Category: Guides

Shedding Light on Rooflights and Skylights

Bringing natural light into our homes has never been more popular. Whether it is transforming a kitchen extension into a bright, open-plan hub or adding a touch of daylight to a loft conversion, homeowners are increasingly looking upward for solutions. That is where rooflights and skylights come in, but what do these terms mean, and which is right for your project?

We know it can get confusing. You will often hear people talking about rooflights/skylights as if they’re the same thing. In reality, some key distinctions could make all the difference to your space’s look, performance, and feel.

Our blog will explain the difference between rooflights and skylights, helping you understand which option, or perhaps both, suits your home best. We’ll also touch on skylights/rooflights alternatives, like roof lanterns, so you can make a fully informed decision when planning your perfect light-filled space.

What Are Rooflights and Skylights? – Defining the Terms

While both skylights and rooflights are designed to introduce natural daylight into your home, they are not quite the same. The difference between rooflights and skylights largely comes down to their design, positioning, and how they function.

Let’s break it down.

A rooflight is typically installed on a flat roof or a roof with a very low pitch. It usually sits slightly proud of the roof surface and is often a fixed, non-opening unit designed to let in as much daylight as possible. Rooflights are popular in modern home extensions where creating bright, open-plan living spaces is a priority.

On the other hand, a skylight is more commonly fitted into a pitched roof. Skylights can be fixed, but they are often designed to open, providing light and ventilation, making them a popular choice for loft conversions or attic rooms.

Although we often hear people say rooflights and skylights as though they are the same thing, understanding the difference between rooflights and skylights will help you select the right option for your home. Each has its role, depending on your roof type and what you want to achieve, be it flooding a space with light or adding ventilation and brightness.

Key Differences Between Rooflights and Skylights

Understanding the difference between rooflights and skylights is key to choosing the right option for your home. While both bring light into your space, how they are installed, their appearance and function can vary significantly.

Here is a simple breakdown of the key distinctions between rooflights and skylights:

Installation Type

• Rooflights: Designed for flat roofs or low-pitch extensions, often seen in modern, open-plan spaces.
• Skylights: Fitted into pitched roofs, making them a popular choice for loft conversions or rooms with sloping ceilings.

Opening vs. Fixed

• Rooflights: Most are fixed for daylight, though some opening models are available for ventilation.
• Skylights: Frequently openable, they offer ventilation and light, perfect for stuffy attics and lofts.

Framing and Profile

• Rooflights: Typically low-profile and sleek, with options for frameless, edge-to-edge glass for a clean, minimalist look.
• Skylights: More likely to have visible frames, especially on older designs, though modern versions are becoming more streamlined.

Aesthetic Impact

• Rooflights: Minimal and discreet, blending effortlessly into flat-roof extensions, especially flush, flat rooflights.
• Skylights: They are subtle on pitched roofs, though frames can be more noticeable, particularly when viewed from the outside.

Functionality and Use

• Rooflights: Ideal for maximising light in kitchens, extensions, and flat-roof spaces.
• Skylights: Best suited for adding light and ventilation in lofts, attics, and rooms with pitched ceilings.

While rooflights and skylights are often used interchangeably, this side-by-side comparison highlights why knowing the difference between rooflights and skylights is so important when planning your project.

Where Do Roof Lanterns Fit In?

When weighing up rooflights and skylights, a third option often gets overlooked: roof lanterns. While rooflights/skylights are all about bringing in daylight with a sleek, discreet finish, roof lanterns are designed to make a statement.

A roof lantern is a glazed, multi-pitched structure on a raised frame, typically installed on flat-roof extensions. More than just a light source, a lantern acts as an architectural feature, transforming kitchens, dining rooms, or open-plan spaces into bright, sky-filled areas with a real sense of height and drama.

How do they compare to skylights and rooflights?

• Roof Lanterns: Larger, elevated designs that offer panoramic sky views from multiple angles. Perfect for creating a feature in the heart of your home.
• Rooflights and Skylights: These slimmer, lower-profile options are ideal for minimal, contemporary spaces or where subtle light enhancement and ventilation are priorities.

