What’s the Difference Between a Roof Lantern and a Skylight?

Whether you’re thinking of investing in a roof lantern or a skylight, both are wonderful ways to help really turn your house into a home.

The benefits are more so than regular windows, including optimum opportunity for natural light to enter the home from above, a brighter space for all the family, as well as creating an all-round welcoming atmosphere.

But what exactly is the difference between the two features? They do have similarities, but depending on your home and what you envision, will determine which to pick. With over 30 years’ experience in providing bespoke roof lanterns, we thought we’d look at the differences to help you make your decision.

What to Consider Before Buying

Sizing

You know your home better than anyone. Firstly, consider the size of the room in which the new feature will appear. A skylight is, arguably, a little more universal than a roof lantern when it comes to sizing. This is because they can be placed in more or less any room and on universal roofs. A roof lantern can only be fitted onto a flat roof, and for the most benefit, flourishes within a larger room because it can pick up the extra light, whilst allowing any heat to dissipate.

Which Way Does Your Room Face?

This one is often overlooked, but it can really help you decipher what feature is better for the chosen room. A north facing room will be darker than a south facing room. With this in mind, a larger roof lantern in a north facing room could be beneficial to encourage as much sunlight in the area as possible. Consider that a larger light in a south facing room would be a lot warmer in the summer, so a smaller skylight that can open may be a better choice in this instance.

The Glass

There are many different types of glass on the market, however we would always recommend choosing one that has a good overall thermal performance. Thermal glass is a lot better for maintaining a comfortable temperature all year round, as well as blocking noise pollution. With its energy efficiency, long-term, thermal glass is exceptionally cost-effective.

Additionally, you can look into solar control glazing to reduce the harmful UV glare of the sun. This is certainly recommended for larger roof lanterns and south-facing properties.

The Finish

A vast array of materials and finishes are available for both features. As an extension of your home, they must not only look aesthetically pleasing to complement the existing exteriors, but they must also do their job! Sometimes it’s worth paying that little bit more for a reputable company to advise you in the direction you should go, rather than to go for the cheapest option and risk the unsolicited rustic and ‘unfinished’ look.

From PVCu to hardwood, there are lots of options from which to choose. Aluminium is an exceptionally durable material that has increased in popularity over the last decade. Not only is it weatherproof but it’s built to last – a worthy investment for any roof lantern or skylight.

At Aliwood, our roof lanterns use premium redwood timber and aluminium, ensuring the best thermal qualities, durability and aesthetic versatility.

Can I Install a Roof Lantern or Skylight, Myself?

The simple answer is yes, you can. Although, you will need at least one other person there to support the installation process. DIY-ing these features can be a lengthy process, especially if you’re not a professional. We would recommend getting the experts in to guarantee quick fitting and for complete quality assurance.

How Much Do External Lights Cost?

It really depends on the size and design you’re going for here. Overall, a skylight is cheaper than a roof lantern costing anywhere between £500-£2,000, on average. With a roof lantern, you can pay anywhere between £1,000-£5,000. In either case, the more bespoke you go, the more costly the features become. It’s always a wise idea to contact a few companies and get some quotes. This way, you can assess the most reputable service for your needs, whilst weighing up a suitable price.

So, Which Is Best?

Now the differences are a little clearer, essentially, it all comes down to what you want to achieve and what you feel is best for your home. Both a roof lantern and a skylight add natural light, create space, are energy efficient and add overall value to a home. Skylights are slightly cheaper and more discreet, whilst roof lanterns create that grand aesthetic, setting your home apart.

Get in Touch

If you’re looking to give your home the WOW factor, at Aliwood, we can help you! For more information about our roof lanterns and the services we offer, contact us today or call us on 01245 967107. We look forward to hearing from you!