Roof Lantern Size Calculator
Roof lanterns are a great choice for homeowners wanting more natural light and style. They can bring in up to three times more sunlight than regular windows. This makes them more energy-efficient and adds a bright, airy feel to any room.
Choosing the right roof lantern size is key. It must match your room and roof size while looking good and working well.
This guide will help you pick the best roof lantern size for your home. We’ll cover everything from dimensions and proportions to building rules and how to install them. You’ll get all the info you need to make a smart choice that fits your space perfectly.
Key Takeaways:
- Roof lanterns can let in up to three times more sunlight than traditional windows, enhancing natural light and energy efficiency.
- The maximum size available for Korniche roof lanterns is 6000mm long x 4000mm wide.
- Glazing bars can be spaced at 600 to 900mm centers for a traditional appearance.
- Neutral Solar Control Glass can reduce the sun’s heat by about 60%.
- Roof lanterns are designed with a fixed pitch of 25 degrees and hips on both ends, but SpanGard models offer variable pitch, shapes, and glass specifications.
What is a Roof Lantern and Why Choose One?
A roof lantern is a special feature that sticks out from the roof. It acts like a big skylight or window, letting in lots of natural light. This makes the room below feel bigger and more open. Roof lanterns also make your home look better, inside and out.
Enhancing Natural Light and Style
Roof lanterns are great for getting more natural light into your home. They let in sunlight in a unique and eye-catching way, making your space feel warm and welcoming. They also make your home look more elegant and sophisticated, fitting many styles.
Benefits of Roof Lanterns
- Improved energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting
- Increased property value due to the desirable architectural feature
- Ability to customize the size, shape, and finish to suit your specific design preferences
- Health benefits from increased exposure to natural light
- Visual appeal that enhances the overall style and character of a home
Looking to brighten a room, add architectural interest, or enjoy natural light? A roof lantern can change your home for the better.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Roof Lantern Size
Choosing the right roof lantern size is crucial. First, look at the room’s dimensions and layout. This helps figure out the best size and spot for the lantern. The overall size of your roof is also key, making sure the lantern fits well and doesn’t look too big.
Room Dimensions and Layout
Experts say a roof lantern should cover 15-20% of the floor space to let in enough natural light. Think about where you’ll place the lantern on the roof too. This affects how much light it brings into the room.
Roof Size and Lantern Placement
Roof lanterns come in standard sizes, but custom sizes can look better with the building’s look. A lantern that’s too big can overwhelm the room, and one that’s too small won’t make much difference. It’s wise to talk to experts to see if you can change an existing lantern’s size. They can tell you about size limits due to the building’s structure.
| Roof Lantern Size | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 100cm x 150cm | Smaller rooms or alcoves |
| 100cm x 200cm | Medium-sized rooms or extensions |
| 150cm x 250cm | Larger rooms or open-plan spaces |
| 150cm x 300cm | Spacious rooms or grand entrances |
“A smallish 100x100cm lantern can let in a surprising amount of sunlight, while a 150x250cm lantern provides an excellent area of light for a medium-sized roof.”
Popular Roof Lantern Sizes and Proportions
Choosing the right roof lantern size is key for your home’s look and feel. Roof lanterns make rooms brighter and can let in up to 3 times more natural light than regular windows. Common sizes like 100x150cm, 100x200cm, 150x250cm, and 150x300cm are popular for their balance of light and style.
Think about the room’s design when picking a roof lantern size. Rooms facing south get more sunlight, so larger lanterns might be a good choice for north-facing ones. Big lanterns can look odd, and small ones might not light up the room enough. Regular lanterns usually don’t go bigger than 4 meters wide or 3 meters long, but bigger ones might need extra support.
| Roof Lantern Size | Dimensions (Length x Width) | Kerb Width | Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100cm x 150cm | 67-80mm | 25 degrees |
| Medium | 100cm x 200cm | 67-80mm | 25 degrees |
| Large | 150cm x 250cm | 67-80mm | 25 degrees |
| Extra Large | 150cm x 300cm | 67-80mm | 25 degrees |
While these sizes are popular, your project might need custom sizes. Roof lanterns can be very energy-efficient, with a U-value as low as 0.6 using 44mm triple glazing. The type of glass and the roof’s structure also affect the size and cost of the lantern.
“Roof lanterns are a fantastic way to bring more natural light into a space, and the right size can make a significant difference in the overall feel and ambiance of a room.”