Knowing the role of roof lanterns alongside rooflights and skylights will help you choose the perfect glazing solution for your home, whether you are after discreet modernity or bold architectural impact.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Home

When deciding between skylights, rooflights, or roof lanterns, it all comes down to your space and the look you want to achieve.

For flat roof extensions, rooflights offer a sleek, modern finish, while roof lanterns create a striking focal point and enhance the sense of height and space. Skylights, which bring in natural light while providing ventilation, are often used in loft conversions and rooms with pitched roofs.

If minimalist design is your goal, flat rooflights/skylights with frameless, edge-to-edge glass create a clean, contemporary aesthetic. For those wanting more than just light, roof lanterns combine elegance and openness, transforming your room into a bright, architectural showpiece.

Spotlight on Stratus Premier Edge Skylight – The Modern Flat Rooflight Redefined

If you want a flat rooflight that combines cutting-edge design with outstanding performance, our Stratus Premier Edge Skylight sets a new standard. Perfect for modern extensions and flat-roof living spaces, it offers everything you could want, from rooflights to skylights.

Designed with edge-to-edge glass, the Premier Edge Skylight delivers a seamless, minimalist finish with no visible frames. From inside, it feels like an open window to the sky. From above, its ultra-low-profile design, standing just 63mm above the roof, blends effortlessly into your roofline.

But it is not just about looks. This is a high-performance rooflight built for year-round comfort. With advanced thermal insulation and a U-value of 1.3 W/m²K, it helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy costs.

Security is built in, too. The internal fixing system ensures no external fastenings, while the laminated inner glass panel offers shatterproof protection, giving you complete peace of mind.

Installation is refreshingly simple. The Premier Edge Skylight arrives in one piece, with pre-attached fixing straps, so there are no extra trims or parts to worry about. That means fitting is quick and straightforward, saving both time and hassle.

Suppose you’re considering rooflights skylights for a modern extension or flat roof renovation. The Stratus Premier Edge Skylight offers unrivalled style, performance, and security, the ultimate flat rooflight for contemporary living.

A Glimpse at Stratus Roof Lanterns – Bringing Architectural Elegance to Flat Roofs

For homeowners looking for something beyond rooflights and skylights, our Stratus Roof Lantern Range offers a premium alternative that combines natural light with architectural elegance.

Crafted from sleek, thermally efficient aluminium, our roof lanterns are available in bespoke RAL colours, allowing you to match or contrast your home’s interior and exterior.

If you favour clean, contemporary lines, our Minimalist Contemporary Lantern delivers a streamlined finish. Its ridge is supported only by hip rafters, eliminating the need for bulky supports and maximising your view of the sky.

Comfort is never compromised. We offer solar-control glazing in blue or neutral tints, helping to reduce glare and heat while keeping your space bright and inviting all year round. Designed to suit small and large extensions, our roof lanterns come in custom sizes, with configurations up to 3m x 6m and square lanterns up to 2m x 2m.

Whether creating a spacious kitchen-diner or designing an open-plan family room, a Stratus Roof Lantern can transform your flat-roof extension, adding height, light, and a striking architectural centrepiece.

Letting in Light – Your Perfect Rooflight, Skylight, or Lantern

While rooflights and skylights are often mentioned in the same breath, the difference between rooflights and skylights is clear once you understand their design, purpose, and visual impact. Choosing the right option depends on your home and what you want to achieve – ventilation, a clean, minimalist finish, or a bold architectural feature.

Suppose you are after discreet, modern styling for a flat roof extension. In that case, our Premier Edge Skylight is the ultimate flat rooflight, offering edge-to-edge glass, thermal efficiency, and security in one sleek package. For those looking to make a statement, our Stratus Roof Lanterns combine bespoke aluminium design, solar-control glazing, and striking configurations, creating bright, open spaces with skyward views.

Whatever your vision, Stratus Lantern Roofs offers premium solutions designed to bring light into your home beautifully and efficiently.

Ready to find your perfect daylight solution?

Explore our full range today: call us on 0800 046 3924, email admin@stratuslanternroofs.co.uk, or contact us to discuss your project.

