Last Updated on 23 April 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Glass Roof: What are they and how much do they cost?
A glass roof is a glazed structure integrated into a flat roof—typically in the form of a roof lantern or flat roof light—and prices generally start from around £544, depending on size, specification, and installation.
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like a flood of natural light to make a space feel more luxurious, more open, more you. If you’re planning a home extension or thinking about replacing your conservatory roof, a glass roof might just be the stylish, practical upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why lanterns and roof lights are leading the way in modern glazing and how they could completely transform your home.
What You’ll Learn in This Article..
- What is a glass roof and how does it work?
- Choosing between a roof lantern and flat roof lights
- Top benefits of glass roof systems
- Common concerns—heat, leaks, planning permission and more
- Our expert tips for choosing the right product
- FAQs
What Is a Glass Roof System?
In simple terms, a glass roof is an architectural glazing solution that replaces part of your solid roof with toughened glass. Whether it’s a glass roof lantern in the centre of your extension or flat glass roof lights embedded above your kitchen island, the aim is the same—maximum light, minimal fuss, and a whole new vibe to your space.
A glass roof system typically includes thermally efficient glazing units and aluminium frameworks. Options range from flat roof glass windows to pitched lanterns, depending on your style and structure.
Within our collection, we offer:
- Korniche Aluminium Roof Lanterns
- Atlas Aluminium Roof Lanterns
- Korniche Flat Glass Roof Lights
All are specially engineered for flat roof installations only.
Conservatories vs. Roof Lanterns & Roof Lights: What’s the Real Difference?
We’re often asked—what’s the difference between a conservatory and adding a lantern or roof light to an extension? It’s a great question, especially if you’re trying to decide how best to bring more natural light into your home.
Conservatories: Lots of Glass, Less Control
Conservatories are fully glazed spaces, often used as sunrooms or add-on lounges. While they’re bright and airy, older versions can suffer from temperature extremes and often don’t integrate as seamlessly with the rest of the house.
Lanterns & Roof Lights: The Modern Upgrade
Adding a lantern or roof light to a flat roof extension (like a kitchen diner or orangery) creates a much more integrated living space. You maintain excellent insulation and acoustic performance while flooding the room with natural light. It’s also a popular choice for renovating orangeries, giving them a new lease of life and that luxury feel.
Roof Lanterns vs. Flat Roof Lights
Roof Lanterns
These architectural centrepieces rise above your flat roof to create a striking visual focus.
We recommend:
- Korniche Aluminium Lanterns: Slim sightlines, self-cleaning glass, thermally broken frames, super-fast install.
- Atlas Aluminium Lanterns: Ultra-modern profiles, excellent U-values, minimal bars for maximum glass.
Flat Roof Lights
Prefer something more low-profile? Korniche Flat Glass Roof Lights are ideal for those who want all the benefits of roof glazing without an elevated frame. They sit flush with the internal plaster line, giving a clean, minimalist finish from the inside.
Benefits of Glass Roof Systems
A well-designed glass roof system does far more than just look good. It plays a transformative role in how your space feels, functions, and even performs energy-wise. Here are the core benefits you can expect:
1. Natural Light Boost
Glass roofs allow significantly more daylight into your home compared to solid roofing. This creates a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere that can boost your mood and reduce your reliance on artificial lighting during the day. It’s perfect for spaces like kitchen-diners, living rooms, or garden rooms where natural light is key.
2. Improved Aesthetics
From the outside, roof lanterns like the Korniche and Atlas models add architectural interest and a contemporary edge. From the inside, they create stunning focal points, enhance interior design possibilities, and frame gorgeous sky views. With slimline profiles and minimal sightlines, your view takes centre stage.
3. Energy Efficiency
Modern glass roof systems are engineered for exceptional insulation. With features like thermally broken aluminium frames and low-emissivity glass, they help retain heat in winter while keeping excess heat out in summer. Options like argon-filled double glazing and solar control coatings improve comfort and lower energy bills.
