Aluminium roof lanterns

Aluminium roof lanterns: design and installation choices

Add daylight and a raised glazed feature above a flat-roof extension. Explore pyramid and hipped layouts, choose your frame and glass preferences, and prepare a brief around your external kerb size.

A roof lantern forms a raised glazed roof above an opening, with pyramid or hipped geometry and a system of glazing bars. Its frame, glass units, eaves and seals need to be specified together. Plan the view from inside as well as the external appearance, and record any preferred bar arrangement without assuming every layout suits every span.

Consider the room's orientation, maintenance access and the balance between daylight, privacy and solar heat. Request the exact glazing make-up and glass-only or whole-product performance required by the project. Standard dimensions, roof pitch and installation details belong to a particular system, rather than to roof glazing in general.

Aluminium roof lanterns for your project

Common enquiry briefs include kitchen or dining extension, orangery, living space, replacement roof lantern. Describe the intended use and the supporting construction so the supplier can assess the complete specification. Different applications can need different glass processing, fixings and installation details.

Choose the roof shape

A square pyramid meets at an apex. A rectangular hipped lantern has a ridge with sloping end faces. Longer designs can use additional glazing bars.

Keep inside and outside in mind

Request matching frame finishes or a separate internal colour. Consider sightlines, solar control, maintenance access and the view from the room.

Start with the finished kerb

Measure the external finished kerb and record its construction. The supplier checks the frame, support and glass dimensions against the selected system.

What to include in a made-to-measure quote

Compare quotes using the same dimensions, quantities, finish, glass construction and installation scope. If you have a drawing or an existing specification, include its reference and identify which details still need advice.

• What do your dimensions describe?: Opening, kerb, frame and glass sizes are different. Record the reference you measured; the supplier will agree the manufacturing size.
• Lantern layout: Compare the illustrated layouts above. Bar positions and spans are agreed for the final size and structural design.
• Outside frame colour: Confirm colour and finish against a sample.
• Inside frame colour: Request the same finish or a separate internal colour.
• Glass appearance: Tint, solar control and light transmission depend on the selected coated-glass build.
• Glazing requirements: Include multiple requirements in the notes. Compatibility is checked against the supplied lantern system.
• Overhead glass specification: The complete build and intended location determine the safety specification. Include any designer's requirements in the notes.
• Thermal and solar performance: Glass-only and whole-product U-values are different. Put target values and their assessment basis in the notes.
• Perimeter lighting: An optional channel is a system-specific feature; agree equipment and electrical installation separately.
• Supporting kerb: The lantern needs continuous structural support and compatible weatherproofing. Include construction and site exposure in the notes.
• Supply and installation: Tell us about roof height, site access, lifting and waterproofing in the project notes.

Opening dimensions, kerbs and roof glazing

Record whether you measured the internal clear opening, external finished kerb, frame or existing glass. These are different references. Rooflight size charts and lantern ordering drawings must not be interchanged; the supplier agrees the manufacturing dimensions for the chosen system.

Holes, cut-outs, shaped edges and interfaces with hardware should be settled before manufacture. The finished glass construction and any coatings must suit the intended environment. A screen preview or concept photograph cannot replace a sample, survey or product-specific installation drawing.

Supplier checks before manufacture

• Lantern ordering references use external finished kerb dimensions. If you measured an internal opening or existing glass, identify it clearly and request a dimension check.
• Confirm the supplied system, glazing depth, bar layout, pitch and whole-product performance together. Different systems have different limits.
• The supporting structure must be designed for the lantern and site loads. Installation and sealing must follow the current supplied-system guide.
• This is a fixed roof lantern, not a walk-on surface. If you need ventilation, ask for a separately specified opening solution.

Requesting comparable glass quotes

Save the choices you know and ask for help with the rest. The quote basket records a specification request rather than placing a manufacturing order. A firm quote needs an agreed final build, dimensions, delivery arrangements and any installation or design work.

When comparing proposals, check that glass-only supply and supply with fitting cover the same scope. Ask who provides measurement, drawings, supports, compatible hardware, lifting access and finishing work. Keep the final approved specification with the order.