Roof lanterns are more than just a practical way to let more light into your home – they make a striking architectural feature too. If you’re deciding between a roof lantern and a rooflight, or wondering how to find the best roof lanterns for flat roofs, our buyer’s guide is the perfect place to start.
Roof lanterns are more than just a practical way to let more light into your home – they make a striking architectural feature too. If you’re deciding between a roof lantern and a rooflight, or wondering how to find the best roof lanterns for flat roofs, our buyer’s guide is the perfect place to start.
What We'll Cover:
What is a roof lantern?
A lantern roof – or a roof lantern – is a more structured alternative to a rooflight. Usually sitting within a flat roof, it features panes of glazing set in a frame to form a faceted, pyramid-like shape – a bit like a mini conservatory or orangery.
As well as giving extra height to the room below, a roof lantern also maximises the amount of natural light entering the space, making it feel beautifully bright and airy. For this reason, they’re a popular choice for single-storey extensions, as well as large open-plan rooms where light from windows and doors has further to reach.
Benefits of a roof lantern
Perhaps the biggest benefit of a roof lantern is the amount of light it lets into your home. The angled panels let in up to three times more natural light than a standard window, so even the darkest corner appears lighter and brighter. That extra light, together with the sun’s warmth, makes them a good way to save on your energy bills. And you can also position your roof lantern to channel light just where you need it, such as over a kitchen island or dining table.
The way roof lanterns look is another reason why they’ve become so popular. Browse any interior magazine or Instagram feed and you’ll notice them popping up again and again – as much for the aesthetics as for the practical aspects. From the inside, the elegant structures give extra height to the space and make a stunning focal point, as well as clear, uninterrupted views of the sky. From the outside, roof lanterns make an equally appealing architectural feature. They’re a great way to add character to a flat roof, and they can be customised to suit your preference and the style of your home.
Roof lantern vs rooflight
Wondering whether to choose a roof lantern or rooflight? Both types of ceiling glazing are designed to give you more natural light, but there are some key differences between them.
Rooflight (also called roof windows or skylights) are flat panes of glass that can be fitted in a flat or pitched roof. They may be fixed or opening, meaning they can be used to provide ventilation too. Openings can be manual or electric, and they can even be fitted with sensors enabling them to close automatically when bad weather hits.
The simpler the rooflight, the less you’ll pay. And if you’re trying to keep costs down, a rooflight will be a more affordable option than a roof lantern – both in terms of materials and installation. They’re ideal for loft conversions, and because they’re unobtrusive you’ll rarely need planning permission. On the other hand, they won’t make the same grand statement as a roof lantern, and don’t let in as much light, meaning you may need to install more of them to get the same effect.
We’ve already looked at some of the main benefits of roof lanterns – the extra light, the height and the visual impact. Compared to rooflights, they generally cost more but many homeowners consider the investment to be worth it because of how much they enhance their home.
How to choose a roof lantern
Choosing the right roof lantern comes down to your budget, the style of your home, and personal taste. To shortlist the best roof lanterns for your home, think about:
Purpose
Start by thinking about the room where the roof lantern will be situated and how you use the space. Wherever you want that extra light, an important figure to note is the U-value. This is the measure of how well a window stops heat from passing through it. The lower the U-value, the better it will insulate your home – meaning it will help the room stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer.
Material
In the past, most lantern roofs were made with an aluminium frame. But nowadays UPVC is an excellent alternative – it’s affordable, more energy efficient and has a cleaner, sleeker appearance.
Eurocell’s modern Skypod roof lanterns come in a range of colours to complement your existing windows and doors. As for glazing, toughened glass comes as standard. You can also choose clear or tinted glass and, depending on where the roof lantern will go, might want to choose temperature controlled, privacy or self-cleaning glass.
Style
There are plenty of styles on offer today, from traditional and ornate designs to contemporary minimalist ones. Consider the style and age of your property here – a very contemporary-looking glass structure could look out of place on a country cottage.
Size
The size and shape of your roof lantern is partly dictated by the size of the roof and ceiling. Go too big or too small, and the proportions just won’t look right. The largest size we make measures 2.75m x 8.7m.
But we will say that, because of the multiple panes of glass and the extra height they give you, you don’t need a big roof lantern to make a big impact.
Position
Roof lanterns are usually placed in or near the centre of the room. As well as making the room look balanced, this also helps you make the most of that natural sunlight.