Roof lanterns for flat roofs have become increasingly popular in UK home design, offering a stunning way to enhance residential and commercial spaces. As flat roof lanterns continue to gain traction, more homeowners and businesses are recognising their potential to transform living areas with an influx of natural light and architectural elegance. Whether you’re seeking to brighten up a kitchen-diner extension or add a touch of sophistication to a commercial property, choosing the best roof lanterns UK homeowners and businesses can buy is essential for achieving a remarkable result. Stratus Lantern Roofs offer an ideal solution, combining superior design with exceptional performance to help you create light-filled, airy spaces that redefine your interior environment.

How Roof Lanterns Can Transform Your Home

Bringing Natural Light Indoors:

One of the most significant advantages of installing a roof lantern is its ability to flood your home with natural light. Unlike traditional windows, which can be limited by walls and other obstructions, roof lanterns for flat roofs bring light in from above, illuminating the entire room. This brightens your living spaces and creates a more inviting and uplifting atmosphere.

Natural light has numerous benefits, including improving mood, reducing eye strain, and even enhancing productivity. For those working from home or spending extended periods indoors, the increased daylight can make a substantial difference to your overall well-being.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal:

Flat roof lanterns also add a distinct architectural feature to your home, serving as a focal point that draws the eye upward. Whether your home’s style is contemporary or traditional, a well-designed roof lantern can complement and enhance your existing decor. The clean lines and expansive glass panels create a sense of openness, making even small rooms feel larger and more spacious.

In addition to boosting your home’s aesthetic appeal, roof lanterns can also increase your property’s value. Potential buyers are often drawn to homes that offer bright, airy spaces with modern features, and a beautifully integrated roof lantern can be a significant selling point.

Creating a Seamless Connection with the Outdoors:

One of the unique aspects of roof lanterns is their ability to create a seamless connection between your indoor spaces and the outdoors. By strategically positioning a roof lantern to maximise views of the sky, trees, or surrounding landscape, you can enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of your home. This connection to the outdoors can make your living spaces feel more dynamic and alive, especially during the changing seasons.

Strategic Placement for Maximum Impact

Positioning Considerations:

Placing your roof lantern is crucial to achieving the desired effect in your home. Popular locations include kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, and extensions, where natural light is most needed. When positioning a roof lantern, consider the orientation of your home and the sun’s movement throughout the day. A well-placed roof lantern can ensure your room is bathed in natural light from morning until evening.

For extensions, positioning the roof lantern centrally can create a balanced, harmonious look that enhances the architectural flow of the space. Placing the lantern above a seating area or dining table in living rooms can create a stunning focal point that draws guests’ attention.

Single vs. Multiple Lanterns:

Consider whether a single large roof lantern or multiple smaller ones would best suit your space when planning your design. A single, expansive lantern can create a dramatic impact, providing uninterrupted sky views and a powerful influx of light. However, multiple smaller lanterns might be more effective in larger or more complex spaces. This approach allows for an even distribution of light and can create a visually striking design that complements the room’s architecture.

Using multiple lanterns also gives you greater flexibility in design, enabling you to highlight different areas of a room or create a unique pattern that adds visual interest.

Integration with Existing Architecture:

To ensure your roof lantern enhances your home’s existing architecture, consider factors such as roof structure, ceiling height, and overall design style. A minimalist, contemporary roof lantern can complement sleek interiors and open-plan layouts in modern homes. In contrast, traditional homes might benefit from more ornate designs that echo classic architectural elements.

Working with existing roof structures is essential when integrating a roof lantern. Consulting with an architect or designer can help you navigate any structural challenges and ensure that your roof lantern is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Roof Lantern

Selecting the right roof lantern involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your needs and complements your home. Here are some key considerations:

• Size and Scale: The size of your roof lantern should be proportionate to the room it will illuminate. A too large lantern can overwhelm the space, while one that is too small might not provide enough light or visual impact. Measure your room carefully and consult with professionals to determine the ideal size for your project.
• Thermal Efficiency: A high-quality roof lantern should enhance your home’s look and contribute to its energy efficiency. Look for lanterns with low U-values, such as those offered by Stratus Lantern Roofs, which can provide excellent thermal performance. This ensures your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer, helping to reduce energy bills.
• Glazing Options: The type of glazing you choose can significantly impact the performance and appearance of your roof lantern. Options like neutral or blue-tinted glazing can control the amount of light and heat entering your home. Features like Argon-filled double glazing, 94% UV resistance, and up to 83% solar rejection can enhance comfort and protect your interiors from fading.
• Customisation: Consider customising your roof lantern to achieve seamless integration with your home’s design. Stratus Lantern Roofs offer bespoke RAL colours for both internal and external finishes, allowing you to match or contrast your lantern with your interior decor. This level of customisation ensures that your roof lantern complements your home’s unique style.

