Roof Lantern solutions

The lantern fitted very well and looks great, a very sturdy construction and easy to install. It has rained very heavily since installation and no leaks whatsoever.

Brian Woodcraft

August 2024

What Is a Roof Lantern?

A roof lantern is a raised, glazed structure installed on a flat or pitched roof to allow abundant natural light into the room below. Unlike flat skylights, they feature an elevated, pitched design that enhances visual impact and floods interiors with daylight from multiple angles.

They are popular in kitchen extensions, open-plan living areas, and modern renovations. Homeowners use them to create a bright, airy space. Built with strong aluminium frames and high-quality clear glass, a quality lantern adds a premium look to your property and gives homeowners genuine peace of mind.

Key Benefits of Roof Lanterns

Installing a roof lantern is one of the most effective ways to transform a living space, delivering both practical and aesthetic advantages that few other home improvements can match.

• Exceptional Natural Daylight — The elevated design allows light to enter from multiple angles, flooding rooms with daylight

• Striking Architectural Impact — A well-chosen roof lantern quickly becomes a focal point in any room. It adds height, character, and a sense of luxury. This greatly improves the overall look and feel of your home.

• Slimline Profiles for Maximum Glazing — Modern aluminium roof lanterns use narrow frames that maximise glass area. This gives clear views and lets in the most light.

• Superior Thermal Efficiency — High-performance glazing options, such as double glazing and low-e coatings, reduce heat loss. Thermally broken frames also help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature all year.

• Versatile Design Options — Roof lanterns come in many sizes, styles, and frame colours to suit any property. They work well in period homes and modern extensions.

• Suitable for extensions, kitchens, and orangeries. A roof lantern is ideal if you are finishing a single-storey kitchen extension. It also works well for a full orangery or a garden room. It suits flat and low-pitched roof structures where you want maximum daylight.

• Made-to-Measure Availability — Alongside standard sizes, fully bespoke roof lanterns can be manufactured to fit non-standard openings, ensuring a precise, weathertight fit for any project.

Different Types of Roof Lanterns

Roof lanterns are available in a variety of styles to suit both the architectural character of your property and the practical requirements of your project. Here's a guide to the main types available:

• Classic Roof Lanterns — Featuring a traditional, symmetrical ridge, these lanterns are ideally suited to kitchen diners, orangeries, and period-style properties. Their timeless appearance complements both older and contemporary architecture, making them one of the most versatile and popular choices.

• Contemporary Slimline Roof Lanterns — Designed with ultra-narrow aluminium profiles, these lanterns maximise glass area while minimising the visible framework. The result is a clean, modern aesthetic that floods the room with daylight and provides near-unobstructed views of the sky. These are particularly popular in modern extensions and new-build properties.

• Thermally Broken Aluminium Roof Lanterns — These roof lanterns have a thermal break in the aluminium frame. This design greatly reduces heat transfer between indoor and outdoor spaces. This makes them a great choice for comfort all year. They help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They can also lower energy costs.

• Custom-Sized & Bespoke Roof Lanterns — For non-standard openings or unusual roof layouts, off-the-shelf options may not fit. A bespoke roof lantern can be made to your exact dimensions. Custom roof lanterns suit large extensions, self-build homes, and projects that need a perfect fit.

Each roof lantern type comes in many frame colours, glazing options, and panel layouts to match your style and budget.

Is a Roof Lantern Right for Your Project?

Roof lanterns suit flat or low-pitched roofs best. They add a striking feature and bring in natural light from many directions.

Before choosing a roof lantern, consider the room size and layout below. Check your roof's structural strength. Also, review any planning or conservation area rules for your property.

A roof lantern is likely the right choice if:

• You want to create a dramatic focal point that elevates the design of your extension, kitchen, or orangery.

• Your room is large or open-plan, and would benefit from natural light entering from multiple angles overhead.

• You are building a new extension or renovating a flat-roofed structure and want to maximise the sense of space and luxury.

• You are looking for a product that combines stunning aesthetics with excellent thermal efficiency and long-term performance.

You may be better suited to a flat rooflight if:

• You prefer a sleek, low-profile finish that sits flush with the roofline and offers a more minimal appearance.

• Your roof has limited height clearance or is subject to restrictions on how much the structure can be raised.

• Your budget is more limited, as flat rooflights typically cost less initially than roof lanterns.
  

If you're unsure, our expert team can help. Contact us today.