Last Updated on 21 February 2025 by Tia Ellahi
Roof Lanterns: What are they and are they worth it?
Roof lanterns are raised, glazed structures designed for flat roofs, allowing natural light to flood a space, and they are worth it for their aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and ability to create a brighter, more open living environment.
Adding a roof lantern to your home is a fantastic way to flood your space with natural light, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. But before you invest, you likely have a few questions—about cost, installation, maintenance, and whether it’s the right choice for your home.
This guide covers everything you need to know about roof lanterns, answering the most common concerns homeowners have.
What’s Covered in This Guide?..
What Is a Roof Lantern?
A roof lantern is a glazed structure that sits atop a flat roof, acting as a stylish and functional skylight. Unlike standard rooflights, lanterns have a raised design with multiple panes of glass framed in aluminium, offering slimmer sightlines and an elegant architectural touch.
Are Roof Lanterns a Good Idea?
Absolutely! Roof lanterns offer plenty of natural light, improved ventilation, and aesthetic appeal. They’re especially popular for kitchen extensions, dining areas, and renovated orangeries, adding a luxurious feel while keeping rooms bright and airy.
Key Benefits:
- Maximise daylight – Flood your home with natural light.
- Energy efficient – Modern designs like Korniche roof lanterns feature thermally broken frames for superior insulation.
- Sleek design – Choose from ultra-slim frames and minimal sightlines to complement modern interiors.
Common Concerns About Roof Lanterns
Do Roof Lanterns Make the Room Hot?
Not necessarily. Modern glass roof lanterns come with solar control glazing, which reduces heat gain while allowing plenty of natural light. Options like Korniche roof lanterns offer self-cleaning glass with U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K, ensuring year-round comfort.
Are Roof Lanterns Cold?
No, if you choose the right one. Aluminium roof lanterns are fully thermally broken, meaning they prevent heat from escaping. High-performance double glazing ensures rooms stay warm in winter and cool in summer.
Are Roof Lanterns Noisy When It Rains?
A common worry, but modern glazing technology significantly reduces noise. Choosing high-quality laminated glass helps dampen rain impact, ensuring a quieter indoor experience.
Do Roof Lanterns Leak?
With proper professional installation, roof lanterns should never leak. Products like Korniche and Atlas roof lanterns feature advanced weatherproof seals and precision-engineered aluminium frames for superior watertight performance.
Practical Considerations
Can You Get Blinds for Roof Lanterns?
Yes! If you need shade or privacy, roof lantern blinds are available in manual or electric options. Expect prices to start from around a few hundred pounds, depending on the size and style.
Can You Put a Roof Lantern on a Pitched Roof?
Roof lanterns on pitched roofs are not typically feasible, as they are primarily designed for flat roofs due to structural challenges. However, alternatives like skylights or dormer windows may be better suited for sloped roof designs.
Do Roof Lanterns Open?
Some do! Ventilated roof lanterns provide natural airflow, helping to reduce condensation and improve air quality. Others, like our roof lantern ranges, come with the option to add openers for ventilation, offering greater flexibility to suit your needs.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Roof Lantern?
In most cases, no. Roof lanterns fall under permitted development as long as they don’t protrude more than 150mm beyond the sloping plane of the current roof. However, always check with your local council for specific regulations.
How Much Do Lantern Roofs Cost?
Roof lantern pricing depends on size, materials, and installation.
- Small roof lanterns (1m x 1m): From £800 – £1,150
- Medium-sized lanterns (3m x 2m): Around £1,150 – £1,500
- Large, bespoke designs: £1,500+
How to Stop Flies in Roof Lanterns?
Flies and insects can be drawn to light, especially in summer. To prevent flies in your roof lantern:
- Keep windows and doors closed or install fly screens.
- Use citronella candles or essential oils near entrances.
- Consider roof lantern blinds to reduce attraction to light.
How to Clean the Inside of a Roof Lantern?
When cleaning your roof lantern, if it features self-cleaning glass—like our options do—you’ll primarily need to clean the interior glass, as the exterior is designed to stay cleaner for longer:
- Use a long-handled squeegee or telescopic duster.
- A mix of warm water and mild soap works best.
- Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the glass.
Final Thoughts: Are Roof Lanterns Right for You?
A roof lantern is more than just a stylish addition to your home—it’s a game-changer for natural light, aesthetics, and overall ambience. Whether you’re upgrading an extension, planning a new build, or simply looking to brighten up your space, a high-quality aluminium roof lantern offers slim sightlines, energy efficiency, and year-round comfort.
With options for ventilation, solar control glazing, and bespoke designs, there’s a perfect solution for every home. If you’re considering a Korniche or Atlas roof lantern, you can rest assured that you’re investing in cutting-edge design, durability, and easy installation.
Call us on 01642 309576 to start your roof lantern journey today.
FAQs about Roof Lanterns
How Long Does It Take to Install a Roof Lantern?
Installation times vary depending on the size and structure of your roof, but in most cases, a roof lantern can be installed within a day.
With professional installation, our Korniche roof lantern can be fitted in minutes thanks to its innovative design, while the Atlas roof lantern arrives pre-assembled, making the process even quicker and hassle-free.
Can You Add a Roof Lantern to an Existing Roof?
Yes! Retrofitting a roof lantern is possible, but your roof must be flat to accommodate the installation. It may also require structural reinforcement to ensure proper support. For the best results, professional installation is recommended to guarantee a secure and weatherproof fit.
How Tall Should Outdoor Lanterns Be?
When installing a roof lantern, it must not protrude more than 150mm beyond the sloping plane of the existing roof to comply with building regulations. Proper positioning ensures it integrates seamlessly into your roofline while maximising natural light and maintaining an elegant, unobtrusive design.
Warning: Reading these articles may cause an uncontrollable urge to upgrade your home!..
- Atlas Roof Lanterns Contemporary: Stylish, stunning & durable
- Korniche Roofs: Award-winning roof lanterns & home glazing solutions
- How to Maintain & Repair a Roof Lantern
