How to Choose a Roof Lantern for Your Flat Roof? An In-Depth Guide
Choosing the right roof lantern for your flat roof can quietly transform your home, improving both looks and feel while helping to cut energy bills. It's not just about a stylish highlight above the hallway; behind the glass lie crucial questions of strength, insulation and long-term upkeep that will either delight you year after year or turn into costly headaches.
Nowadays you can easily find multiple manufacturers, frame materials and configurations to choose from, which may make the selection process difficult. However, having some basic knowledge and asking the right questions will help you select a roof lantern that meets all your requirements and functions optimally for a long time.
We would like to share some key principles that differentiate superior roof lanterns from their mediocre counterparts based on our experience.
Understanding Roof Lantern Construction
Every roof lantern installed on a flat roof has a frame and a glazing system which outlines its construction. The most expensive lanterns have aluminium or timber framing and each material has its own advantages based on the use case and aesthetics you desire.
Aluminium frameworks offer appropriate weather resistance. Their corrosion protection, coupled with a good strength-to-weight ratio, makes them ideal for larger installations or buildings located in harsh weather conditions. Aluminum frameworks require very low maintenance, so if you’re looking for a headache free solution, this is your choice!
Warmth, natural insulation, beauty and aesthetic charm are the advantages of timber construction. On the negative side, timber incurs costs in maintenance and preservation work. Treated timber, when well maintained, adds to a property's charm, whether contemporary or traditional and speaks of reliable service for several decades.
Assessing Size and Proportions
When deciding on the size, balancing aesthetics and function requires keen attention to detail. A room balanced with the right roof lantern should receive enough natural light while not overheating during hot weather.
The purpose of the room should always be factored in when considering the dimensions. Unlike bedrooms and study rooms which may benefit from smaller roof lights that lessen glare, living rooms and kitchens need more light, thus could use larger lanterns.
Existing conditions of the flat roof may impose restrictions on the size of lanterns. Larger ones may pose considerable structural modifications such as needing additional load bearing beams. To maintain structural integrity while determining the best dimensions for installation, consult with a structural engineer.
Assessing Energy Efficiency for Roof Lanterns on Flat Roofs
Energy efficiency should be a primary consideration when choosing a roof lantern for your flat roof installation. A well-insulated building will significantly reduce heating and cooling costs while maintaining a cosy temperature in the winter months.
Solar heat gain coefficients reflect how much solar energy enters through the glazing. While natural illumination is often beneficial, excessive solar gain can be problematic during warmer months. Special consideration should be given to south facing installations.
The most efficient contemporary lanterns reach less than 1.5 W/m²K for the entire unit. This figure exceeds the minimum requirements of current construction regulations and guarantees savings in the long run.
Considering Ventilation Options
Adequate ventilation minimises condensation, supports a healthy indoor atmosphere and aids in the building's upkeep. Many roof lanterns come with opening vents or can be equipped with automatic temperature and humidity-controlled ventilation systems. Nonetheless, natural ventilation doesn’t need to depend on an opening skylight – if that room has windows, doors or any other opening elements that allow the air to circulate it is frequently enough to prevent condensation.
Manual opening vents allow control over airflow but add functionality beyond light admission. Depending on the height of some fittings, consider the access ease to these vents for unassisted operation.
Understanding the Installation Specifications
Professional installation is crucial when installing a roof lantern. Not every roofer will have sufficient skill for roof lantern installations and as such, this becomes a specialised trade.
Assess prospective installers based on familiarity with roof lanterns for flat roofs, not general roofing. To evaluate builders and check satisfaction metrics on service and workmanship value, gather case studies from prior installations alongside references.
Final Decision Making
Considering the above helps achieve an informed decision along with performance, aesthetics and cost. Avoid making the selection on the initial investment only. In most cases, high-quality products translate to lower overall costs due to reduced maintenance expenses and increased durability.
At Rooflights and Skylights UK, we understand the complexity of choosing the right roof lantern for your unique requirements. Let our professionals walk you through every step of the selection process so you get a well-informed choice that meets your needs and surpasses expectations. Reach out so that we may chat about your project and get to inform how we can assist you in attaining the desired mix of functionality, beauty and worth.