By looking at popular sizes and your home’s needs, you can find the perfect roof lantern. Skylights are cheaper but might not light up a room as much as a single lantern.
Measuring and Installing Your Roof Lantern
When you order a roof lantern, it’s key to give the right size for the external kerb. The external kerb is the timber upstand where the lantern sits. It should be at least 150mm tall and 69mm wide. This upstand is built on-site by the installer to meet building rules and keep water away.
You need to give the size of the external kerb when buying a roof lantern. This includes a 12mm overhang on all sides. To find the total size you need, use this formula: Roof Lantern Order Size = Roof Opening Size + (External Upstand Width x 2) + 12mm. For example, an upstand of 69mm on each side means a total size of 1150 x 1150 mm.
Understanding External Kerb Measurements
It’s vital to follow the maker’s guide and local building codes for installing roof lanterns. A 150mm upstand is often advised for flat roofs to keep water away and protect against weather. You should measure the upstand’s length and width, or the opening size, for correct fit and water flow.
Building Regulations and Upstand Requirements
GFD Homes offers Atlas and Korniche lanterns with a 67mm and 69mm upstand, respectively. Roof lantern specs tell you how much overhang is needed for water runoff, tailored to your roof. Always check with local authorities about roof lantern rules for building codes, especially for safety and energy saving.
Talking to experts can help pick the right size and way to install your roof lantern for the best look and function. Double-checking your measurements is key for a smooth install of a roof lantern.
| Roof Lantern Dimensions | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Square-shaped | 850 x 850 mm | 4000 x 4000 mm |
| Rectangular-shaped | 850 x 732 mm | 6000 x 4000 mm |
Roof lanterns work well on different roof directions, like south, north, east, and west, to bring in natural light. They come in various sizes for different roofs and styles, from small to big. Rooflights and skylights are also great for adding more natural light and beauty. GFD Homes guarantees their lanterns for 10 years, showing their quality and lasting power. Measuring outdoor lanterns needs careful thought for weather resistance and durability.
Customizing Your Roof Lantern
A custom roof lantern can change the look and feel of your home. You can pick from many sizes and styles to match your home’s design and inside look. This lets you make a feature that’s all your own.
You can choose the roof lantern design and the frame colors to match your home. The glazing type affects how it looks and works. For example, Korniche’s glazing helps keep your home cool and saves energy.
You can also pick the roof lantern finishes and accessories to make it your own. Whether you want something modern or classic, you can choose. Adding things like special blinds or lights makes it even more unique.
Customizing your bespoke roof lantern makes it a key feature that boosts your home’s look and value. It can fit any style, making your space look better.
| Roof Lantern Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Korniche Roof Lantern | Most popular for homesEasy and quick to installGlazing that keeps heat out |
| Wendland Roof Lanterns | Made from UV-stable PVC for long lifeWorks great in kitchens and bathrooms |
| SpanGard Roof Lanterns | Great for business buildingsThermal glazing for top performanceCan be made to order |
| Atlas Roof Lanterns | U-values from 1.60 to 1.43 for double-glazed models |
| Korniche Roof Lanterns | Glazing with a U-value of 1.2Available sizes from 85 x 85cm to 250 x 250cm |
| Contemporary Roof Lanterns | Size options from 100cm(W) x 150cm(H) to 250cm(W) x 400cm(H) |
| Regular Roof Lanterns | Choices include 100cm(W) x 200cm(H) and 200cm(W) x 400cm(H) |
For help with permits, call 01786 357252. Installing Atlas and Korniche lanterns is easy with basic tools like a cordless screwdriver and sealant.
“Customizing your roof lantern lets you make a unique feature that improves your home’s look and function.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right roof lantern size is key to brightening your space and adding beauty. Think about your room’s size, your roof, and the common sizes available. This way, you can pick a roof lantern that looks great and works well.
Make sure to measure your roof’s edge carefully and follow all building rules. Look into custom options to make your home’s addition unique. Today’s roof lanterns use new glazing and insulation to save energy. Some even have double or triple glazing to keep your home cozy by stopping heat from leaving.
With the ideal roof lantern size, your space will look better, your home’s value will go up, and you’ll get lots of natural light. This light is good for your health, giving you more Vitamin D and making you happier. You can install it yourself, hire a private builder, or choose a company package. Either way, a well-picked roof lantern will be a smart choice for years ahead.
FAQ
What is the most common size for a roof lantern?
