Find Out About Roof Lanterns
What is a Roof Lantern?
The roof lantern got its name because in its early incarnations it looked like a lantern sitting atop the dome of a church or cathedral. Some of the earliest roof lanterns date back to the late Middle Ages, such as the roof lantern atop the Baptistry in Florence, Italy. Their purpose was to allow light to penetrate the interior space without having to have a gaping hole in the middle of the roof ala the Pantheon in Rome.
While the shape of roof lanterns has changed - as have the types of structures you will find them on - the contemporary roof lantern still serves exactly the same purpose as its Medieval counterpart: to bring light into otherwise underlit spaces.
No, Roof Lanterns and Skylights are Not the Same Thing
Contemporary homeowners often get confused when discussing roof lanterns, thinking the term is interchangeable with the term “skylight”. It is not. A roof lantern must be installed on a flat portion of the roof and usually raises in a pyramidal shape with a spine down the centre.
By contrast, the skylight can be installed at virtually any angle. They lie flush with the angle of the roof and are not visible when viewed from the side. Skylights are also available with panels that can be opened, either by hand or by motor. (Panels on roof lanterns cannot be opened.) And skylights are typically much smaller than roof lanterns.
Some of the Benefits of Modern Roof Lantern
Roof Lanterns are more than just a way to brighten up a room. They provide a wealth of other benefits that make them one of the most cost-effective types of home improvement available. Those benefits include:
- Opening a space vertically - A roof lantern can counteract the effects of a low ceiling and make a space feel airy and lofty.
- Reduced carbon footprint - With a roof lantern you will use less electricity to light your home reducing your monthly bills and your carbon footprint.
- Enhanced kerb appeal - How your home looks from the street affects its market value. Roof lanterns can enhance your home’s kerb appeal and boost its value.
- Health benefits - With more people working from home it's important to maintain a bright, healthy environment. Roof lanterns let you do that.
To learn more about roof lanterns get in touch with the team at Rooflights & Roof Lanterns today. We have more than 20 years of experience with glass and glazing products.
- Moshin