Investing time in considering these factors will help ensure that your roof lantern not only meets your practical needs but also enhances the beauty and value of your home. With Stratus Lantern Roofs, you can choose from various configurations and customisation options to find the perfect solution for your space.

Showcasing the Stratus Lantern Roofs Product Range

Stratus Lantern Roofs is a leading name in the UK market, synonymous with quality, innovation, and exceptional design. With a long-standing reputation for delivering premium roof lanterns, Stratus has become the go-to choice for homeowners and businesses who seek to enhance their properties with light-filled, stylish, and energy-efficient solutions.

Brief History and Reputation of Stratus Lantern Roofs in the UK Market:

Established with a commitment to excellence, Stratus Lantern Roofs has earned its place as a trusted brand in the UK. Our dedication to crafting superior roof lanterns, designed and manufactured to the highest standards, has allowed us to build a strong reputation for reliability and innovation. Over the years, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of design and performance, making us a preferred choice for those looking to add aesthetic value and practical benefits to their homes or commercial spaces.

Overview of Our Commitment to Quality and Innovation:

At Stratus Lantern Roofs, quality and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. Our products are meticulously designed to not only meet but exceed industry standards. We continually invest in the latest technology and materials to ensure that every roof lantern we produce delivers outstanding thermal performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Our focus on innovation means we are always exploring new ways to enhance our products, whether through advanced glazing options, bespoke colour choices, or cutting-edge thermal break technology.

Four distinct configurations, catering to different architectural styles and functional needs:

1. Contemporary Flat Roof Lanterns: This minimalist design supports the ridge solely with hip rafters, offering a clean, modern look that is perfect for contemporary homes.
2. 2-Way Flat Roof Lanterns: Ideal for narrower spaces, the 2-Way configuration allows for a linear arrangement of glass panels, creating a sleek and elegant appearance.
3. 3-Way Flat Roof Lanterns: This versatile option is suitable for larger spaces. It provides a more traditional roof lantern look with three directional beams that enhance structural integrity and visual appeal.
4. Square Flat Roof Lanterns: Perfect for square-shaped rooms or extensions, this configuration offers a balanced and symmetrical design that maximises natural light from all angles.

Each configuration is designed with both form and function in mind, ensuring that no matter your home’s style, there is a Stratus Lantern Roof that will complement and enhance its design.

Outstanding Features and Benefits:

• Glazing: Choose from neutral or blue glazing, with Argon-filled double-glazed units that offer 94% UV resistance to prevent fabric fade and up to 83% solar rejection to keep your interiors cool in the summer.
• Thermal Efficiency: Enjoy U-values as low as 0.9, thanks to our advanced thermal break technology. This technology helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing energy bills and increasing comfort.
• Design and Durability: Our roof lanterns feature a hard-wearing aluminium exterior, available in bespoke RAL colours to match or contrast with your interior design. The innovative, minimalist design ensures a sleek appearance with maximum durability.
• Size and Customisation: Available in sizes up to 3m x 6m, our roof lanterns offer ultimate customisation, allowing you to choose colours and finishes that perfectly suit your space.
• 10-Year Guarantee: We stand behind the quality of our products and offer a comprehensive 10-year guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Stratus Lantern Roofs is the ideal choice for homeowners investing in a high-quality, thermally efficient, and aesthetically pleasing roof lantern. Our commitment to superior design, innovation, and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the market. Whether you are renovating an existing space or building a new extension, Stratus Lantern Roofs can transform your home with natural light and architectural elegance. We invite you to explore our product range, request a personalised quote, or contact us on 0800 046 3924 for a consultation to discover how we can help bring your vision to life.