Common sizes for roof lanterns are 100x150cm, 100x200cm, 150x250cm, and 150x300cm. These sizes offer a good mix of natural light and beauty without taking up too much space.
How do I determine the right size roof lantern for my space?
Think about your room’s size and layout, your roof’s dimensions, and where you’ll place the lantern. It’s advised that the glazing area should cover 15-20% of the floor space for enough natural light.
What are external kerb measurements and why are they important?
External kerb measurements are the size of the timber upstand the lantern sits on. This upstand, 150mm high and 69mm wide, meets building regulations and ensures water drains properly. Always provide these measurements when ordering a lantern.
Can I customize the size and design of my roof lantern?
Yes, many roof lanterns can be customized. Choose from various frame colors, glazing types, and accessories to match your home’s style and decor.
Do I need planning permission to install a roof lantern?
Usually, you don’t need planning permission for a roof lantern as it’s considered a permitted development. But, always check with your local planning authority to follow building regulations.
How much natural light will a roof lantern provide?
Roof lanterns bring in a lot of natural light, up to three times more than regular windows. This can make a room brighter, more open, and more energy-efficient.
Are roof lanterns noisy when it rains?
Modern roof lanterns have features like high-performance glazing and insulation to reduce rain noise. With the right installation and materials, they shouldn’t be too loud.
Do roof lanterns add value to my home?
Yes, roof lanterns can increase your home’s value. They improve the look, bring in more natural light, and make rooms feel bigger. These features can attract buyers and raise your home’s value.
Source Links
- https://www.sterlingbuild.co.uk/info/roof-lantern-sizes – What Size Roof Lantern Do I Need? | Sterlingbuild
- https://www.rooflightcentre.co.uk/product/korniche-roof-lanterns/ – Roof Lanterns | Korniche – Best Prices & Fastest Delivery | RLC
- https://www.alufolddirect.co.uk/roofing/what-size-roof-lantern-should-you-choose – What Size Roof Lantern Should You Choose?
- https://www.prestige-roof-lanterns.co.uk/2017/11/30/navigating-roof-lantern-sizes-big-need/ – Navigating Roof Lantern Sizes – How Big Does it Need to Be?
- https://www.gfdhomes.co.uk/blog/what-size-roof-lantern-do-i-need/ – What Size Roof Lantern Do I Need? | GFD Homes
- https://www.sterlingbuild.co.uk/info/roof-lantern-sizes?srsltid=AfmBOop9qTA3UYsof2lVskwqcXGFX0i4UlpEmcdokj8EgIHc2FNSU4t7 – What Size Roof Lantern Do I Need? | Sterlingbuild
- https://www.gfdhomes.co.uk/blog/what-size-roof-lantern-do-i-need/?srsltid=AfmBOopkyJUpoq-0rgJOgWALkfTTjP3f0ipeTm5m6qp3PTnLycODFlTP – What Size Roof Lantern Do I Need? | GFD Homes
- https://www.rooflightsolutions.co.uk/blog/what-size-roof-light-do-i-need-rooflight-sizing-guide_42 – What Size Roof Light Do I Need? Rooflight Sizing Guide | Rooflight Solutions
- https://www.gfdhomes.co.uk/korniche-aluminium-roof-lanterns/product/korniche-aluminium-roof-lantern?size=76&glass=3&colour=1 – Korniche Roof Lantern In White (Ral 9010G) – (3000mm x 1500mm)
- https://addlite.co.uk/how-to-measure-and-install-your-korniche-roof-lantern/ – How to measure & install Korniche roof lanterns | Addlite
- https://www.gfdhomes.co.uk/blog/how-to-measure-for-a-roof-lantern/ – How To Measure For a Roof Lantern | GFD Homes
- https://toughenedglasssystems.co.uk/how-to-measure-for-a-new-roof-lantern/ – How To Measure For A New Roof Lantern | Toughened Glass Systems
- https://www.rooflightcentre.co.uk/bespoke-roof-lanterns/ – Bespoke Roof Lanterns – Made to Measure | Rooflight Centre
- https://www.yarddirect.com/blog/roof-lantern-size-guide-which-size-do-you-need/ – Roof Lantern Size Guide – Which Size Do You Need?
- https://www.gfdhomes.co.uk/blog/roof-lanterns-your-questions-answered/ – Roof Lanterns : Your Questions Answered | GFD Homes
- https://justdoorsandconservatories.co.uk/why-choose-a-roof-lantern/ – Why Choose a Roof Lantern – Just Doors & Conservatories