Architects and designers are always looking at various options to improve the aesthetics of the building. Among the popular trends in recent years is the roof extensions done on home as well as other buildings. These roof extensions can be added to traditional or contemporary styles to make it look fantastic. Roof lanterns are great roof extensions that will increase the market value of the property.
What is a roof lantern?
The roof lantern is not a lantern that is hung from the roof, instead, it is an opening that is made to allow natural light into space. It is a structure that is on top of the roof and is an architectural element for adding more daylight to space below. They are installed above the main roof and each roof lantern can be incorporated even into a conventional roof structure. These roof lanterns provide natural light that can be a great alternative to a low wattage lighting source. When used with the right accessories, it provides good ventilation through effective air circulation.
Roof lanterns are also sometimes referred to as skylights. It is similar to a window that is placed on the exterior walls of a building. These openings are slightly prized above the normal windows due to their special ability to illuminate spaces naturally. A roof lantern is also great not just in the daytime but also at night as you can view the night sky with clear visibility. It is good for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Benefits of roof lantern
- Adds natural lighting to space below making it look brighter and more spacious.
- Adds to the aesthetics of the house creating a wow factor that s not found in solid ceilings
- Makes the space more airy as adding roof lanterns increases the height of the room
- It is low-maintenance as there is no need to clear gutters like in traditional roofs
- They come in various sizes, shapes, types, and designs
- They are easy to fit and can be weathered so that there is no rainwater dripping into space below.
What size roof lantern is needed?
The size of the roof lantern that is needed is mostly based on personal preference. But there are a few factors that have to be considered like the room layout and the roof size. The other obvious consideration is the size of the new roof that you are about to construct or the size of the current roof on which it is installed. Normally, it is uncommon to see roof lanterns spanning the entire roof. It is placed mostly at the center of the roof or somewhere close to it. Another thing to consider is space below the lantern. That is the area where the daylight illuminates the most. It can be the dining table, the island in the kitchen, etc hence the room layout should be considered while considering the roof lantern size.
The most common sizes of roof lanterns are 100×150, 100×200, 150×250, 150x300cm. Direct roofing systems also offer big roof lanterns or can customize it based on your requirements. Even with a small lantern but with slim glazing bars and a good amount of glazing, the lighting can be surprisingly good. But a point to note is that to get maximum sunlight there is no need to get a large lantern.
How to measure the roof lantern size?
The size of the roof lanterns will be product dependent and is measured taking the external curb size into consideration and not the hole in the roof. If you are replacing an existing upstand, then both internal and external measurements have to be taken. A customized roof lantern may have to be installed in such cases. If you are considering glass lanterns then upstands have to be constructed onsite and external. The roof lantern eaves sit on the upstand with a drip edge.
To install a roof lantern or skylights there is no need for any permission for building authorities. But there are a few regulations in place which state that the roof should not be more than 150 mm from the existing roof. If you are altering the roof then there may be a few other regulations. If the house is a single-story building, its lantern may project the neighbor’s roof which can be a challenge. If you are in doubt, it is best to check with the local authorities.
Choose a reputable company to get the lanterns to get the maximum benefits of it. Ensure that the product is made from high-quality materials so that it is secure.
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