Adding a roof lantern to your property can transform your living space, bringing abundant natural light and an elegant touch to any room. Whether considering aluminium roof lanterns for their durability and sleek appearance or planning an extension with a lantern roof to expand your home’s footprint, understanding the nuances of roof lantern planning permission is crucial.

Our guide aims to demystify the planning permission process, ensuring homeowners can make informed decisions and proceed with their enhancements legally and efficiently. Roof lanterns offer significant benefits from the increased natural light that brightens your home to the aesthetic uplift that enhances property value. However, navigating the complexities of planning permissions is vital to ensure your home improvement project goes smoothly without any legal hurdles.

Join us as we explore the essential steps every homeowner needs to know about installing roof lanterns, ensuring your property looks more inviting and adheres to all necessary regulations.

What is a Roof Lantern?

A roof lantern is an architectural element that consists of a glazed structure installed on a flat or pitched roof to introduce more natural light into the space below. It is a skylight that extends above the roofline, often featuring a stylish, lantern-like appearance.

In the market today, homeowners have a variety of roof lantern types to choose from, tailored to fit diverse aesthetic and functional needs. Stratus, for instance, offers a range of contemporary aluminium roof lanterns that include options like 2-way and 3-way rectangular designs and square roof lanterns. These choices allow homeowners to match the design of their roof lanterns with their homes’ architectural style, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced visual appeal.

Understanding Planning Permission

Planning permission in the UK is not just a legal requirement, but a crucial step in responsible property alterations. It’s a process designed to regulate building developments and alterations, ensuring they meet local planning policies and do not adversely affect the surrounding environment or the amenities of neighbours.

Obtaining planning permission or sticking to mandated guidelines is often necessary for property alterations and extensions, such as installing a roof lantern or constructing an extension with a lantern roof. The general requirements typically involve assessing the impact of the proposed changes on neighbouring properties, the appearance of the building, and broader environmental considerations.

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to apply through your local council, presenting detailed plans that comply with building regulations and local development guidelines. This process ensures that all structural additions are safe, aesthetically appropriate, and harmoniously integrated into the existing community framework.

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Roof Lantern?

When contemplating the addition of a roof lantern to your home, understanding the specific conditions under which planning permission is required is essential. While most roof lantern installations in the UK do not necessitate planning permission, there are crucial exceptions and guidelines to be aware of to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Specific Conditions Requiring Planning Permission:

1. Height Restrictions: If the roof lantern extends more than 150mm above the sloping plane of your existing roof, it typically requires planning permission. This rule ensures that the lantern does not overly protrude from the roofline, maintaining the area’s aesthetic.
2. Elevation Considerations: A roof lantern must not be higher than the highest part of the existing roof. Installations exceeding this height might require permission as they can significantly alter the property’s silhouette.
3. Glazing and Openings: Obscure glazing is mandatory for roof lanterns placed on a side elevation to protect the privacy of adjacent properties. Furthermore, roof openings must be at least 1.7 metres above the floor to prevent overlooking and ensure privacy.

Impact of Property Location:

The location of your property plays a significant role in the planning permission process, especially if your home is within a conservation area or is a listed building. In such cases:

• Conservation Areas: Properties in conservation areas are subject to stricter regulations to preserve the area’s historical and architectural character. Even minor modifications like adding a roof lantern may require permission, and it’s often encouraged to choose flat skylight designs that are flush with the roof to minimise visual impact.
• Listed Buildings: Grade 1 or 2 listed buildings owners should consult their Local Authority or Conservation Officer before proceeding. The historical significance of these buildings often means that any alteration needs to be carefully assessed and approved to ensure it does not detract from the property’s heritage value.

Given the variability in rules across different regions, contacting your Local Planning Authority is crucial as a first step. They can provide tailored advice and ensure that your roof lantern installation meets all local requirements, helping you enhance your home without legal complications. This proactive approach not only secures compliance but also preserves the integrity and value of your property.

