Both a Roof Lantern and a Skylight let in lots of natural light – but what is the difference?
A roof lantern or skylight can transform a room, filling it with natural light and fresh air. Yet when it can be difficult to choose between a roof lantern or sky lantern, mainly because many people aren’t too sure how they differ. With many similar features, it’s hardly surprising that some homeowners are confused, but by understanding which is which, you will be able to determine the most suitable solution for your home.
Roof Lanterns
Roof lanterns tend to be fitted within a flat roof or on a pitched roof that stands out from the roof line more than a skylight would. They are designed to fit easily into a new or existing flat roof and are ideal for single storey extensions.
In terms of its elegant design, a roof lantern is a good choice for period properties and houses that have significant architectural value. They also come in a huge range of frames, including traditional white, PVC, aluminium, black and grey. In terms of practicality, roof lanterns are a great solution for rooms with limited ceiling height.
Roof lanterns are usually installed onto a kerb or upstand system. This creates enough height to ensure that water can effectively run off when fitted onto a flat roof. They can also be vented to provide additional ventilation.
A roof lantern is able to be installed on listed buildings where new window openings in walls are prohibited. This is because a roof lantern can be fitted without the need to alter the external aesthetics of the building.
Skylights
Skylights tend to be better for pitched roofs; however large bespoke skylights can be designed to be fitted on flat roofs and extensions. Skylights can be fitted with electric motors that enable them to be fully opened. This provides the homeowner with added ventilation and if required, access to the roof.
Skylights have the flexibility to be manufactured to suit many requirements. This can include:
· Lantern skylights
· Dome skylights
· Pyramid skylights
· Wide external views
· Remote opening
· Models available for walk-on roofs
Like roof lanterns, skylights can be constructed in a wide range of materials, which have an impact on performance. Glazing is usually either plastic or glass – plastic is cheaper but less durable as it is more susceptible to scratches and discolouration. Glass is more expensive but is visually more attractive and longer lasting. You can choose from tempered, laminated or self-cleaning glass, all of which offer their own unique benefits.
Frames can be aluminium, timber, composite or uPVC, with aluminium proving popular both in contemporary and period homes due to their thin, unobtrusive framework. Timber is classic, whilst composite provides low maintenance, durable, aesthetic appeal with the added luxury of varied colour options and finishes. UPVC is famed for low maintenance and value for money but is not always the first choice when it comes to aesthetics.
Benefits of Roof Lanterns and Skylights
Despite their differences, roof lanterns and skylights come with certain universal benefits, which makes it no surprise that they both continue to grow in popularity.
As long as you choose wisely and buy from an accredited installer, benefits include:
·Exceptional design impact on room
·Additional natural light
·Excellent thermal properties
·Added ventilation
·High standards of efficiency, safety and security
Choose the best
Whether you opt for a roof lantern or skylight, High-Tech Membrane Roofing will help you create a stylish new living space, flooded with natural light and guaranteed to add value to your home.
Our range has been created for today’s style conscious homeowner. Delivering exceptional thermal performance and the architectural refinement you want, you can be sure that with High-Tech Membrane Roofing, your home with have the ‘Wow’ factor you deserve.
We’ll beat like for like price and all of our roof lanterns and skylights are guaranteed for 10 years.
