Roof Lanterns have been popular since 16^th century France, where they thrived under the orangery boom. Creating more natural light, Roof Lanterns are a stunning statement piece, and although they may have been around for a while, their technological benefits have boomed. So if you’re considering installing a Roof Lantern, let’s break down everything you need to know.

What is a Roof Lantern?

A Roof Lantern is a glass structure that is installed onto a flat roof, allowing more light into the room below.

They are made up of glass panes combined together with bars, built to look a bit like a mini conservatory. They are a 3D structure, maximising the amount of natural flight flooding into the room; as opposed to a roof light or window, which is flat, and thus offers slightly less natural light.

As Roof Lanterns are additional structures, they add extra height to the room, making the space feel larger and loftier. However, nowadays, if you’re looking for a more contemporary look, you can choose a shallower Roof Lantern so you can enjoy the added natural light, without the more traditional high structure.

Why choose a Roof Lantern over a roof light/skylights?

Roof Lanterns are a great choice if you have a larger flat roof and a darker room. The larger the window, the more natural light is going to enter. As Roof Lanterns have more window panes, and a larger surface area, they bring in more light than skylights. This means that your room is much brighter.

Roof lanterns are also a fantastic option if you live in a more traditional home, such as Victorian properties. The expansive beauty of roof lanterns match the dramatic decoration of Victorian architecture, creating a seamless addition for your home. Skylights are a more modern alternative, and can look mismatched in traditional homes – their sleek minimalism clashing with the traditional grandeur. So if you want to brighten up your traditional home, consider opting for a Roof Lantern.

Additionally, if you want to add height to your ceilings, and create a larger illusion, Roof Lanterns are your best choice. If you’re feeling claustrophobic in your home, the additional height the structure provides will make the space much larger, without the need of an outlandish extension or large brick structure. Roof Lanterns are classy, sophisticated, and add elegance to your home. So enjoy space and style with your new Roof Lantern.

Disadvantages of Roof Lanterns

Although we think Roof Lanterns are a beautiful addition to any home, it’s important to consider any potential disadvantages. For example, the maintenance.

As with all glass structures, Roof Lanters do require fairly regular maintenance. This includes regular cleaning to remove streaks and spots, and fixing any leaks or condensation bubbles quickly.

It’s important to note, that any glass structure requires cleaning – skylights would require the same maintenance. And the cleaning required is not expansive. Simply use a standard Glass cleaner and wipe the panes semi-regularly, just like any other window. We have a guide on our top tips to easy window spring cleaning here if you’d like more information.

In terms of other maintenance needs, a Roof Lantern is relatively low-maintenance. Simply inspect the seals and frames every now and then, and spot any issues or spots.

As the Roof Lantern is in the ceiling, it’s important to deal with any issues quickly. This is because leaks could cause bigger issues such as leaking into your home or damaging furniture underneath.

Interested in your own Roof Lantern installation?

The installation of a Roof Lantern might be a big decision for you, and we want to support you. So contact us today for a free no obligation quote to discuss how a Roof Lantern can brighten up your home.