How to Apply for Planning Permission

Obtaining planning permission for home modifications like installing a roof lantern can seem daunting, but following a structured approach can simplify the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide for homeowners:

1. Research Local Regulations: Start by visiting your local council’s website to gather information on planning permission requirements specific to your area. This will give you an understanding of the rules applicable to roof modifications.
2. Consult with Professionals: Engage with an architect or a planner who specialises in residential projects. They can provide valuable insights into what might be feasible and help interpret local planning laws.
3. Discuss with Neighbours: Before submitting any application, it’s advisable to inform your neighbours about your plans, especially if the installation could affect their property. Gaining their support or addressing their concerns early can prevent objections later.
4. Prepare the Necessary Documents: You’ll need detailed plans of the proposed work, including drawings and perhaps even a written project description. These should show how the roof lantern will fit into your existing roof and its impact on the surrounding area.
5. Submit Your Application: Applications can typically be submitted online via your local council’s planning portal. Ensure you provide all required documents and pay any associated fees, which will vary depending on your location and the project scale.
6. Liaise with the Planning Authority: Once submitted, the local planning authority will review your application. This process can take several weeks during which they may also consult external bodies and neighbours. Stay proactive and cooperative throughout this process.
7. Address Any Issues: If the planning department has any concerns, they will contact you. Be prepared to adjust your plans or provide additional information to secure approval.

Here are our tips for increasing approval likelihood:

1. Pre-application consultation: Some councils offer a pre-application advice service where you can receive feedback on your proposal before formal submission. This can identify potential issues early on.
2. Hire a professional planner or architect: Their expertise in designing to meet planning standards and their understanding of local regulations can be invaluable.
3. Ensure high-quality drawings: Clear and professional drawings can significantly affect how your application is perceived by planners.
4. Consider the community impact: Demonstrating that your project will not negatively affect the community can help gain approval.

By meticulously preparing and following these guidelines, homeowners can enhance their chances of obtaining planning permission and ensure their home improvements are legally compliant and professionally endorsed.

Benefits of Complying with Planning Permissions

Securing planning permission for property modifications like installing a roof lantern is not merely a regulatory requirement; it offers substantial long-term benefits. Complying with planning permissions can enhance your property in several important ways:

1. Avoiding Legal Complications: Adhering to planning laws ensures that all modifications are legally sanctioned, protecting you from potential disputes with local authorities. Without proper permissions, you risk enforcement actions, including being compelled to undo the changes at your own expense. Ensuring legality from the start avoids such costly and stressful situations.
2. Enhancing Property Value: Properties that comply with planning permissions typically command higher market values. Prospective buyers seek assurance that all modifications are approved and up to code, facilitating smoother transactions. Proper permissions also indicate that the property is well-maintained and compliant with local standards, which is a significant selling point.
3. Ensuring Safety and Quality: The planning permission process requires all building work to meet specific safety and quality standards. By complying, you ensure that your aluminium roof lantern installation is aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound, and safe for all occupants.
4. Maintaining Insurance Coverage: Insurers often require that any structural modifications to your property be carried out legally. Non-compliance with planning permissions can lead to denying insurance claims in case of damage or accidents linked to unauthorised work.
5. Preserving Community Standards: Planning permissions help maintain a community’s visual and environmental standards, ensuring that developments are in harmony with their surroundings. By complying, you contribute positively to your neighbourhood’s character and cohesion, which can improve relations with neighbours and enhance communal living conditions.
6. Facilitating Future Improvements: Once you have successfully navigated the planning permission process, it becomes easier to manage future property improvements. Understanding the requirements and building good relationships with local planning authorities can streamline subsequent applications and developments.

Complying with planning permissions is a prudent approach that safeguards your investment and enhances your living environment. It reflects a commitment to legality, community, and quality, which are invaluable for long-term property ownership.

Stratus Lantern Roofs

Ready to enhance your home with the elegance and brightness of a roof lantern? Don’t let the planning process hold you back. Ensure you comply with all regulations to reap the full benefits of your addition.

Contact Stratus Lantern Roofs today at 0800 046 3924 for expert advice and high-quality aluminium roof lanterns.Whether it’s a stylish contemporary design, a 2-way or 3-way rectangular roof lantern, or a classic square option, start your journey towards a brighter, more beautiful home today. Transform your property confidently, knowing every step complies with local planning permissions.

Call now, and let us help you illuminate your home with sophistication and style!