Let It Snow: Aliwood Discuss Their Weather Resistant Roof Lanterns

Aside from a fresh start and the New Year’s resolutions, January can bring with it a bit of a storm. The temperatures tend to plummet, causing frost, ice and even snow. It’s around this time of year that we are told to brace ourselves for some of the coldest nights of winter, it’s safe to say that Jack Frost is on his way!

But what do freezing temperatures and snow mean for owners of roof lanterns? It’s important to note that not all roof lights are the same. If you are considering investing in a skylight but are worried about snow loading and the weather effects of winter, here is our advice, so you can rest assured that an Aliwood roof lantern is the right choice for you.

Pitched For All Weathers

The pitch of a roof light is one of several factors that help to encourage the process of self-cleaning. In essence, the steeper the pitch, the easier it is for dirt and sizable particles to slide off with wind and rainfall. It’s a similar concept with snow; the steeper the pitch, the more difficult it is for it to settle and accumulate on the glazing.

At Aliwood, our roof lanterns are pitched at a 25 degree angle, offering a resistant solution to snow loading and providing maximum structural integrity. You can be confident that your roof lantern is built to withstand the extra weight, should snow mount up on it. 

Timber and Aluminium – Durable and Weatherproof 

Our products are made from Redwood timber and aluminium, selected for their durability and stability. Our timber is sourced from fast-growing, FSC® certified forests and is a sustainable alternative to both tropical hardwoods and PVC. Thermal qualities of the timber aid heat retention in colder months. 

Weathering any storms will be the external part of the lantern. Your skylight finial is made from a timber-resin composite, which means this potentially fragile element will last for decades. The rest of the structure is made from powder-coated aluminium. We use this aluminium capping because it provides exceptional durability and protection against all weather conditions. It ensures that no timber elements are exposed to the atmosphere, meaning no unexpected water ingress or leakages. Moreover, aluminium construction means that your lantern won’t rust – even if it’s subjected to extreme weather.

Thermal Insulation 

Roof lanterns are superb thermal insulators. Aside from the assurance of a timber and aluminium product, we also ensure that our lanterns contain an essential thermal break.

A thermal break is a material with low thermal conductivity that is placed between two different conductive materials. Its job is to reduce or prevent the flow of thermal energy. Our thermal breaks are made with resin, silicone and styrofoam, which separate the conductive aluminium components to provide maximum thermal insulation.

We offer a number of different glazing options to guarantee optimum warmth and comfort in your home over the winter months. For those particularly concerned with thermoregulation, we would recommend our high insulating glazing, that uses 4-16-4mm toughened glass units. We also utilise a soft Low-E coating, argon gas filled cavity and warm edge spacer bar. Our watertight and weatherproof structures will ensure optimum heat retention and absolutely no chance of leakages should winter do its worst.

Contact Us

Although sometimes a nuisance, snow and winter elements can be beautiful. Our glass roof lanterns provide an uninterrupted view of the outside world, allowing endless natural light to enter your home; providing you with beauty and fulfillment during the darker and more overcast winter months. If you’re interested in more information about our bespoke, thermal skylights, contact us here today or give us a call on 01245 967107. We look forward to hearing from you.