Guide To Buying a Roof Lantern

Roof lanterns have become more and more popular over recent years and have become a great option for new builds and homeowners building extensions who are opting for flat roofs on their property. 

What is the difference between a skylight and roof lantern?

A rooflight is the name that is used for any glass window in the ceiling. It is often flat in structure and at the same angle as the roof so usually slightly pitched. This style of window is often non-opening or can open via a centre-pivot or is top hung.

A roof lantern differs as it is fitted to a flat roof and projects above the roof, usually in the shape of a pyramid or crested elongated pyramid to let light in from all directions. Lanterns are usually non-opening.

Why Opt for a Roof Lantern

This is often down to preference, a roof lantern is often designed as an architectural feature and gives a much more modern look than a traditional roof light.

It's also got some functional benefits, a roof lantern lets in 3 times more light than a conventional vertical window making it really useful in areas where light is important such as a kitchen where you need to prepare food or offices and dining areas.

What's important when considering a Roof Lantern?

Where is the sun?

A south-facing room will mean that the room is flooded with natural light, but the benefits that a north facing room will get are huge as it will add a lot of natural light to what would otherwise be quite a dark room. It's likely that you'll want a larger skylight in a room that is north facing then you would in one that is south facing. 

Consider how much light will come in and whether the room will become too hot. Also, consider potential exposure to UV rays - some glass won't block these rays. Our Stratus roof lanterns are thermally efficient so will balance with temperatures ensuring the space won't get too hot or too cool. 

Our Stratus Roof Lanterns use thermal break technology to ensure that the room it's installed in is warm in winter and cool in summer.

Will I need planning permission for a roof lantern?

To install a roof lantern you will not normally need planning permission as they can come under permitted development.

We would always recommend consulting regulations and checking with your local planning authority as there are some rules around alterations not projecting any further than 150mm from the existing roof plane and no alteration should be higher than the highest part of the roof. Therefore, it is likely it would be fine for single-story extensions as they won't be higher than the existing roof. 

Do I need to be aware of loads on the roof? 

In short, yes. While standard existing roofs will likely be able to take the additional weight of a lantern in single-story extensions the flat roof may not have been designed to take the weight of a roof lantern.