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A Guide to Roof Lanterns
In recent years, there has been a major rise in the demand for home-improvement. In the past, people generally moved house when they outgrew their current home, but with the high cost of moving, and house prices having risen sharply in recent years, it has become difficult for many people to buy the property they want. As a result, an increasing number of homeowners are now choosing to extend or adapt their existing homes to create extra space. And, because the homeowner isn’t starting from scratch, they often end up with a better-designed and more stylish space than if they moved house.
With the increase in home extensions, there has been a rise in the demand for roof lanterns to provide extra light and to brighten gloomy areas. Roof lanterns are increasingly popular with homeowners because they offer a number of benefits over traditional skylights.
So, what exactly are roof lanterns and why are they so popular?
Roof lanterns, also known as sky lanterns, are a glass structure which are largely installed on flat roofs and are typically seen on single storey extensions. They are often positioned in the centre of the room enabling light to flood in. Perfect for large, open-plan living spaces such as kitchen extensions, not only do they offer the benefit of natural light, but they can also help make a small space feel larger due to the elevation of the ceiling.
When most people think of adding a roof lantern to their home, they envision a complex and expensive project. However, installing a roof lantern is a relatively simple process for a professional contractor. The process of installation on an existing flat roof, usually involves removing a section of the roof, installing the lantern, and then re-sealing the roof around the new window. Finally, the contractor will replace any damaged insulation and install new roofing material to finish the project.
How do Roof Lanterns differ from roof skylights?
When it comes to letting natural light into a home, there are two main options, skylights and roof lanterns. Both skylights and roof lanterns can help to brighten a dark room, but there are some key differences between the two. Skylights are typically installed within the slope of a roof, while roof lanterns are fitted on top of a flat or pitched roof. Skylights may be a more inexpensive option, but roof lanterns tend to be larger and more dramatic, which allows them to let more light in. Skylights can be opened for ventilation however, while most roof lanterns cannot.
It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each option before making a decision, and ultimately, the best option for your home will depend on the size and layout of the room, budget, and the homeowner’s specific needs and preferences.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of roof lanterns?
There are so many benefits to installing a roof lantern in your customer’s roof. The most obvious benefit already mentioned, is the increased natural light that it can provide, and, with the steep rise in energy bills in 2022, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day will help to keep energy costs down. A roof lantern is a striking addition to a room, it can add value to the home, as well as making the outside more attractive.
Letting in natural light can, however, create unwanted additional warmth in the summer months. Having our ambi blue glass, or lantern blinds fitted in the lantern can help to control the temperature in the room and reduce any glare from the sun. These blinds are specifically designed for this type of sky or roof light. They are available in a variety of styles and can be operated manually or with a motorised system. Roof lantern blinds are typically custom-made to fit the specific window size and shape, and as such, they are often not a low-cost solution.
Before embarking on the installation of a roof lantern, it is also important for the homeowner to check whether they will need planning permission. This will depend on the period of the house, the size of the lantern and many other factors. If the project does not need planning permission, there are still building regulations that apply to roof lanterns, and a structural engineer will need to be consulted before installing a lantern into an existing flat roof. We would always recommend consulting your local planning authority for advice.
The EDGEsky Roof Lantern
Edge Building Products are a leading supplier of aluminium roof lanterns in Chichester and Horsham, and provide a high quality roof glazing products and services. This product is completely bespoke in both colour and size, and, with an aluminium frame, EDGEsky offers a solution to suit almost any home, no matter what the period of the building, or the style.
Our roof lantern is a striking and attractive addition to any room; and it includes blue tinted, self-cleaning glass, meaning it needs very little maintenance. It fits simply to a pre-formed weathered upstand on the homeowner’s flat roof, and EDGEsky can be made to any size up to 4000 x 6000m, with a fixed pitch of up to 25 degrees. We can also supply lanterns with more rafters if a more traditional look is required.
When homeowners make changes to their houses or embark on an extension that might benefit from the natural light that a roof lantern can provide, it is always important to do some research into the type of product that would suit the home best. If you are considering the installation of a roof lantern, Edge Building Products are happy to discuss your requirements and help advise on colour and size. We provide our customers with exceptional service, high quality products and the very best advice, knowledge and information available.
Our focus is on excellent customer service, meaning we go above and beyond to help you get the most out of your building products. We have trade counters in Croydon, Horsham and Chichester. Please contact us on [email protected] or telephone 0345 021 3333.