Many people living on the top floors of flat-roofed rooms face improper light and airflow. Flat roofs can trap heat during the day, especially in tropical or hot climates, making the top floors uncomfortable. You can solve these issues with a well-designed top floor by including roof lights like roof lanterns. With this, you can enjoy more sunlight, unobstructed views, and better breezes.
Did you confuse a roof lantern with an artificial lantern? But these have nothing to do with artificial lighting. A roof lantern is a large roof window designed with integrated ventilation options to improve air circulation and natural ventilation in a home.
Read this blog to understand more about roof lanterns, their types, and installation techniques.
What is a Roof Lantern?
A roof lantern is a type of ceiling window that extends sharply from the ceiling, adding a large angled window to the ceiling, commonly enfolding a large amount of roof space. These systems commonly include operable vents, allowing fresh air in and stale air to be discharged, improving a space’s comfort and air quality.
In the early days, roof lanterns were made only of timber and glass, but modern roof lanterns use advanced materials such as aluminium, timber, and uPVC. Aluminium, in particular, offers slim frames and durability, while uPVC provides affordability and good insulation.
Roof lanterns are typically suitable for flat or low-pitched roofs and help bring in natural light from above. However, for sloped or steeply pitched roofs, you can use pitched roof lights, which allow light in without compromising the roofline.
Roof Lantern vs Skylight
Skylights and roof lanterns are both types of roof lights designed to bring natural light into space from above. Skylights are typically flat or slightly domed windows set into the roof. They allow light and air to enter at a single angle. Roof lanterns are three-dimensional, often pyramid- or ridge-shaped structures that project above the roofline. These allow light and air to enter from multiple angles.
Benefits of Roof Lanterns in Your House
With roof lantern installation, you can enjoy the following advantages in your home:
Enhanced Natural Light
Roof lanterns are specially designed to enhance the natural light flow. These glass roof lanterns, with their tactical positioning, let in sufficient sunlight into the room. This can reduce the dependence on artificial lighting during the daytime. This will directly reduce utility bills.
Improved Ventilation
Many roof lanterns offer ventilation with opening windows or vents. Thus, they are very helpful for kitchens and bathrooms, where it is essential to reduce moisture and improve air circulation.
Energy Efficiency
Modern roof lanterns come with thermally efficient glazing with thermally broken frames. Together, these elements help minimise heat loss during the year’s colder months and reduce heat gain in the warmer months. Hence, they can improve overall energy efficiency, reducing the dependence on the HVAC system.
Aesthetic Appeal
By including this special roof window, you can enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the house. This will give a luxury touch and sophistication to any home.
Increased Property Value
This special feature can attract more potential buyers when you decide to resell your house.
What are the Different Types of Roof Lanterns?
Apex Roof Lanterns
Apex roof lanterns are one of the classic, peaked designs. This allows light from all angles, bringing a sense of height and grandeur to the home. You can add customised ornate detailing to the frames. These roof lanterns can be included in both traditional and modern house designs.
Rectangular Roof Lanterns
Rectangular roof lanterns are one of the popular types of roof lanterns. They are often included in larger rooms such as kitchens, dining areas, or lounges. They are in an elongated shape; hence, you can achieve an abundant flow of light across a wide area. Therefore, they are suitable for open-floor plans and difficult architectural styles.
Square Roof Lanterns
You can include square roof lanterns to achieve balanced light distribution inside smaller spaces. Because they are square in shape, they spread light evenly in small rooms like bathrooms or home offices. They also help fresh air move better in the room. Their neat and balanced design makes the space brighter without making it look crowded.
Octagonal Roof Lanterns
Octagonal roof lanterns have eight sides, so they let sunlight come in from many directions. They offer a stylish and royal look. They work well in living rooms. These lanterns are often used in traditional homes, mainly in round or multi-faced rooms, to create a special and elegant look.
