Last Updated on 12 March 2025 by Josh Lucas
Bringing natural light into your home can completely transform your living space, making it feel brighter, larger, and more inviting. One of the most stylish and effective ways to achieve this is with roof lanterns or rooflights.
Whether you’re renovating an existing space, extending your home, or simply looking to enhance its aesthetic appeal, roof lanterns offer both form and function.
However, with various styles, materials, and installation options available, choosing the right roof lantern requires careful consideration.
You might be wondering about factors like cost, insulation, maintenance, and whether planning permission is required. That’s where this guide comes in!
In this comprehensive resource, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about roof lanterns—from how they work to common concerns and practical installation tips.
From how they work to common concerns like energy efficiency and maintenance, this guide will answer all your burning questions and help you make an informed decision.
Your Top Questions Answered:
- What is a roof lantern?
- How to measure a Korniche roof lantern
- How to stop flies in a roof lantern
- Are roof lanterns a good idea?
- Do roof lanterns make your home cold?
- Are roof lanterns noisy when it rains?
- Can you get blinds for roof lanterns?
- Can you put a roof lantern on a pitched roof?
- Do you need planning permission for a roof lantern?
What is a Roof Lantern?
A roof lantern is a striking architectural feature designed to introduce natural light into your home. Installed on flat roofs, it consists of a raised, multi-pane glass structure supported by a durable aluminium frame.
Unlike a traditional skylight, which sits flush with the roofline, a roof lantern is elevated, creating a more dramatic effect and maximizing daylight exposure.
Modern roof lanterns are engineered for both aesthetics and performance. They often feature double or triple-glazed panels that improve insulation while reducing glare and heat loss.
Many high-quality models, such as Korniche and Atlas roof lanterns, incorporate thermally broken aluminium frames to enhance energy efficiency, preventing cold bridging and maintaining a comfortable indoor climate year-round.
These features make roof lanterns particularly popular for home extensions, orangeries, and kitchen renovations, where homeowners seek to create a bright and airy space.
With sleek, slimline designs, they offer unobstructed sky views, seamlessly blending style and practicality in any home.
Unlike a traditional skylight, which is flush with the roofline, a roof lantern is elevated, allowing more light to flood into your home. These structures often consist of a durable aluminium frame with double-glazed or triple-glazed glass panels. They are perfect for extensions, orangeries, and kitchens, bringing an airy, spacious feel to any room.
How to Measure a Korniche Roof Lantern
Measuring for a Korniche roof lantern is straightforward but requires accuracy.
Step 1: Measure the Internal Opening
Start by measuring the internal opening where the lantern will sit. Use a tape measure to get the length and width in millimetres for precise sizing.
Step 2: Allow for the Kerb Upstand
Most roof lanterns require a kerb upstand, which is typically 150mm all around. This ensures structural integrity and a proper fit.
Step 3: Consider the External Dimensions
The external dimensions of the roof lantern will be larger than the internal size, so factor this into your calculations when planning your installation.
Step 4: Consult the Experts
If you’re unsure, reach out to GFD Homes for professional guidance to ensure a perfect fit and avoid costly errors.
How to Stop Flies in a Roof Lantern
Flies and insects can sometimes be attracted to the light and warmth of a roof lantern. Here’s how to keep them at bay.
Install Retractable Blinds or Insect Screens
Adding blinds or insect screens can help keep pests out while still allowing light to enter your home.
Ensure Good Ventilation
Proper airflow can help prevent stagnant air, which often attracts flies. Consider opening nearby windows or using a ventilation system.
Use Natural Deterrents
Citrus sprays or essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint can be effective in repelling insects without using harsh chemicals.
Keep the Frame and Glass Clean
Regularly wiping down your roof lantern frame and glass prevents dust and debris build-up, which can attract pests.
Are Roof Lanterns a Good Idea?
Absolutely! Roof lanterns offer several benefits.
Increased Natural Light
A roof lantern allows significantly more daylight compared to flat rooflights or traditional skylights, brightening up your interior space.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
A roof lantern adds a stylish and modern touch to your home, making any room feel more spacious and inviting.
Increased Property Value
Well-designed roof lanterns can boost your home’s market value, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Modern roof lanterns feature advanced glazing and thermally broken aluminium frames, helping to keep heat in during winter and out during summer.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While roof lanterns come with many advantages, it’s important to weigh potential challenges as well.
Cost Considerations
The price of roof lanterns varies depending on size, materials, and glazing options. Premium models with features like self-cleaning glass and smart blinds can be costly. However, they can also add value to your property and improve energy efficiency, which may offset the initial investment.
Installation Challenges
A roof lantern requires professional installation to ensure proper sealing and structural integrity. If not fitted correctly, it could lead to leaks or thermal inefficiencies. Additionally, installing a roof lantern in an existing roof may require structural reinforcements, which can add to the cost and complexity of the project.
