Pros and Cons of Roof Lanterns – With Solutions

Roof lanterns are a fashionable and useful method to increase the natural light and sense of space in a room, making them a popular choice for home remodeling projects. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of roof lanterns to make sure they match your demands and budget before deciding to install one.

We’ll consider both advantages and disadvantages of roof lanterns in this blog, giving you a thorough rundown to assist in making an informed choice. We’ll go over the many benefits they offer, like better ventilation, more natural light, and the creation of an open, spacious feeling. We’ll also talk about any potential drawbacks, including maintenance requirements, economic implications, and the possibility of heat loss.

This blog will serve as your go-to resource  to decide whether a roof lantern is the correct choice for your house and way of life.

What are roof Lanterns?

It is important that you understand what roof lanterns are and how they differ from traditional skylights before diving into their benefits and drawbacks. Roof lanterns have a more pronounced architectural presence than skylights, which are usually flat panels installed into the roof. They have a more elevated design that frequently has a sloping roof and several glass panels to let in a lot more natural light into the area below.

This distinctive design gives the space a sense of grandeur and vastness while also improving the beauty of your house.

Pros and Cons Of Roof Lanterns

Pros of Roof Lanterns

Now let’s get started with examining the indisputable benefits that roof lanterns offer. Their allure extends beyond appearances; they provide a number of advantages that can greatly improve the general atmosphere and functionality of your house.

More Natural Light

The amount of natural light that roof lanterns bring into an area is one of their most alluring benefits. It’s not just about making the space more bright –  researchers have indicated that more exposure to natural light can improve mood, increase productivity, and even improve the quality of sleep.

Daylight all day

Unlike conventional windows, roof lanterns provide a more stable and upbeat ambience to your room by absorbing natural light all day from various directions, especially in the early morning and late evening when there is usually less natural light.

Less Dependence on Artificial Light

By providing more natural light during the day, roof lanterns can reduce your dependence on natural lighting hence making your lifestyle and home more eco-friendly.

Improved sense of Space

Roof Lanterns’ spacious proportions and taller design give the impression of a bigger, more open area. This is especially useful in spaces where having a sense of space is widely looked for, such as living rooms and kitchens.

Decreased Visual Barriers

Roof lanterns, as opposed to walls, let you have a clear view of the outside space. This not only opens up the room but also gives the space a less cramped feeling. This is especially beneficial for places with scenic surroundings.

Better Ventilation

Roof Lanterns can offer superior ventilation if positioned carefully. They aid in maintaining a pleasant and healthy indoor atmosphere by letting the stale and heated air leave, especially in the warmer months. This can be really helpful with bathrooms and kitchens, which are places where moisture can accumulate.

Reduced Risk of Mold and Mildew

Improved ventilation helps to avoid moisture buildup, which can be a contributing factor in the growth of mold and mildew. This is essential to preserving indoor air quality and averting possible respiratory problems.

Improved Aesthetic Appeal

Roof lanterns give your house a hint of architectural grandeur in addition to being practical. Their distinctive styles and designs can work well with both traditional and modern homes, turning them into visually appealing focus points.

Increased Value

Roof lanterns may greatly improve the external design of your house by bringing in a sense of grandeur and refinement. This could raise the market value of your home and set it apart from the others in the community.

Lots of Options

As roof lanterns are available in so many different forms and materials, you can choose the ideal one to go with the architectural design and aesthetic of your house.

Cons of Roof Lanterns

Prior to making a final choice, there are a few things to keep in mind, just as with any home renovation endeavor. Knowing these possible drawbacks and the alternative remedies will help you make an informed decision that precisely suits your needs and price range.

Potential Heat Loss

Roof lanterns let in a lot of natural light, but because of their bigger glass surface area, they may let out more heat, particularly in the winter. This may have an effect on your energy costs and necessitate modifying your heating system.

Solutions
  • Select high-performance glazing with low-emissivity(Low-E) coatings to increase energy efficiency even further as it reflects heat back into the space.
  • Consider choosing roof lanterns with double glazing as it greatly enhances their thermal insulation, reducing heat loss and energy usage.

Solar Gain and Overheating

In the summer, your space may become overheated due to the abundance of sunshine coming in via the roof lanterns. This can be especially troublesome in rooms that face south.

Solutions
  • Install external shading options such as roller blinds or awnings, or select roof lanterns with built-in blinds.
  • Opt for glass covered with solar control coatings, which effectively block out a large percentage of solar radiation.
  • Think carefully about where to put the roof lantern to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

Noise Pollution

Because roof lanterns have a larger glass surface area, they may be more receptive to outside noises like rainfall or traffic. Homes in busy regions may find this to be problematic.

Solutions:
  • Selecting roof lanterns with laminated glass, as opposed to single-glazed models, offers superior sound insulation.
  • Think carefully before placing your roof lantern; avoid places that are directly in front of traffic or other sources of noise.

Cost and Maintenance

Roof lanterns are typically more expensive to install than standard skylights because of their bigger size and more complicated setup. Also because of their elevated location, it can also be difficult to keep a roof lantern functional and clean.

Solutions
  • Choosing aluminum or uPVC frames over timber frames may prove to be more economical.
  • Think about glass choices that clean themselves by using a special coating that breaks down dirt and debris organically.

Tip: Before installing a roof lantern, make sure it conforms with all applicable construction codes by speaking with a qualified installer.

Conclusion

Installing a roof lantern ultimately comes down to your personal goals and demands. Through a thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages, investigation of potential mitigation strategies, and consultation with a skilled specialist, you can ascertain whether a roof lantern is the ideal complement to enhance the practicality and aesthetic appeal of your house. Keep in mind that making an informed decision guarantees that you will maximize the many advantages of roof lanterns while avoiding any potential drawbacks, resulting in a room that flawlessly complements your vision and way of life.

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