Pyramid Roof Lanterns
As the name suggests, these roof lanterns have a distinctive four-sided peak. This will help to provide symmetry and a sleek, dramatic look. They are best to achieve formal settings, such as above dining tables or central seating areas, providing balanced light and a touch of luxury.
Cupola Roof Lanterns
Cupola roof lanterns are usually built in two levels (two-tiered), making the roof area taller and more eye-catching. They are designed to add a grand and elegant look to a building. These lanterns are mostly used in large estates or old, historical homes, where they act as a key architectural highlight that lets in light and adds height to the space.
Single Slope (Mono-Pitch) Roof Lanterns
Single slope roof lanterns are designed with a single inclined surface, suitable for flat or slightly pitched roofs. They are practical for modern extensions and can be customised for unique spaces.
Factors to Consider Before Roof Lantern Installation
Like other structural elements, roof lanterns require proper consideration before they can be designed, manufactured, and installed on a property. A few major things to look out for are weight, size, rafter considerations, glass options, paint colours, vents, thermal U values, and more.
Before installing roof lanterns, you need to consider the following guidelines:
- Roof lanterns should not protrude more than 150 mm above the existing roof plane.
- The height of the roof lantern must not exceed the highest part of the existing roof. This ensures the addition does not alter the primary roofline or compromise the building’s silhouette.
- For side-facing windows in roof lanterns, if they overlook adjoining properties or boundaries, they should be fitted with obscure (frosted) glazing to maintain privacy.
- According to the National Building Code of India (NBC 2016), glass used in overhead or sloped installations must be toughened or laminated safety glass to ensure safety in case of breakage. Also, clear glass panels should have visible markings (manifestation) to prevent accidental collisions.
- Always check with your local municipal authority or building approval office, as some states or cities may have specific requirements or may require approval for structural modifications to roofs.
Roof Lantern Installation Process in India
Roof Lantern Pre-Installation Checks
Structural Assessment:
Before installing a roof lantern, a structural engineer should check if the roof is strong enough to hold its weight. This is very important for safety and to follow Indian building rules. Any changes to the roof should not weaken its structure.
Planning Permissions:
In many Indian cities, small changes to the roof may not need special permission—if the height and size limits are followed. But it’s always safer to ask your local municipal office, especially if:
- The building is in a heritage area.
- The lantern can be seen from the road.
- The property is flat or has been converted for another use (like a commercial space to residential).
These cases often have more strict rules.
Step-by-Step Installation
Frame Fitting:
First, cut an opening in the roof as per the lantern’s size.
- Build a strong base (called an upstand or kerb) to support the lantern.
- Make sure it is level and waterproof.
- Fix the ring beam or base frame tightly to this upstand by following the manufacturer’s guide.
Fitting the Glass:
- Carefully place the glass panels into the frame.
- Use toughened or laminated safety glass, as required by the National Building Code of India for overhead use.
- Secure the glass using pressure plates or clips so that it fits well and won’t leak.
Sealing:
- Apply high-quality silicone sealant to all the joints and edges to stop water from entering.
- Add flashing and a roof membrane around the upstand for extra protection, especially important during the monsoon season.
Finishing Work:
- Take off any protective film from the glass.
- Clean the surface and check for any gaps or problems in the fitting.
- If any side of the lantern looks into a neighbor’s property, use obscure (frosted) glass to protect privacy, as advised in building rules.
Maintenance Tips for Roof Lanterns
To keep roof lanterns in the proper shape, you can do the following thing regularly:
- Cleaning glass and frames.
- Checking seals and drainage to prevent leaks.
- Seasonal maintenance checks.
Roof lanterns come in a variety of materials, glass types, and shapes to suit different architectural styles and functional needs. Whether you prefer the strength and low upkeep of aluminum roof lanterns, the traditional charm of timber roof lanterns, or the cost-effective insulation of uPVC roof lanterns, there’s an option for every home. You can also choose from glass types like toughened, self-cleaning, or tinted glass for added safety and convenience. You can hire a construction company to complete this work with more efficiency.