You might also want to consider whether you want the roof lantern to highlight a certain feature, like a kitchen island or seating area, or help divide a large space into different zones. Or you might want to line it up with other exterior features, such as windows or bifold doors.
Budget
How much do roof lanterns cost? 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 1.5m, available for under £1,300 including VAT (price correct at time of publishing).
What should I look for in a roof lantern?
Roof lanterns can be a pretty confusing thing to shop for if you’re not in the building trade, so how do you know what to look for? Here’s a few more pointers:
- U-value: this tells you how well the roof lantern stops heat from passing through it. The lower the number, the better. The Building Regulations 2010 state that the minimum U-value for new rooflights in homes is 2.2.
- Ease of installation: how long will your order take to reach you, and how much will installers charge? A kit containing everything you need for a fast, easy installation will make the job more affordable.
- Design options: think about frame configuration, shape and style, as well as the colour of the exterior, interior and glazing.
- Extra features: look out for clever features such as glare-resistant, temperature-controlled and self-cleaning glass.
- Quality guarantee: you want to buy a product that’s made to last, so check it meets the relevant quality standards and carries a guarantee.
Roof Lantern FAQs
Are roof lanterns energy efficient?
That depends on a few things, including the model you choose and how well it’s installed and maintained. With energy-efficient glass and proper insulation, roof lanterns are incredibly energy efficient – they help keep the room warm in winter, cool in summer. Look out for special coatings that reflect the sun’s heat in the summer – a big help if your room’s south facing.
Best position for a roof lantern
There are a few things to think about here. We’ve touched on the reasons why roof lanterns are usually located in or near the centre of a room, and how a roof lantern can complement your home’s existing features.
The direction the room faces will make a difference too. In a sunny south-facing room you’ll really make the most of that natural light. But because roof lanterns cast light from a wider angle than flat roof lights, even a north-facing room will benefit.
Do roof lanterns need planning permission?
In most cases, the answer is no – as long as your roof lantern follows a few simple rules it will fall under permitted development rights. If you’re not sure, check the Planning Portal or get in touch with your local planning authority.
The guidelines for permitted development state that:
1. The roof lantern should not extend more than 150mm beyond the sloping plane of the current roof.
2. The roof lantern height should not exceed the highest point of the existing roof.
3. If positioned on a side elevation roof slope, the roof lantern must incorporate obscure glazing.
4. Unless the height is at least 1.7m above the floor, no openings are permitted in the roof.
Can you add a roof lantern to an existing roof?
Roof lanterns are a popular choice for newbuilds or single-storey extensions. But you can absolutely install one in an existing roof. Roof lanterns can add character and design flair to boxy flat roofs or make an energy-efficient upgrade for an old conservatory roof.
How are roof lanterns installed?
We’ve made ordering and installing Skypod roof lanterns quicker and easier than ever. The most popular colour and size combinations are available to order online, with fast, free delivery. They arrive as a kit, with full instructions and the upstand included.
This said, we strongly recommend using an approved Eurocell installer. Precision matters, and getting a professional in is the only way you can guarantee the work will be carried out to the required standard.
Roof lantern maintenance
Do roof lanterns get dirty? What about condensation? These are two common questions and, again, the amount of maintenance your roof lantern will need depends on the design and materials.
Many roof lanterns, including our Skypod range, come with self-cleaning glass. The special coating reacts with sunlight to break down organic debris. When the glass gets wet, the coating causes it to form a thin layer on the surface of the glass rather than forming droplets. When it runs down the glass, it washes the dirt away with it. While your roof lantern may need a more thorough clean now and then, maintenance is kept to a minimum.
Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold glass. Double or triple glazing helps by reducing the temperature difference, preventing water droplets from forming. If your home is prone to condensation you might opt for a roof lantern with an opening for ventilation.
Roof lantern cost
When it comes to cost, do your research and always check what you’re getting for your money. Be sure to factor in installation costs too – you can read the latest guidance at Checkatrade.
Like any major home improvement, you can look at a roof lantern as an investment rather than just a cost. As well as potentially reducing energy bills, a well-designed roof lantern could also make your home more attractive to buyers if and when you come to sell.
Are roof lanterns a good idea?
Are roof lanterns worth it? For a smaller extension or loft conversion, a simple rooflight could be all you need. But if you want to welcome more sunlight into your home, and create a space with real visual impact, a roof lantern is the obvious choice.
Want to learn more? Download our brochure, view our Skypod range or get in touch to talk to one of our team.