Roof lanterns vs flat rooflights: which should you fit?
Roof lanterns and flat rooflights both bring light into a flat roof. Here is how they differ on light, head height, cost and where each one works best.
They solve the same problem differently
Both put daylight into a room with a flat roof over it. A lantern sits proud of the roof in a pitched, faceted shape. A flat rooflight sits flush or with a very slight pitch.
Light
A lantern's angled faces pick up light from more directions through the day, so the room brightens earlier and stays brighter longer. A flat rooflight gives a cleaner, more even light directly below it.
Head height and ceiling
A lantern adds visual height and makes a room feel taller. On a low ceiling that's a real gain. A flat rooflight keeps the ceiling line uninterrupted, which suits a minimal extension.
Outside appearance
From the garden, a lantern is a feature. A flat rooflight is almost invisible. On a period property a lantern often looks more at home; on a flat-roofed contemporary box, the rooflight usually wins.
Cost and cleaning
Lanterns generally cost more and have more surfaces to keep clean. Flat rooflights are simpler, and self-cleaning glass is worth having on either if the roof isn't easy to reach.
Our steer
Bigger room, lower ceiling, traditional house: lantern. Smaller opening, modern extension, flush ceiling line: flat rooflight. We'll show you both at survey.
Tell us what you're thinking of doing.
We'll come out, look at the job properly and give you a written price. No charge, no obligation, and nobody will ring you six times afterwards.
Someone who's actually done the work will answer.
- info@acornhome.co.uk
- Address
- 54 St James Street, Liverpool, L1 0AB
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat by arrangement
- Area
- Liverpool, Crosby, Formby, Southport, Maghull, Bootle and across Merseyside