THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO roof glazing

Rooflight or roof lantern? To help you decide which one is the right choice for you, we shed light on the costs and considerations to help simplify the buying process

Whatever build project you're taking on be it a self-build, renovation or extension - getting light into the new space (and deep into the existing) is high up there V on the list of must-dos'. But inviting light into a space isn't simply a case of popping in a roof light and hoping for the best. There are some important points to consider. In this guide, we'll be looking specifically at rooflights (also known as skylights and roof windows) and roof lanterns.

ROOFLIGHTS VS ROOF LANTERNS

There are a couple of key differences between these popular choices of overhead glazing:

Rooflights A more modern feature and stylistically neutral, rooflights are ideal for introducing light into spaces where conventional vertical windows can't be installed, whether that's for functional or aesthetic reasons. And it's not just loft conversions that can benefit from rooflights: extensions (side return and rear) and gloomy corridors that so often suffer from a lack of natural light can all be brightened up by the addition of one or two rooflights - or even better, a continuous run of them. Read more on page 142.

Roof lanterns Largely used on flat roofs, roof lanterns are perfect for bringing flair to projects such as single-storey extensions. They have a more traditional aesthetic, ideal for period properties where the character of the home needs to be conserved. However, as glazing and waterproofing techniques have evolved, it is now possible to have a 3D roof lantern with very little framing, meaning they are now being specified for more contemporary homes as well as traditional.