WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PUT A ROOF LANTERN?
Whether you are planning a new extension or redesigning your home, roof lanterns are a fantastic way to bring more natural light into your space and create a sense of openness. They also add a statement to any room and can be customised to suit your needs.
From contemporary kitchen extensions to traditional living rooms, roof lanterns have become a popular feature in new builds and renovations. They bring a touch of architectural interest and help connect indoor spaces with the outdoors.
But, where is the best place to put a roof lantern? With so many styles and layouts to consider, it’s important to think carefully about where one will have the most impact.
CAN YOU PUT A ROOF LANTERN ON A PITCHED ROOF?
Due to structural and other constraints, roof lanterns can’t be installed on a pitched roof.
In technical terms, pitched roofs introduce uneven angles and structural ridges that make safe installation difficult. Roof lanterns require a level base to sit correctly, and sloped surfaces make it challenging to achieve a proper seal against rain and wind.
Additionally, the weight distribution is something to consider. A pitched roof may not be able to take the strain and can lead to damage to your home. Attempting to install a roof lantern on a sloped roof would require major alterations that outweigh the benefits.
However, adding a roof lantern to a flat roof is a great way to open up an area and let more light in, while ensuring structural safety and long-term performance.
WHAT IS THE BEST POSITION FOR A ROOF LANTERN?
The orientation of a roof lantern depends on the room in which it is located. When considering installation, take into account the type of light your home receives and the direction it comes from throughout the day.
The different facings will give you do benefits, such as:
– North-facing: If you want to benefit from neutral light throughout the day, this orientation avoids direct sun. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and reduces glare, making it ideal for home offices or studies.
– East-facing: If you prefer sunlight during the morning with it declining throughout the day, this direction suits breakfast areas or kitchens where early light is welcome but heat build-up is less of a concern.
– South-facing: If you want full sunlight for most of the day, this is ideal for brightening darker rooms or cooler spaces. However, you may want to consider solar-control glazing to manage heat during warmer months.
– West-facing: If you’re looking for natural light for the longest amount of time, west-facing roof lanterns work well in spaces used later in the day, such as dining rooms or living areas, where warm evening light adds atmosphere.
WHAT ROOMS ARE THE BEST FOR ROOF LANTERNS?
You can install a roof lantern in any room with a flat roof.
They are particularly effective in dining areas, open-plan living spaces, and stairwells, where overhead light can change the feel of the room.
Adding one above a hallway or landing helps brighten spaces that often lack natural light. If privacy is a concern, such as in bathrooms or rooms that are overlooked, you might consider using solar-reflective glass or integrated blinds.
Roof lanterns also work well in homes with lower ceilings, as they draw the eye upward and create a sense of height and openness.
When choosing when you would like a roof lantern, take into consideration that it might bring too much sunlight into the room. If you add a roof lantern to your lounge, it can increase the amount of glare you get on your TV screen.
Kitchen roof lanterns can help create the feeling of more space, especially in small kitchens. Our Korniche Roof Lanterns are made from aluminium, and the slimmer structure allows for more glass, making it a great way to open up your kitchen. This design allows more light to come into your home while still maintaining a comfortable temperature.
If you are looking for a roof lantern that is lower in cost, then our Wendland Roof Lantern is an excellent choice. Made from UPVC, it is a good alternative to aluminium. By using thermal features, you won’t need to worry about condensation affecting your roof light.
Having a roof lantern in your home allows natural light to fill a room, rather than shining through a single window. This wider spread of light can transform how a room looks and feels throughout the day.
WHAT SIZE ROOF LANTERN DO I NEED?
The size of your roof lantern depends on the size of your house and your budget. You can choose from many different sizes, from standard shapes to more unique shapes.
When choosing the right size, it’s important to consider the proportions of your room and not just your roof space. A lantern that’s too large can overwhelm a smaller area, while one that’s too small may not provide the visual impact or light coverage you’re after.
Ceiling height also plays a role, and in homes with lower ceilings, a slim kerb profile can help avoid a bulky appearance. In large open-plan rooms, multiple smaller roof lanterns can be installed in sequence to distribute light more evenly.
If you are looking for a square roof light, they start at 850mm by 850mm. The largest standard size is 3000mm by 3000mm.
You might have a bigger roof space and want to put a rectangular-shaped roof lantern in. The smallest size is 1000mm by 1000mm, and the largest is 6000mm by 4000mm.
