Roof Lanterns UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Roof lanterns can add a touch of elegance to any UK home, bringing in natural light and creating a sense of space.

In the UK, roof lanterns can be installed on a variety of roof types, including pitched and flat roofs. They're also suitable for new builds and renovations.

A well-designed roof lantern can make a significant impact on a room's ambiance, making it feel brighter and more inviting. This is especially true for rooms with limited natural light.

Roof lanterns are more than just a window, they're an architectural feature that rises above the roof.

They're made from several panes of glass that join to create a pyramid, box or elongated pyramid shape.

Roof lanterns were popular in Victorian times, used to lighten dark stairwells.

You can still buy traditional designs if you want a more ornate feel.

If you prefer a sleeker look, there are numerous contemporary options available.

Roof lanterns are a bit like a high-tech conservatory and a skylight combined.

They use a supporting up-stand, or 'kerb', to hold glass panes in place.

Glazing bars, which are visible from underneath, hold the glass panes together.

The more traditional styles make these glazing bars and connectors a feature of their design.

More contemporary styles have fewer glazing bars for a sleeker look that maximises the amount of light that flows through.

Roof lanterns can be installed on existing roofs, but it's essential to ensure the structure can support the weight of the lantern and any additional features like glass or metal panels.

A typical roof lantern installation takes around 2-5 days, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Before installation, it's crucial to assess the roof's condition and make any necessary repairs to prevent water damage or leaks.

The installation process usually begins with removing any existing rooflights or skylights, followed by the installation of the new roof lantern's framework.

A roof lantern can add a touch of elegance to your home, but what are the benefits of installing one? It channels daylight just where you need it, making areas like kitchens and dining rooms feel brighter and more inviting.

Roof lanterns can be particularly useful in extensions, where bifold doors can leave some areas looking dark and dreary. They bring in natural light and can make your space feel more spacious.

Installing a roof lantern can also make your home feel more connected to the outdoors. By letting in sunlight, it can create a sense of warmth and coziness, especially during the colder months.

If you want to make a statement with your roof lantern, consider placing it to run the length of your dining room table to add a dash of drama. This can create a beautiful focal point in the room.

Placing a roof lantern in a south-facing room will flood it with warmth and natural light. This is because south-facing rooms receive direct sunlight for most of the day.

You can also use a roof lantern to highlight features of your home, such as your kitchen island. This can add more light and head height to the area.

Roof lanterns can be used to brighten up north-facing rooms as well, even though they don't receive direct sunlight. This is because they can cast light from a wider angle than flat rooflights.

If you're worried about the heat from a south-facing roof lantern, look for ones with a subtle blue or clear tint. These can disperse light effectively to reduce glare from the sun.

The type of frame you choose will dictate how well it fits into your existing property.

You should ask yourself if you want a contemporary or traditional look.

Slimline aluminium frames give a sleek, modern feel with low sightlines.

More traditional styles use thicker glazing bars to give a more ornate, classic feel.

Atlas splits its range into contemporary and traditional styles, making it easy to choose.

You can choose from a wide range of colours, such as black on black, black on white, or grey on white.

Other options include stylish grey on grey or classic white on white.

Quick installation is a must for many of us, and the good news is that some roof lanterns offer just that. Quick & Easy installation is available on some models, making it a breeze to get your new roof lantern up and running.

You can choose from a variety of sizes to fit your needs, with bespoke sizes available up to 6m x 4m. That's a lot of space to flood with natural light!

If you're looking for the largest rectangular lantern, you can opt for one with only 4 glass units, measuring 3m x 2.5m (external size). Pyramid lanterns are also available, with the largest option measuring 4m x 4m (external size).

Some roof lanterns come with dual colour options, available at no extra cost when selecting two stock colours. You can also choose from multiple glazing finish options, including clear, neutral, blue, premium clear, premium blue, and premium aqua.

Here are some key glazing specifications to consider:

Toughened & Self-Cleaning Safety Glass is supplied as standard on many roof lanterns, providing peace of mind and easy maintenance.

When choosing a roof lantern, consider the structural integrity of your roof. A roof lantern can weigh up to 50kg, so ensure your roof can support this weight.

For optimal performance, a roof lantern should be installed at a slight angle to allow snow to slide off. This is especially important in areas with heavy snowfall.

In the UK, roof lanterns are typically made from uPVC, aluminium, or wood, with uPVC being the most popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance requirements.

Choosing a U-Value is a crucial consideration when selecting a roof lantern. The u-value measures how well a window stops heat from passing through it, and the lower the U-value, the better it will insulate your home.

All roof lanterns have excellent u-values, with none exceeding 1.6 – the maximum set by building regulations for a new building. This is because roof lanterns are designed to be well insulated, as mentioned in the article.

Roof lanterns with a lower u-value will provide better thermal efficiency. For maximum thermal efficiency and noise reduction, choose triple glazed roof lanterns, which typically have a lower u-value than double glazed options.

A u-value of 1.6 is the maximum allowed by building regulations, but you can opt for a lower u-value for even better insulation. This is a great option if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or noise pollution.

You don't need planning permission for roof lanterns as long as you stick to the rules, which is a relief for many homeowners.

If your changes don't exceed the highest part of your roof and remain within 150mm of the existing roof plane, you're good to go.

You might want to get a 'permitted development' confirmation from your local council to give you peace of mind, but it's not necessary to start work.

Building regulations approval is still required, and your roof will need to meet certain standards like insulation, weatherproofing, and weight-bearing capacity.

Choosing the right frame for your roof lantern is crucial, and it's often a matter of personal style. A contemporary look can be achieved with slimline aluminium frames that give a sleek, modern feel with low sightlines, maximising natural light.

Slimline aluminium frames have low sightlines, which means they don't obstruct your view of the sky. They're perfect for those who want a minimalist look.

If you prefer a more traditional style, thicker glazing bars are the way to go, giving a more ornate, classic feel. These frames are ideal for those who want a more decorative finish.

Atlas, a leading manufacturer, splits its range into contemporary and traditional styles, making it easy to choose the right frame for your needs.