Maintenance Requirements
Although many modern roof lanterns come with self-cleaning glass, occasional maintenance is still necessary to keep them looking their best. Debris, bird droppings, and condensation can build up over time, requiring cleaning with a long-reach tool or professional service.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the benefits of roof lanterns often outweigh the challenges, making them a fantastic addition to many homes. Absolutely! Roof lanterns offer several benefits.
Are Roof Lanterns Cold?
Not at all!
Modern roof lanterns are designed with thermal efficiency in mind, ensuring your home remains warm in winter and cool in summer.
Unlike older roof structures that could lead to significant heat loss, today’s roof lanterns incorporate advanced materials and engineering to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Thermally Broken Aluminium Frames
High-quality roof lanterns feature thermally broken aluminium frames containing insulating barriers that prevent heat from escaping.
This design effectively stops cold bridging, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable throughout the year.
Advanced Double or Triple Glazing
Most modern roof lanterns come equipped with high-performance double or triple glazing, providing excellent insulation.
With U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K, these glazing options minimize heat loss while maximising natural light. Many also include Low-E coatings, which reflect heat back into the room while allowing light to pass through, further enhancing insulation.
Solar Control and Self-Cleaning Glass Options
Some roof lanterns offer solar-controlled glass, which helps regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain in the summer while retaining warmth in colder months.
Self-cleaning glass coatings also ensure the surface remains clear, reducing the need for frequent maintenance while maintaining energy efficiency.
Energy Savings and Comfort
Thanks to these modern advancements, roof lanterns provide a comfortable and cost-effective way to bring natural light into your home without compromising thermal efficiency.
Investing in a well-insulated roof lantern can help reduce heating costs, improve overall comfort, and create a bright, inviting living space year-round.
Are Roof Lanterns Noisy When It Rains?
Some homeowners worry about noise, but high-quality roof lanterns come with glass options that reduce rain impact noise.
However, the level of noise experienced can vary based on weather conditions and glazing type.
Light Drizzle vs. Heavy Rain
During light drizzle, the noise from raindrops is minimal, often creating a calming ambient sound.
However, in heavy downpours, the impact noise can be more pronounced, especially on standard glazing.
This is where choosing different glazing options can make a significant difference.
Self-Cleaning Glass
Korniche and Atlas models feature self-cleaning glass, which not only reduces maintenance but also dampens sound.
The combination of high-performance glazing and insulated aluminium frames helps mitigate rain noise effectively, making roof lanterns a great choice for homeowners looking for both style and comfort.
Want more insights? Read our latest blog posts on home extensions, flat roof designs, and energy-efficient glazing here.
Can You Get Blinds for Roof Lanterns?
Yes! Whether it’s to reduce glare on your screens, maintain privacy, or keep the room cooler in summer and warmer in winter, the right blinds for roof lanterns can make all the difference.
Types of Blinds Available
You can choose from electric, manual, pleated, roller, or honeycomb-style blinds, depending on your preferences.
Smart Control Options
Some roof lantern blinds are available with smart controls, allowing you to adjust them via remote or app-based automation.
Can You Put a Roof Lantern on a Pitched Roof?
Roof lanterns are specifically designed for flat roofs and require a level surface for structural stability. Installing a roof lantern on a pitched roof would create major water drainage issues, increased wind resistance, and structural complications, making it impractical and unsafe.
However, if you’re looking to bring more natural light into a pitched roof space, there are two great alternatives to pitched roof lanterns:
- Roof Lights (Skylights) – Ideal for sloped roofs, these provide a seamless way to bring in daylight without compromising the roof structure.
- Dormer Windows – These are another excellent option, creating additional space while letting in more light.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Roof Lantern?
In most cases, roof lanterns fall under permitted development, meaning no planning permission is needed. However, exceptions include:
- Covering More Than 50% of the Roof Area: Your roof lantern should not exceed 50% of the total roof area. If it does, planning permission may be necessary.
- Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: If your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building, you may require planning permission before installing a roof lantern.
- Exceeding Height Restrictions: If your roof lantern extends more than 150mm above the existing roofline, planning permission is required.
If in doubt always check with your local planning authority!
Get Your Perfect Roof Lantern Today
A roof lantern can transform your space, flooding it with natural light, enhancing energy efficiency, and adding a stunning design feature.
Whether you’re planning a home extension, renovating a kitchen, or simply want to bring more light into your living space, the right roof lantern makes all the difference.
From measuring and planning to installation and maintenance, this guide has covered everything you need to know. Now, it’s time to take the next step!
Thinking about adding a roof lantern? Call our expert team on 01642 309 576 or get an instant quote online at GFD Homes.
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