Roof lanterns good or bad?

7 years ago

Considering having a roof lantern for a kitchen extension, apart from advertisements which are obviously biased towards them can't really find out much balanced information. I.e pros and cons. Can Houzz please assist?

BTW if we do proceed you may/ may not want to feature our story. A large, period, six bed roomed,three bathroom property in Cardiff ( come on Houzz we really don't see enough of Wales in your features! ) which is too large for the two of us. So we are planning on extending??!! A super large kitchen L shaped and amazing. Hopefully! Thanks for any advice

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PRO

Kitchenpod - Temporary Kitchen Hire (Home use)

7 years ago

We had flat roof lights put in because of height issues with permitted development. We also have a lot of glazing at the back of our kitchen. We are south west facing and it sometimes gets hot so pls bare in mind the total amount of glass in your kitchen area. A lantern that can be opened to release trapped hot air would be helpful. Will you stay in the house during the renovation or plan to move out? Regards Ed

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Comments (7)

PRO
OnePlan
7 years ago
There's different types available - for Welsh weather I'd suggest the ones that keep the heat in best !
So ask about the thermal properties when you look !!
Avoid the plastic bubble type ones as the rain makes a massive noise under them and they are noticeable colder standing under those !

If you need a freelance concept planner onboard ( who can then submit project to Houzz to feature ) drop me a line ! Kind regards
Karen
OnePlan
Freelance concept planners - selling only design
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Hello PG. Your question is an interesting one! With regard to the size, it really depends on the look you wish to create. If you're looking to create an orangery style extension which is very popular at the moment, a larger lantern would be worth considering particularly from the perspective of adding the ‘wow factor’. However if the idea is to add a little light, then the smaller sizes you mention would certainly work. It's perhaps worth highlighting that the sliding folding doors will add light into the front of the extension but if you're looking to add light into adjacent rooms, a larger lantern would again be worth considering. You are very welcome to send your plans to us and we would be pleased to advise further. The link below is a project in London, the size of the longer roof lanterns are 2.4m x 1.2m. Hopefully this will give you an indication of the light created by a roof lantern of this size. Also like this example, you might like to consider more than one roof lantern to help define areas. We offer roof lanterns in purely aluminium and a combination of timber and aluminium. https://www.houzz.co.uk/projects/1427135/wrap-around-extension-featuring-3no-roof-lantern-installations-in-london
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I agree, anthracite grey would tie in with the rest of the house, the roof tiles and pointing etc. Much softer than black, grey will be more sympathetic to the style of building. I would also frame the new bifold entrance way with some evergreens planted in large clay pots if you can afford this. This will make the rear elevation far more welcoming and interesting and enhance your fabulous new doors! See following link: Soft Landscaping
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Good morning Kim, Heat collecting in the highest point with opening windows can be useful during summer to cool the house down. The sound of rain is quite calming and comforting for some, making you feel nice and protected whilst in touch with the outdoors. One factor to consider is UV rays. Glass even with UV ray protection only cuts out some of the rays. Therefore any white surfaces can turn yellow and timber can fade. The main benefit is the light and airy feel that you can achieve. Alternatively can also be achieved utilising sun pipes to reduce the loss of heat and the noise. If you decide on a roof lantern, my advice is to go with frosted glass. This disperses the light more for a brighter and airier feel, does not show dirt as easily and does not create squares of light on surfaces. The frosted glass will make any UV effects gradual and more unnoticeable. I would also avoid white finishes on items which cannot be re-painted once the colour has turned. Timber skylights are most sustainable as well as some metals. Many thanks for sharing, Ellen Utley Interior Designer
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i have a good quality supplier with fairly good prices (covering most of London and m25) if you need there details send me a private message
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ianthy
7 years ago
I prefer the roof lights - the flat version. I think it looks more contemporary and stylish. Of course it does depend on the style of your design etc.,
PRO
Exact Architectural Glazing
7 years ago
Hi.

We supply (and fit if needed) aluminium roof lanterns and flat rooflights so are therefore biased towards them but I hope the info below will help you!

Pros
- Fantastic way to improve the appearance of a flat roof extension, providing a striking centrepiece
- Opens your ceiling up to the sky, maximising light flow
- Makes rooms look bigger and brighter instantly.
Cons
- Heat loss - of course, incorporating a roof lantern to your extension will result in more heat loss than just a flat roof, the same as putting windows in a room does! Including a roof lantern opens up the room and gives a feeling of space. Our roof lantern system is thermally broken and addresses the issue of heat loss well, with a high thermal performance and overall U-value as low as 1.2 (0.7 with triple glazing)
- Cleaning the glass - our roof lanterns have self-cleaning glass
- Expense - an aluminium roof lantern is perceived as a high value product; we can offer a very competitive quotation!
Other Points (valid for our roof lantern system)
- Solar Control Glass stops sun rays bleaching your furniture. It also improves the lantern's thermal properties.
- Openers for ventilation - these can be included if required
- Our roof lantern has only a 25* pitch keeping sightlines low and unobtrusive. Some lanterns have as much as 40* pitch. We also supply a flat glazed unit if you're looking for a more modern style.
- Slim 40mm rafter bars (competitors products are up to 150mm) and no tie bars
- Subtle design for the external rafter caps
- Quality powder-coated finish available in any RAL colour
Sorry a bit late answering your question. Please feel free to give us a call or email if you want any more info or images for inspiration.

Kind Regards

Keely

keely@xactbp.co.uk | 01428 748255 | xactbp.co.uk
PRO
Lifestyleblinds
5 years ago
We love Roof lanterns but find our customers complain about heat loss in the winter and gain in the summer. We refer them to https://www.skylight-blinds-direct.co.uk/skylight-roof-lantern-blinds-lanternlite.html which is a great company because people can buy their own zip roof lantern blinds that are electrically operated and fit them themselves which saves them £1000's. The blind is called the LanternLITE and is the first blind of its kind that we have found that people can fit themselves.

Here are their details if you are interested 0800 008 6293 sales@skylight-blinds-direct.co.uk
HU-258134302
4 years ago
What did you decide on this in the end? We're just about to convert a single storey pitched roof extension into a kitchen and want to either to a vaulted ceiling with velux's or a flat roof with a lantern. I'm concerned about the noise from rain, excessive heat/light and would like to know the pros and cons! Thanks in advance!
PRO
Skylight Blinds Direct
4 years ago
Hi there

the pros out weigh the cons in our opinion as you are bringing light into the home with both roof lantern windows and velux windows. You will need several velux windows to bring light into your extension but only one roof lantern. One thing to consider is that blinds for velux windows are more costly than blinds for roof lantern windows. The main con you will get from your windows is light/glare and heat gain and loss. our blinds are thermal and you can have antiglare and blackout fabric and that will solve that problem. Good luck with the build.

https://www.skylight-blinds-direct.co.uk/skylight-roof-lantern-blinds-lanternlite.html

Roof lanterns good or bad?

Kitchenpod - Temporary Kitchen Hire (Home use)

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