Roof lanterns have a lot to offer the right project. These glass structures are not only attractive and useful, but they also give the ceiling a sense of drama and space, which might elevate a place to new heights of elegance.
They are perfect for adding flare to projects like single-story extensions and are typically employed on flat roofs. In more open spaces, where natural light from your doors and windows must travel further and exert more effort to retain the impression of lightness and airiness, they also function excellently. If you’re thinking of integrating a roof lantern into your building, you can get all the information you need right here. Every sort of residence may be adorned in a certain manner.
Rooflights vs. Roof Lanterns
A Rooflight is nothing more than a window that is positioned on a non-vertical plane. In contrast, roof lanterns have three dimensions so that they look royal in your home. Roof lanterns were created by the Victorians, therefore as a contrast to flat roof lights, which are more modern and visually adaptable, they are often an aspect of older-style dwellings.
The Building Codes and Roof Lanterns
Building laws should be taken care of as part of the bigger project if your roof lantern is a part of a new house or addition.
However, if you want to put a roof lantern on an existing roof, building control must approve it and examine it. Given that the roof joists will probably need to be altered, it is crucial that the roof lantern opening be structurally sound.
The roof lantern’s opening and thermal efficiency standards will need to be met. The roof lantern would undoubtedly require double glazing, at the very least.
Are There Any Potential Drawbacks to Roof Lanterns?
Check the glazing’s characteristics. Similar to conservatories, roof lantern spaces run the risk of overheating in the summer and underheating in the winter. Consider triple glazing for winter heat retention and low-g glass for summer cooling. Both have the option of low triple glazing, which is around 50% more costly than typical double glazing.
A roof lantern with an opening vent should be avoided. In the summer, when it becomes quite hot, this could be handy. However, this will call for automated opening, significantly increasing the cost.
Installing Roof Lanterns: How Do You Do It?
The carpenters will make the aperture in a new roof during the carcassing procedure. Manufacturers should be able to provide information on the dimensions and any necessary upstands, as well as suggestions for insulating the opening sides to prevent condensation and cold bridging.
Corrugated plastic sheets are helpful here since there is a frequent delay between the roof being constructed and the roof lantern coming on site.
What Are the Prices of Roof Lanterns?
If are you planning to install the best quality roof lanterns then you need to have a proper understanding of them and also know how much budget is needed in them.
- Starting at around £1,100, small timber and aluminium roof lamps are available.
- Flat roof lights are often less expensive since they are simpler to build. There is usually a hefty charge for specially made rooflights or lanterns that are created particularly for you.
What position should my roof lantern be in?
A kitchen is typical for an overhead rooflight installation since this room benefits most from adequate daylighting. Popular locations include above kitchen islands, peninsulas, and over dining tables. Unless there is a unique purpose to putting overhead lighting to one side, it seems sensible to keep it mostly in the middle of the room.
Conclusion
A ladder or a window can be used to reach flat rooftops from the ground, and they frequently offer a secure working surface. External cleaning and upkeep are rather easy to do because they only require the occasional wash and window cleaners are familiar with them.
Self-cleaning glass may be available for your roof lantern as an option. The most widely used type of this glass has a special coating that the sun’s UV rays activate. Organic material that comes into touch with this layer disintegrates and is prevented from sticking to the glass. Typically, self-cleaning glass is 20% more expensive than standard glazing.
