Roofing

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Natural Light: Skylight vs Roof Lantern

19th October 2023

If you are building a new home or trying to get more natural light into your home, a roof lantern or skylight may be the ideal solution.

Choosing between a roof lantern and a skylight can be challenging. Both options offer a host of advantages and have the potential to transform your home. However, not all forms of ceiling glazing and rooflights are universally suitable for every house style, and some may not align with your budget constraints, practical requirements or planning limitations.

In this series, we compare skylights and roof lanterns and highlight some of the benefits and downsides of each.

Making the choice

Home builds and improvements are enough to give even the most seasoned interior designer or builder decision fatigue. Having looked at countless swatches or colour patches, compared different wood types or tiles, the question of skylight or roof lantern may be a decision too far. However, your lighting choices will impact everything and will be harder to change down the line than the wall colour, your tiles or even your flooring.

What are skylights?

Skylights, or rooflights, are the most common way of adding natural light to slanted roofs or flat roofs. They are particularly useful with attic conversions and dormer bungalows and the most common brand of skylight is, of course, Velux. You can choose from skylights that provide light only, so can’t be opened, or you can have manual or electric opening skylights, which provide ventilation when required. At the top end of the scale, electric skylights can come complete with weather sensors so that they close when they sense inclement conditions. Frames can come in a range of styles and, thanks to their popularity, it is possible to get fitted blinds in a host of colours.

What are roof lanterns?

Whereas skylights sit flush to a pitched roof, roof lanterns protrude from a flat roof. Roof lanterns can come in a range of styles and shapes which can be as elaborate as Louvre-style pyramids and polygons, or simple cubes and cuboids.

Which is easiest to fit?

The question of whether a skylight or roof lantern is easier to fit will depend on the model that you choose. Fitting a skylight is fairly straightforward and can usually be done by a carpenter, roofer, handyman or builder. Provided you don’t need to cut any rafters, you can also choose to fit a skylight yourself. The ease with which you can install a roof lantern depends on how elaborate your chosen style is, and who you buy it from. Some roof lantern manufacturers sell their lanterns in pre-cut kit form, and claim to be installed in minutes.

Before you choose a lantern or light, check with the person doing the fitting, such as your builder or a local handyman to ensure that the style you want is practical.

If you are undecided on what to choose, follow us on Facebook or X and keep an eye out for next week’s content, when we will look at the pros and cons of each.

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Looking for more roofing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common roofing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

How do I know if my roof needs repairing or replacing?

A few broken tiles or a small patch of damaged flashing? That's usually a repair job. But if your roof is over 20 years old, leaks keep coming back in different spots, or you're seeing sagging or widespread cracking, replacement is probably the smarter long-term call. A proper inspection from a roofer will give you a straight answer before you commit to anything.
What are the signs of a leaking roof I shouldn't ignore?

Water stains on ceilings, damp patches on walls, mould in the loft, or daylight peeking through the roof boards - all worth acting on quickly. A musty smell upstairs can also point to a slow leak, even when there's nothing visible. Roof leaks don't fix themselves, and the longer they're left, the more damage they do to insulation, timbers, and your ceilings.
Is moss on my roof a serious problem?

Not an emergency, but don't leave it too long. Moss holds moisture against the tiles, which can work its way underneath and cause cracking in winter. It'll also block your gutters if it spreads far enough. Getting it professionally cleaned and treated is the way to go - it's not a job to DIY given the risks of working at height.
What happens if I delay getting my roof repaired?

Small problems get expensive fast. A few displaced tiles can leave the felt underneath exposed to weather damage, and even a minor leak can cause timber rot, saturate insulation, and eventually ruin ceilings and walls. What could've been a straightforward repair becomes a much bigger project the longer you leave it, so it's best to get it sorted sooner rather than later.
How do I temporarily protect my home if my roof is damaged in a storm?

If tiles are missing or water's getting in, the priority is limiting the damage until a roofer can get to you. A heavy-duty tarpaulin over the affected area is your best bet - make sure it extends well past the damage and is secured so it doesn't lift in the wind. Inside, move furniture out of the way, put buckets down, and use towels to manage any water coming through. Don't go up on the roof yourself as wet tiles are dangerously slippery.
What types of roofing materials are best for UK homes?

Clay and concrete tiles, natural slate, and EPDM rubber for flat roofs are the most common on UK homes. Clay tiles are durable and handle our freeze-thaw winters well - though they're heavy, so not every roof can take them. Slate looks great and can last over a century done properly. For flat or low-pitched roofs, EPDM rubber has largely replaced traditional felt because it holds up much better against UV damage and standing water. The right call depends on your roof's pitch, your property's age, and what the structure can support.
How quickly can I get an emergency roof repair?

Most roofers offer emergency callouts, but response times vary. In quieter periods, someone might get to you within a few hours. After a big storm when everyone's calling at once, you might be waiting a day or more. If there's a delay, get a tarpaulin over the damage in the meantime. One thing to watch: be wary of anyone who knocks on your door unsolicited after a storm offering to check your roof - it's a well-known scam.
What are green roofs and are they worth it?

A green roof has a waterproof layer topped with soil and plants - usually sedums or grasses for a low-maintenance version, or something more garden-like if you want to go further. They insulate well, soak up rainwater, and are good for local wildlife. They can also extend the life of the waterproofing underneath by shielding it from sun and temperature swings. Whether it's worth it depends on your roof's structure and what you're hoping to get out of it. Installation needs to be done professionally - a leak underneath a green roof is a far bigger headache than on a standard flat roof.

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