Few home improvements have as much visual impact as a roof lantern. But how practical are they throughout the year? And will you need planning permission to get one installed?
If you love the way roof lanterns look but you’ve still got a few niggling questions and concerns, this blog is for you. We answer all your roof lantern FAQ’s below.
What is a roof lantern?
A roof lantern, sometimes called a lantern roof, is a glass structure set within a (usually flat) roof to let light into the room below. With panes of glazing set in a frame to form a square or elongated pyramid shape, it’s a more elaborate alternative to a flat skylight.
The 3D structure isn’t just decorative however – the angled glass lets more light into your home, as well as giving extra ceiling height. They’re perfect for single-storey extensions, and work especially well in large open-plan rooms with limited light from doors and windows.
Pros and cons of roof lanterns
Let’s begin with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of roof lanterns. Starting with the positives:
Roof lanterns let in more light
Unlike flat skylights, the different panes of glass on a roof lantern let in light from every angle, meaning even north-facing rooms will appear much brighter.
They make rooms feel bigger
More natural light plus extra ceiling height creates the illusion of a bigger space.
They’ve got the wow factor
From the inside, you get a beautiful focal point and stunning sky views. And they’re equally attractive from the outside, adding character and design flair to even a simple extension.
Roof lanterns can help you save energy
Extra light, plus the sun’s warmth, could help you save on your energy bills.
They’re ideal for flat roofs and flat-roof extensions
They can also be installed along the ridge of a pitched roof, and added to an existing building or conservatory.
Then we’re onto the cons, and time to address a few common reservations:
Roof lanterns can be expensive
A roof lantern will take up a bigger share of your budget than a basic skylight. But thanks to innovations in materials, such as UPVC, the actual cost may be lower than you think.
They can be tricky to clean
Thoroughly cleaning the outside of a roof lantern is a job for your window cleaner. However, that might not be necessary – many roof lanterns, including our Skypod range, now come with self-cleaning glass – a special coating that reacts with sunlight to break down dirt and debris.
They can make the room too hot or too cold, and cause condensation
While this is a risk, it’s one you can minimise. Look for a low U-value, which tells you how well the glass stops heat passing through it. Since condensation is caused by temperature difference, energy-efficient glazing will help with this too.
Do roof lanterns add value?
It’s difficult to quantify how much value a roof lantern will add to your home. But estate agents and property experts agree that a well-designed roof lantern makes a home more attractive to prospective buyers and that can increase the asking price. Even if you don’t sell for a while, you may still benefit from greater energy efficiency and – hopefully – lower heating costs in winter.
So, how much do roof lanterns cost? As you’d expect, it depends on the size and specification you choose. Our Skypod roof lanterns come as ready-to-install kits, with the smallest in the range, at 1m x 1m, available at under £1,300 including VAT at time of publishing.
As for installation costs, Checkatrade reports that the average roof lantern installation cost in the UK could be anywhere from around £3,600 to £9,000.
Do I need planning permission for a roof lantern?
If you’re installing a roof lantern as part of a new build or extension it won’t need any additional permission.
In most cases, adding a roof lantern to an existing flat roof is a permitted development and won’t need planning permission, as long as:
- The roof lantern doesn’t protrude any higher than 150mm from the existing roof plane.
- The roof lantern isn’t any higher than the highest part of the house roof.
- Any side-facing windows must be obscure glazed to protect neighbours’ privacy.
- Any openings must be at least 1.7m above the floor.
Note that these guidelines are for houses – if you live in a flat, maisonette or converted home the rules will be different. If the home is a listed building, or in a conservation area, the rules will be stricter.
Roof lanterns and building regulations
If you’re installing a roof lantern in an existing roof, you’ll need to have it passed and inspected by building control to make sure it’s structurally sound.
The roof lantern and its opening will also have to meet the current requirements for thermal efficiency – that’s a minimum U-value of 2.2 for new rooflights in homes. Eurocell’s Skypod range offers heat insulation, with U-values as low as 1.0.
Do roof lanterns make the room cold?
People often wonder how well a roof lantern will cope with the extremes of British weather. Do they make the room cold? Are roof lanterns noisy when it rains? Are they prone to condensation?
While these are valid concerns, modern roof lanterns are cleverly designed to minimise heat loss, noise and condensation. Instead of draughty single glazing, they’re made with double or even triple-glazed panes. Frames are also constructed with thermal breaks – materials with low thermal conductivity used to prevent the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of the frame.
With energy-efficient glass and proper insulation, roof lanterns are incredibly energy efficient, helping to keep the room warm in winter, cool in summer. Double or triple glazing helps to prevent condensation – it reduces the difference in temperature between warm air and cold glass, helping to prevent water droplets from forming. And it also provides excellent sound proofing, muffling even the heaviest downpour.
Where should a roof lantern be placed?
Roof lanterns are generally placed in the centre of the room to make the most of that natural sunlight. In a large open-plan space, you might use a roof lantern to help divide the room into zones – for example, by placing a roof lantern over a kitchen island, dining or seating area. You might also consider the location of exterior features, such as windows or bifold doors, and make sure the addition of the roof lantern is well balanced.
How long does it take to fit a roof lantern?
We’ve designed Skypod roof lanterns to be as easy as possible for your installer to fit. They arrive as a kit, with full instructions and the upstand included, and the most popular colour and size combinations can be ordered online and delivered in days.
A builder or tradesperson can create an opening in a new roof. If there’s a delay before the roof lantern is delivered, the installer will use corrugated plastic sheets as a temporary cover. Once your roof lanterns have arrived on site, installation can normally be completed in a matter of days. The roof covering material is installed over the upstand, before the roof window itself, and the final waterproofing takes place when the window flashings are fitted onto the upstands.
Are roof lanterns worth it?
A roof lantern is undoubtedly an investment, but the difference it can make to your living space is huge. As with any building project, you should research roof lanterns fully before making your choice. By learning about the advantages and the potential downsides, you can make better choices now and gain a lighting feature that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
Take a look at our Skypod roof lanterns, learn more about the technical specifications or get in touch to talk to one of our expert team. We’re always happy to answer questions and help you envisage how your space could look.
