Skylights are a popular architectural feature that bring in natural light and enhance a property’s aesthetic appeal. However, if these skylights lack thermal breaks, they can severely compromise your home’s thermal efficiency—and your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating will reflect that.
What Is a Thermal Break in Skylights?
A thermal break is a barrier—often made of insulating material—placed between the interior and exterior parts of a window or skylight frame. Its primary purpose is to:
Prevent heat loss through the frame.
Eliminate cold bridging (where heat bypasses insulation via conductive materials).
Improve overall U-values of the glazing unit.
Skylights without thermal breaks, especially older aluminium-framed models, allow heat to escape more readily, which EPC software heavily penalises during assessments.
How Skylights Without Thermal Breaks Affect Your EPC Score
EPC assessments focus on how effectively a property retains heat. Skylights without thermal breaks:
Increase overall heat loss in the building envelope.
Contribute to higher heating demands in EPC calculations.
Receive default poor U-values if no manufacturer specifications are available.
As a result, properties with multiple skylights lacking thermal breaks often see a 1-band reduction in their EPC rating, sometimes more in highly glazed properties.
Are Modern Skylights a Solution?
Yes. Contemporary skylights are designed with integrated thermal breaks, high-performance double or triple glazing, and insulated frames that drastically reduce heat loss. Replacing outdated skylights with these modern alternatives can:
Improve U-values.
Enhance air tightness.
Significantly boost EPC ratings, especially in energy-focused renovations.
At Urgent EPC, we frequently see substantial EPC improvements after such upgrades, provided the property undergoes a reassessment.
Should You Reassess Your EPC After Upgrading Skylights?
Absolutely. EPC reports are static until reassessed. Even if you’ve made improvements like replacing skylights, your certificate won’t reflect the upgraded efficiency unless formally updated. Book a same-day EPC reassessment with Urgent EPC to capitalise on your investment and ensure compliance with energy efficiency standards.
Book an EPC Assessment with Confidence
If you’re unsure how your property’s skylights—or any other features—are impacting your EPC rating, get in touch with our expert assessors at Urgent EPC. We offer transparent pricing plans and fast-track appointments to keep your property compliant and energy-efficient.
At Urgent EPC, we offer professional guidance on how to boost your EPC rating, including heating system evaluations. If you’re planning to install a heat pump or want to reassess your current EPC, we can help you get fast, certified results.
Call Us Today: +447741 812864
Email: info@urgentepc.co.uk
