Lantern roofs and rooflights

Lantern roofs and rooflights, also referred to as skylights, are glazing products designed for integration into an existing or new roof and are one of the best products to add an easy solution to let more light into your home.

The range of lantern roofs and rooflights for homeowners includes both contemporary and traditional styles. In addition, roof manufacturers create bespoke atria, roof glazing and roof lights for commercial buildings, retail premises, restaurants and bars.

Lantern roofs and rooflights Solutions

Information about lantern roofs and rooflights

The construction of lantern roofs and rooflights starts with insulated aluminium profiles with a thermal break, then colour powder coated to withstand an external location and all types of weather. 

For the glazing, safety glass generally comes as standard. The U-Values of lantern roofs and rooflights are impressive, designed with double-glazed, highly insulated units. Rooflights, in particular, frequently come with triple glazing for an even more improved thermal performance. 

For two reasons, aluminium remains the material of choice for contemporary glazing to suit various property types and individual tastes. First, for the slimmer sightlines and inherent strength and second, for the larger spans, widths and lengths possible. 

Besides great engineering and design, the roofing industry now makes fitting lantern roofs easier for installers. Besides entirely fabricated lantern roofs, they come in easy kit form. As a result, a simple site assembly makes lantern roofs and rooflights fitter-friendly. 

Walk-on roof lights are popular products due to their ability to provide light while having the strength to be walked on or stood on.  They feature high-strength laminated and toughened double or triple glazing with the option of anti-slip glass and must conform to the current British standards. Walk-on rooflights can be installed to provide light to a basement, patio, or floor to highlight a particular property feature, like a well or historic machinery, while keeping it protected. Sizes of up to 3 metres in length are possible with many walk-on glass rooflight systems.

Lantern roofs and rooflights, brands and systems

It’s good to know there’s no bad product on the market, and you can expect to find current products with thermally insulated profiles, excellent weather sealing and quality glass in a range of options. Choosing your lantern roofs and rooflights is very much based on aesthetics, such as traditional or modern, and the frame’s sightlines.

The homeowner and the trade seem to have a huge choice of roof products; however, there aren’t that many actual systems on the market – many are from the same manufacturer and then re-branded or customised and sold under a different name. This aside, all offer high quality, slim lines and excellent U-Values with the correct glazing installed. Overall, today, aluminium lantern roofs and rooflights are slimmer framed and better than uPVC. You can learn more about the individual brands in our article about the best roof lanterns.

If you would like some advice about whether to choose a roof light or lantern for your project, or to find competent installers in your area, please get in touch.