Insulated retractable glass roofs
Transform your home with daylight, fresh air and the freedom to open your roof. An insulated retractable glass roof creates a brighter, more spacious feel and reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day. Ideal for a dark hallway, staircase or loft — and a versatile alternative to a fixed skylight.
Designed and manufactured in Sweden, every Bentech glass roof is made to measure for your project. Enjoy generous daylight, views of the night sky and the combination of thermal insulation with natural ventilation.
An insulated retractable glass roof is ideal for homes, heated garden rooms, restaurant terraces, atriums, offices and pool houses.
Daylight and natural ventilation working together
A retractable roof lets you adapt your space to the weather. Open it to release warm air and bring in fresh air, or close it to retain comfort. The examples below illustrate how the roof can be used in different climates; actual energy use depends on the building and conditions.
Warm climates
32 – 45°C
- Keep the roof closed to benefit from its thermal insulation
- Use conventional cooling during the day when needed
- Open the roof at night to release heat
- Potential to reduce cooling demand
15 – 32°C
- Open the roof during the day to let fresh air in
- Natural ventilation without mechanical fans
- Indoor temperatures can follow outdoor conditions
- No energy required for natural airflow
5 – 15°C
- Close the roof to benefit from passive solar heat
- Open briefly to release excess heat
- Potential to reduce heating and ventilation energy
Cold climates
−30 – +10°C
- Insulated glazing helps retain warmth
- Composite profiles help reduce cold internal surfaces
- Daylight can provide useful passive solar heat
- Potential energy savings compared with less insulated glazing
+11 – +25°C
- Release excess heat through natural ventilation
- Benefit from passive solar heat when the roof is closed
- No energy required for natural airflow
+26 – +32°C
- Keep the roof open by day and night when conditions allow
- Use outdoor air to help regulate the indoor temperature
- Potential to substantially reduce mechanical cooling
Technical information
Weather protection
The roof uses air cushions to maintain its weather seals across different roof pitches. Laboratory tests support its rain resistance at pitches as low as 2°. At low pitches, snow must be brushed off to maintain the seal. The construction accommodates normal movement caused by wind and snow while maintaining weather protection.
Insulated and Un-insulated systems
Bentech offers insulated and Un-insulated glass roofs. The insulated system combines insulating glass units with composite profiles. The Un-insulated system uses aluminium profiles with 6 mm toughened single glazing or alternative 16 mm panels.
Opening direction
The glass roof can open in two directions:
- From the eaves towards the top of the roof — with the motor inside
- From the top towards the eaves — with the motor outside
Manual or motorised operation
Choose manual or motorised operation. Remote control and a rain sensor are available as options.
Self-supporting construction
The insulated glass roof is self-supporting over spans of up to 6.4 metres, subject to project requirements, without an additional steel support structure. Each bay can contain up to four panels, with at least three sliding panels.
Thermal insulation
The composite profiles offer insulation comparable to timber and help reduce cold surfaces and condensation compared with unbroken aluminium profiles.
Efficient installation
Both systems are designed for straightforward installation. Roof panels are prefabricated in our workshop, where beams and track profiles are also cut to size. This reduces the work needed on site and helps shorten installation time.
Patented design
The retractable roof design has been patented in a number of countries. Bentech supplies finished products, semi-finished components and patent licences.
Motor drive
The drive uses a single-phase 220 V tubular motor. One drive unit can operate two roof bays using a toothed belt positioned below the beam between them.
Motors can be operated by remote control or a fixed wall switch. Installations with several motors require suitable coordinated controls or a separate switch for each motor.
A rain sensor can be added later.
Insulated roofs can be factory-prepared for motor installation, allowing the motors to be fitted at a later date. Please specify this when ordering.
Smart control with Plejd
For motorised glass roofs, we offer Plejd, an established Swedish control system. With Plejd JAL-01 you can operate the roof from your phone or wireless wall switches positioned wherever convenient. A Plejd Gateway adds remote access away from home and integration with compatible smart home services.
Nice remote control and rain sensor
As an alternative, we offer a standalone Nice Home Automation system with a remote control, rain sensor and a receiver for each motor.
Discreet LED lighting in the beams
Slim LED fittings can be concealed inside the beams. With a suitable separate lighting controller, Plejd can operate both the roof and its lighting from the same app.
Other compatible control systems
Control is not limited to Plejd or Nice. The roof uses a tubular motor with separate control conductors for opening and closing. Other compatible motor controllers and smart home systems may therefore be used. The controller must suit this motor type and prevent both directions from being activated simultaneously. We can help check whether your preferred control system is suitable.
Test results
Both insulated and Un-insulated Bentech retractable glass roofs have undergone extensive testing at the Norwegian Building Research Institute in Trondheim. The results support practical experience of the roofs’ resistance to water and air leakage.
Watertightness
The insulated system has demonstrated comparable watertightness at roof pitches of 5° and 35°, including testing relevant to demanding environments such as Norway’s Atlantic coast.
Watertightness guarantee
Bentech provides a watertightness guarantee for its insulated retractable glass roof at pitches down to 2°, subject to the specified design, installation and maintenance requirements.
Airtightness
Class 4 of NS-EN 12207 defines an airtightness requirement for windows. Bentech’s insulated glass roof meets this requirement.