4. Low Maintenance
Today’s systems are designed with everyday life in mind. Many of our products include self-cleaning glass options, which use UV rays to break down dirt and rainwater to wash it away. Less time on ladders, more time enjoying your space.
5. Design Flexibility
Whether you’re creating a grand open-plan extension or updating an existing orangery, there’s a glass roof system to match. Flat roof lights offer subtle elegance while pitched lanterns deliver drama and scale. Add to that the range of RAL colours, sizes, and glass finishes, and your roof becomes a bespoke feature tailored to your vision.
6. Increased Property Value
A well-executed extension or renovation that includes a glass roof not only enhances your lifestyle but can also increase your home’s market value. Prospective buyers often view light-filled, open-plan spaces as highly desirable.
7. Year-Round Usability
Thanks to modern insulation and solar control glass, rooms with glazed roofs are no longer just for the summer months. These spaces stay warm in winter and cool in summer, turning your extension into a true all-season room.
Glass Roof Common Concerns: Addressed
Heat and Glare
Today’s high-performance glazing, like Korniche’s Ambience range or Atlas’ solar control options, solves overheating issues with reflective coatings and insulated units.
Leaks and Condensation
With thermally broken aluminium and integrated seals, our roof systems are engineered to stay watertight, weatherproof, and low maintenance. For the best results, it’s crucial to ensure your roof is professionally fitted by an experienced roof lantern installer—even the best products can underperform if not installed correctly.
Planning Permission
Usually not needed for roof lanterns and flat lights as part of a single-storey extension under permitted development, but always double check with your local authority.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Glass Roof Product
Think about the purpose of the room
A large kitchen-diner might benefit from a dramatic lantern, while a snug garden room may suit a sleek flat rooflight.
Consider the size of the opening
Korniche lanterns can span up to 6m x 4m with intermediate rafters—great for big impact.
Match your frame colour
Match your frame colour to windows and doors for a seamless look.
Choose self-cleaning glass
Go for self-cleaning glass to minimise maintenance, especially in hard-to-reach places.
Our Top Recommendations
For a statement finish..
The Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern combines precision engineering with award-winning design, ultra-slim profiles, and industry-leading thermal performance. It’s perfect for homeowners who want to add a real architectural wow factor to their extension.
For a modern, minimalist aesthetic..
The Atlas Aluminium Roof Lantern delivers sleek lines, minimal bars, and flush internal finishes. It’s a go-to choice for creating that high-end, contemporary feel in any flat roof extension.
For a sleek, flush finish..
The Korniche Flat Glass Roof Light blends effortlessly with plastered ceilings, providing a clean, subtle design with exceptional thermal performance and almost invisible internal sightlines.
Ready to Transform Your Space with a Glass Roof? Here’s What to Do Next
If a glass roof is part of your vision, we’re here to help make it happen. At GFD Homes, we offer an outstanding selection of products from industry-leading suppliers, including Korniche and Atlas. All of our roof lanterns and roof lights are precision-engineered for performance and are a fitter’s dream to install—making your home upgrade easier from start to finish.
Need expert guidance? Give us a call on 01642 309576 and we’ll walk you through your options to help you find the perfect product for your space.
FAQs about Glass Roof
Is a glass roof expensive?
Costs vary depending on size and spec, but you’re investing in high-performance glazing. Korniche and Atlas options are competitively priced, offering premium quality and excellent long-term value.
Do you need planning permission for a glass roof?
In most cases, no—not if it’s part of a permitted development extension. Always best to double check if you’re in a conservation area or listed property.
What are the disadvantages of a glass roof?
Concerns like overheating and cleaning are solved with modern glazing tech: think solar control, self-cleaning coatings, and thermally broken frames.
Can an extension have a glass roof?
Absolutely! That’s what they’re made for. Whether it’s a new kitchen extension or an orangery renovation, flat roof lanterns and lights add elegance, warmth, and value.
Your home deserves the best – these reads will help..
- Roof Lanterns & Rooflights – Your Questions Answered
- Roof Lantern Sizes: What are my options?
- Trade Glass Roof: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village.
