How to Install a Roof Lantern

A roof lantern can dramatically transform your living space, letting in natural light and adding an elegant architectural feature to your home. Whether you’re renovating an existing room or adding a new extension, installing a roof lantern can create a bright, airy feel.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the process of installing the Roof Maker Slimline Lantern, which offers a sleek, modern look with energy-efficient features. This step-by-step approach makes it easy for homeowners to understand the installation process and the key elements to keep in mind.

What is a Roof Lantern?

A roof lantern is a type of skylight, typically built into the flat roof of an extension or building. Unlike regular skylights, which are just a single window, a roof lantern is a more substantial structure with multiple panels that let light flood into the room below.

The Roof Maker Slimline Lantern is known for its minimal design, offering a slim profile that allows more natural light and better views of the sky. This modern design works well for kitchens, living rooms, or even in a room with a flat roof where you want to add a distinctive feature that maximizes light.

Why Choose a Roof Lantern?

Roof lanterns provide multiple benefits:

• Natural Light: Roof lanterns bring in more light than traditional windows. This can brighten up even the darkest rooms and make the space feel more open and inviting.

• Ventilation: Many roof lanterns are designed with operable windows that can be opened to allow fresh air into the room.

• Energy Efficiency: Modern roof lanterns, like the Slimline Lantern, often feature thermally broken frames, which help to insulate your home and reduce heat loss in the winter.

• Aesthetic Appeal: With their clean lines and large glass panels, roof lanterns can enhance the look of your home, adding architectural value and creating a statement feature in any room.

Step 1: Prepare the Roof

Before installing the lantern, ensure your roof is ready. The base for the lantern, often called the curb, needs to be securely installed. Here's how to get started:

1. Build the Curb:The curb is a raised frame that will support the lantern. When building this curb, a minimum height of 25mm is required, but it’s often a good idea to go higher for added durability and stability. The curb should be sloped to ensure proper drainage. On a flat roof, ensure there is a slight fall (slope) from one side to the other to prevent water from pooling.

2. Check the Curb Alignment:The curb should be level to ensure the lantern sits evenly. If the curb isn’t level, it could cause the lantern to tilt or affect the waterproofing once it’s installed. Make sure all edges are aligned, and the slope works as intended to channel water away from the lantern.

Step 2: Preparing the Roof Lantern

1. Dimensions and Customization:Roof Maker lanterns are made to measure, meaning you can select the exact size and configuration that fits your space. The standard dimensions can vary, but typically, you can go up to 4 meters long and 2 meters wide. For larger installations, the width might be restricted, so be sure to check the measurements with the manufacturer.

2. Check the Frame:The frame should come pre-assembled, but if not, ensure all the parts are included. The frame will have engineered plates to hold the glass panels, and these plates will need to be securely fitted together.

Step 3: Installing the Lantern Frame

1. Position the Frame:The frame for the roof lantern is carefully placed onto the curb. It’s essential that this frame fits snugly into place, and you can ensure this by checking the measurements before you install it. When you place the frame on the curb, it should sit perfectly level, so make sure to use a spirit level to confirm the alignment.

2. Secure the Frame:Once the frame is in place, use screws to secure it to the curb. The screws will help hold the frame in position while you continue the installation. Be sure not to overtighten, as this could damage the frame or the curb.

3. Apply Silicon:To create a watertight seal, you’ll need to apply silicone around the edges of the frame. Place about 20mm of silicone along the inside edge of the frame. This will provide a cushion for the frame to sit on and help with sealing once it’s placed.

Step 4: Installing the Glass Panels

1. Prepare the Glass:Before installing the glass panels, it’s important to check each panel for any damage. Ensure the glazing is clean and free from any debris.

2. Install the Glass:Once the frame is in place and secured, carefully lift the glass panels into the frame. The Slimline Lantern design includes a simple glazing method, so it should fit easily into the grooves provided in the frame.

3. Place the Glazing Packers:The glazing packs, or spacers, should be inserted to hold the glass panels in place. These spacers prevent the glass from shifting or moving over time and ensure a consistent gap for the sealant.

4. Secure the Glass:Once the glass panels are positioned, apply a bead of silicone along the edges to secure them in place. This creates a seal that prevents water from seeping in.

Step 5: Final Adjustments and Sealing

1. Check the Fit:Once everything is in place, double-check the fit of the frame and the glass. It should be level, flush with the edges of the roof, and fully sealed around the perimeter.

2. Finish the Edges:Apply any necessary trim to the edges of the frame. This trim can be painted to match the rest of the roof or home, creating a seamless look.

3. Waterproofing:Once the lantern is securely in place, you can finish the waterproofing around the

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of a roof lantern?

A roof lantern is a skylight with a frame that allows natural light into a room, typically installed on flat roofs. It serves as an architectural feature that enhances the aesthetic of a space, making it feel brighter and more spacious.

2. How does the Roof Maker Slimline Lantern differ from other roof lanterns?

The Roof Maker Slimline Lantern has a minimalist, sleek design with a slim frame that allows for a larger glass area and more natural light. It also features thermal break technology in the frame, improving energy efficiency and reducing heat loss.

3. What materials are used in the Roof Maker Slimline Lantern?

The lantern is made from durable aluminum, which is lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion. The glazing panels are typically made from high-quality, insulated glass, designed for maximum light transmission and energy efficiency.

4. How do I ensure my roof is prepared for a roof lantern installation?

Before installing a roof lantern, you must build a curb (a raised frame) around the roof opening. This curb needs to be level and may have a slight slope to ensure proper water drainage. It is important to verify that the roof surface is solid and able to support the weight of the lantern.

5. Do I need to install the roof membrane before or after placing the lantern?

With the Roof Maker Slimline Lantern, you do not need to install the roof membrane (such as felt or fiberglass) before fitting the lantern. You can install the lantern first and then bring the membrane up around the frame to waterproof it.

6. Can I install a Roof Maker Slimline Lantern myself, or should I hire a professional?

While the Roof Maker Slimline Lantern is designed for easier installation, it is highly recommended to hire a professional if you are not experienced with roof installations. Ensuring the lantern is properly sealed and waterproof is crucial to avoid future issues.

7. How do I maintain a Roof Maker Slimline Lantern?

Maintenance involves keeping the glass clean, checking for any debris around the edges, and ensuring that the seals around the frame remain intact. You should also inspect the flashing and gutter system for any blockages that might cause water backup.

8. What size Roof Maker Slimline Lantern do I need for my space?

The size of your lantern depends on your roof space and design preferences. Roof Maker lanterns are custom-made to your measurements. The general size guidelines are: for lengths up to 4 meters, widths up to 2 meters; for larger spans, widths must be reduced to 1.6 meters, and for even more length, you can go down to 1.2 meters in width.

9. What is the energy efficiency of a Roof Maker Slimline Lantern?

The Roof Maker Slimline Lantern is designed with thermal break technology to improve insulation and reduce heat transfer. This makes it more energy-efficient, helping to keep the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The double-glazing and the materials used also provide a good U-value, contributing to overall energy savings.

10. Is it necessary to have a pitched roof for a Roof Maker Slimline Lantern?

No, the Roof Maker Slimline Lantern is specifically designed for use with flat roofs. It can be installed on roofs with a slight pitch to allow water to drain away easily, preventing issues such as water pooling and leakage.