, don’t compromise with basic upstands. The thermal bridge created by poor insulation negates your skylight’s performance ratings.

Installation Tips

Getting upstand installation right sets the foundation for everything else. Here’s what years of feedback have taught us.

Preparation is Everything

Before your upstand arrives:

1. Check deck levels – any slopes need accounting for

2. Verify dimensions – measure the actual roof opening, not the plans

3. Prepare fixings – concrete decks need different fixings from timber

4. Plan the sequence – upstand first, roofing after

Pro tip: Order 10mm larger than your rooflight external dimensions for wiggle room.

The Installation Sequence

• Step 1: Position and Level

  • Dry-fit first. Check corners are square, and tops are level. Pack underneath if needed – never rely on mastic to fill gaps.

• Step 2: Fix Mechanically

  • Screws at 300mm centres minimum. Don’t skimp – wind uplift forces are serious. Fix through the base into the solid deck, not just insulation.

• Step 3: Weatherproof Properly

  • Your roofer needs to dress membranes up the external face, overlapping the pre-fitted weathering by 100mm minimum. This creates the critical waterproof detail.

• Step 4: Insulate Internally

  • Pack any gaps between the upstand and deck with insulation. Seal with expanding foam, then trim flush. Every gap is a potential cold bridge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing on uneven decks: Creates stress points and gaps

• Forgetting vapour barriers: Internal moisture will find any weakness

• Rush-fitting before roofing: Sequence matters for weatherproofing

• Ignoring manufacturer guidance: Each rooflight has specific requirements

Quality Checks

Before installing your rooflight:

• Run a straight edge across the tops – any deviation needs correcting

• Check that internal corners are sealed

• Verify weatherproofing laps correctly

• Ensure that fixing centres meet specifications

Remember: the rooflight is only as good as its upstand. Ten minutes of extra care here prevents years of problems.

FAQs