Roof lanterns offer a modern and stylish focal point to just about any home, bathing the interior with swathes of natural light. This wonderful addition of light is not the only benefit, however.
Read on to find out some of the key advantages of roof lanterns and why installing one could be the perfect investment in your home.
Roof Lanterns Let in More Natural Light
Due to the large amount of daylight a roof lantern brings in from above throughout the day, it can make your home look much more spacious and brighter, even in north-facing rooms. However, it's not just your home that can benefit, as increased natural light can also reduce your reliance on artificial lighting; you can too.
The health benefits of natural light
Studies have shown that the more natural light we're exposed to, the more serotonin we produce. More daylight can also lift your overall mood. More light exposure is also thought to reduce anxiety symptoms and will drastically help those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Exposure to natural light helps your skin absorb vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for regulating amounts of calcium and phosphate in the body. An increase in vitamin D in the body can promote healthy bones and have many benefits for physical health. Who knew a roof lantern acts like an overhead window, adds height to the structure, and had such amazing health benefits?
Roof Lanterns - Energy Efficiency, Energy Savings & Temperature Regulation
Roof lanterns can help to keep a room warm. They offer excellent thermal performance, thanks to their advanced double glazing. They help retain warmth inside the room while leaving cold air outside, meaning you could save a fortune on your energy bills!
Historically, glazed extensions like conservatories are known for being too hot during the summer months and too cold during the winter months. Not anymore, with modern technology.
And you won't have to worry about condensation on a roof lantern, either.
Aluminium Roof Lanterns Tailored to Suit Your Aesthetic
These lanterns look amazing in pictures, and they're breathtaking in the flesh. As a modern glazed roof feature, they're available in styles with clean lines, and their elegant, sophisticated appearance is sure to blow you away. Traditional looks can include glazing bars, while contemporary designs use a slimmer frame. It's possible to change the colour to suit your aesthetic and create the home of your dreams.
Still wondering, is a roof lantern suitable for my home?
Well, when adding an extension to your home, roof lanterns are the ideal option. Unlike skylights or flat rooflights, a roof lantern vs skylight comparison shows the key differences in how each suits a space, especially for rooms that don't border external walls and, of course, those with flat roofs. They'll look as good from the outside as they do the inside, too.
Roof lights are ideal if your loft is converted, but you cannot use standard windows or add much vertical glazing. They'll allow increased natural light to flow into your roof space (a notoriously darker part of the home).
Excellent Value for Money
Now you know how amazing a roof lantern is, you may want to know how much a roof light like this costs. The short answer? It depends on size and the materials used.
uPVC lanterns are generally cheaper because the material cost is relatively minimal, but other materials on the market, including timber and aluminium, can offer a longer lifespan.
That's why we only use the highest-quality aluminium in our aluminium roof lanterns - they are market leading products made from premium materials, so they last much longer and look simply stunning.
The initial cost of having a roof lantern installed may be somewhat high, but they will last you near enough a lifetime. Larger models can be up to 4000mm by 2000mm, which can mean a higher cost depending on the project.
Add value to your home
A roof lantern adds value to your property, can contribute to increased property value, and may appeal to prospective buyers, making it an excellent investment option. From aesthetics to efficiency, roof lanterns give every property with a flat roof an interesting architectural element.
And what does that mean?
You could make more when it comes time to sell your property! Because they are so highly sought-after, these roof lanterns could even add value to your home if you ever decide to sell, for the aforementioned reasons and added sale appeal.
Solar Heating
Another benefit of installing a roof lantern is the solar gain it brings, and quality glazing can help retain heat and support your home's thermal efficiency. This can make rooms significantly warmer during the winter months, with modest energy savings and more inexpensive bills over time. Heat is let in through the roof lantern, meaning you might be able to reduce the thermostat from time to time, with some glazing options covered or coated to reduce glare or overheating in summer.
Reduce Noise
Modern technology has greatly improved the glass that makes up a roof lantern. Similar to windows, a lantern's noise-reducing performance depends on quality glazing. Our lanterns can help reduce noise in your living spaces, including from traffic and rainfall.
What does this mean? Your roof lantern could just help you get a sound night's sleep without outside disturbances!
They Look Stunning!
There's no denying that a roof lantern looks incredible in just about any home or setting, and it can also enhance perceived ceiling height to make a room feel taller and more open. They also offer amazing views and allow you enjoy much more of the outdoors, inside—for example, by framing more sky and changing the whole feel of the space.
What's not to love?
FAQs
Are roof lanterns worth it?
Roof lanterns are sleek, modern, energy-saving and a great investment in your home. In particular, modern roof lanterns can outperform standard alternatives for both light and efficiency, especially with high-performance glazing and thermally broken aluminium frames that improve insulation. They also offer more architectural presence than skylights and tend to spread daylight more widely through the room. They provide the perfect talking piece while allowing a plethora of natural light to flood your home. Plus, thanks to their durability, they won't require replacing anytime soon.
Do lantern roofs leak?
One of the major benefits of roof lanterns is they are robust and secure, meaning they are highly unlikely to leak. They can easily withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, so you'll never have to worry about them letting water in through your flat roof.
How long do roof lanterns last?
A roof light offers excellent value for money. As they are durable, hard-wearing and completely resistant to unsavoury weather conditions, you can expect a roof lantern to last upward of 30 years and likely longer.
Wrapping Up
The benefits of roof lanterns are numerous. From increasing your home's value to elevating some of the detrimental symptoms of mental health conditions, such as seasonal affective disorder, it's no wonder these additions to the home are proving so popular, and they can let in up to three times more light than skylights.
Adding a beautiful added architectural element to just about any home, these lanterns act as a key component of a flat-roof extension by bringing extra height, light, and style to the space.
To get the best result, installation needs careful structural planning, as roof lantern works look most balanced on a sufficiently large roof area and may require steelwork or reinforced openings for proper support. For thermal performance, look for details that reduce cold bridging, with features such as aluminium cappings helping create a sleek finish. Building regulations approval is required, and planning permission may also be needed depending on the project, but in many cases the roof lantern should not exceed 150mm above the existing roof plane.