Insulated glass roof pricing examples
For heated spaces where daylight, retractable glazing and thermal insulation need to work together.
| Width × span | Roof area | Price including VAT | Price per m² including VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,0 × 4,0 m | 12 m² | €23,520 | approx. €1,960/m² |
| 4,5 × 3,3 m | 14,85 m² | €24,550 | approx. €1,650/m² |
| 6,0 × 4,5 m | 27 m² | €28,180 | approx. €1,040/m² |
Technical specifications
1. Maximum span
| Snow load kg / m2 | |||||
| Roof type | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 |
| Insulated glass roof | 6,5 m | 5,6 m | 5,2 m | 5,0 m | 4,5 m |
| Un-insulated glass roof | 3,8 m | 3,6 m | 3,4 m | 3,0 m | 2,9 m |
2. Maximum bay width at a minimum pitch of 30°
| Roof type | Maximum bay width |
| Insulated glass roof | 1500 mm |
| Un-insulated glass roof | 1250 mm |
3. Glazing type
| Roof type | Glazing type |
| Insulated glass roof | 28 mm insulating glass unit |
| Un-insulated glass roof | 6 mm toughened single glazing |
4. Colours of beams and structural components
| Roof type | Colours |
| Insulated glass roof | Two-component polyurethane coating, white as standard. Other colours available to order. Drip edges and drive components are natural anodised. |
| Un-insulated glass roof | Natural anodised aluminium as standard. Powder coating in your chosen colour is available to order. Glazing frames are natural anodised. |
5. Minimum roof pitch
| Roof type | Minimum roof pitch |
| Insulated glass roof | 2 degrees |
| Un-insulated glass roof | 2 degrees |
6. Thermal insulation
| Roof type | Thermal insulation |
| Insulated glass roof | U-value down to 1.4, including the required profiles. |
7. Weather resistance
| Roof type | Weather protection |
| Insulated glass roof | Extensively tested at the Norwegian Building Research Institute in Trondheim. The roof demonstrates comparable watertightness at 5° and 35° and is suitable for demanding environments, subject to the project specification. |
| Un-insulated glass roof | Laboratory-tested at the Norwegian Building Research Institute in Trondheim. The Un-insulated roof has been tested at a wind pressure of 750 Pa. |
8. Weight
| Roof type | Weight |
| Insulated glass roof | Approx. 40 kg/m2 |
| Un-insulated glass roof | Approx. 15 kg/m2 |
9. Dimensions
| Roof type | Dimensions |
| Insulated glass roof | Beam dimensions (w × h): 100 × 215 mm |
| Un-insulated glass roof | Beam dimensions (w × h): 90 × 97 mm |
Benefits and limitations of different roof types
For heated spaces where you want both daylight and an opening roof. A fixed roof with insulating glass is the closest comparison. Multiwall polycarbonate systems vary in thermal performance and are not automatically equivalent.
Swipe sideways to compare all roof types.
| Feature | Retractable insulated glass roof | Fixed roof with insulating glass | Fixed multiwall polycarbonate roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable applications | Heated spaces requiring daylight and thermal insulation, with access for cleaning. | Heated spaces where a fixed glazed roof meets the requirements. | Suitability depends on the system’s insulation and construction. |
| Opening and ventilation | Opens to bring in fresh air and let excess heat escape. | The roof is fixed, so ventilation must be provided separately. | The roof is fixed, so ventilation must be provided separately. |
| Thermal insulation | Insulating glass and insulated profiles form part of the system. Performance depends on the specification, with a wide choice of glazing. Open the roof to release excess heat. | Good insulation is possible with suitable insulating glass and profiles. Performance depends on the specification, with a wide choice of glazing. | Varies with panel thickness, internal structure and junction details. |
| Daylight and views | Clear glazing provides views of the sky. Glazing and solar shading affect light and heat. Motorised panels slide away at the touch of a button. | Clear glazing provides views of the sky. Glazing and solar shading affect light and heat. | Usually provides a more diffused view. Light transmission varies with panel type and colour. |
| Complexity and maintenance | Motorised roofs need regular inspection and maintenance. Intervals depend on roof pitch, panel size and other project factors. Customers can often carry out routine care themselves. | Fewer moving parts. Glass and seals still need inspection. | Panels, seals and end closures need inspection. |
| Initial investment | A retractable roof usually costs more than a comparable fixed system, while adding flexibility and natural ventilation. Any energy savings depend on the building and how the roof is used. | May cost less than a comparable retractable system. | Often has a lower initial cost, but compare the performance of the complete system. |
| Access to the façade | Open the roof to reach the façade for sealing, maintenance or renovation. Where specifically designed for the required loads, access onto the roof must follow Bentech’s instructions for that particular installation. | The fixed roof may restrict façade access. Specialist access equipment or partial removal may be needed. | The fixed roof may restrict façade access. Specialist access equipment or removal of panels may be needed. |
| Transport and installation at height | The system can be delivered in smaller components, including four or six sections depending on the design. Components can often be taken up in a lift or stairwell, allowing installation without a crane. Exceptions depend on size, weight and building access. | Large fixed glass panels may need a crane, particularly at height. Requirements depend on panel dimensions, weight and access. | Panels are often light, but their size and restricted access can still require specialist lifting equipment. |
Assess insulation, weather resistance and suitability for the complete roof assembly. Glazing, profiles, junctions and solar shading all affect performance. Ventilation and shading must still be planned for periods when a retractable roof is closed.
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