However, if you wanted a unique shape, a bespoke roof lantern would be the best option. Made-to-measure designs are ideal for maximising light in rooms with unusual layouts, and they can be tailored to suit residential and commercial settings.
You’ll also have the option to choose from different types of performance glazing, which can help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs over time. Before sending over sizes, we will work with you to create drawings of your custom roof lantern.
If you are unsure how to measure for your roof lantern, our helpful guide will make sure you get the right size.
DO I NEED ROOF LANTERN PLANNING PERMISSION?
Before purchasing your roof lantern, there are several key considerations to be aware of. A crucial question to ask is whether roof lanterns require planning permission.
Planning permission varies around the country. Your first point of call should be checking with your Local Planning Authority. They will be able to guide you through the process and advise whether you need planning permission or not.
If you plan to install a roof lantern in an approved, new extension, you don’t require any additional permission.
However, different rules may apply if your property is in a conservation area or is listed. In these cases, roof lanterns can still be an option; however, you will likely need to obtain special consent.
This may involve submitting architectural drawings and demonstrating that the design will not alter the building’s character. Getting advice from your local planning officer early in the process can help avoid delays.
Some considerations to take for planning permission:
– You may need to seek permission if: the roof lantern is higher than the existing roofline.
– You might not need permission if: the roof lantern isn’t higher than 4m from ground level.
– There are different planning rules if: you live in a flat, maisonette or converted house.
WHAT ABOUT BUILDING REGULATIONS?
Even if your roof lantern doesn’t need planning permission, there are building regulations that need to be considered as well.
Structural integrity:
Getting an expert structural engineer is important when adding a roof lantern to your house. You will need to make alterations to your room, and reinforcements might be required to support the weight of the roof lantern.
Your installer may use timber supports or steel reinforcements around the opening to help distribute the weight safely. It’s important that this support is calculated and signed off before installation begins.
Weatherproof:
Once the roof lantern has been installed in your home, ensure it is weatherproof. Normally, this is done by using lead flashing around the edges where the roof lantern meets the roof.
To ensure this has been done correctly, builders will perform a water test after fitting to check for leaks. It’s also important to inspect the junctions between the roof surface and the kerb, as these are common failure points if not sealed properly.
Energy efficient:
Roof lanterns that have been installed must meet the requirements for the amount of heat that can pass through the windows. You can check how well the roof lantern is doing this by using the U-value.
Energy performance can vary between glazing types, so look for products with low U-values, which help retain heat in winter and keep rooms cooler in summer. You can also choose solar control or tinted glass to reduce glare and minimise heat gain in sun-exposed rooms.
HOW TO MAXIMISE NATURAL LIGHT WITH A ROOF LANTERN
Once your roof lantern is in place, there are simple ways to maximise the light it brings into your home.
Opting for light or neutral paint colours on your walls and ceilings will help reflect sunlight deeper into the room. Glossy or semi-gloss finishes on surfaces such as kitchen countertops or cabinets can also enhance brightness by bouncing light around the space.
If the room layout allows, placing mirrors on the walls opposite the roof lantern will extend the sense of daylight even further.
Another consideration is the kerb height. A slightly raised kerb can increase the spread of light by adjusting the angle at which it enters the room.
Open-plan layouts also make a difference, allowing daylight to filter into adjacent areas without being blocked by partitions. With just a few thoughtful choices, your roof lantern can have an even greater impact on how your home feels throughout the day.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING ROOF LANTERN INSTALLATION
If you’re planning to add a roof lantern for the first time, it can be helpful to understand the installation process.
In most cases, your builder or installer will begin by marking and cutting the opening in your flat roof. A raised kerb will then be fitted to support the frame, followed by the installation of the lantern itself.
Glazing panels are usually added last, and special care is taken to ensure a watertight finish using sealants and flashing.
Depending on the size of the lantern and the nature of your roof, installation can typically be completed in one to two days. Professional installers will ensure your interior is protected during the work and will typically clean up the area thoroughly once it’s completed.
Most homeowners can remain in the property throughout the process, although there may be some temporary noise and dust to consider.
GET IN TOUCH FOR THE PERFECT ROOF LANTERN
Whatever the shape or size of your roof lantern, the Rooflight Centre can assist with all your needs.
Our team is here to guide you through the process, whether you’re planning a new extension, updating an existing space, or exploring bespoke options. From choosing the right size and orientation to understanding glazing and thermal performance, we’re ready to help you find the best solution for your home.
Contact us for expert advice and fill your home with light with a roof lantern.
