Skylights vs Roof Lanterns: What’s the Difference?

25th July 2024

There's nothing like waking up to the soft glow of sunrise in the morning or gazing out at the sky as it shifts from deep red to a blanket of twinkling stars at night. Skylights and roof lanterns can make this a reality, bathing your space in natural light and transforming your ceiling into a window to the sky.

While both window types achieve a similar goal, there are some key differences to consider when choosing the perfect one for your home or your client's project. That's where we come in!

As Dorset and Hampshire's trusted window specialists, the Alimax team know all about choosing the right windows for your needs. Below, we explain what skylights and roof lanterns are, what makes them different, and how you can spot the hallmarks of top quality.

What Is a Skylight?

A skylight is a transparent or translucent window installed on the roof of a building to allow natural light into the interior space. It can be flat or pitched, depending on the type of roof it's installed on, and can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and fibreglass.

What Is a Roof Lantern?

A roof lantern is a multi-faceted, three-dimensional structure that sits on top of a roof, with a pyramid shape resembling a miniature greenhouse. It's best suited to flat roofs because of its raised structure.

How Do Skylights and Roof Lanterns Compare?

Both skylights and roof lanterns can brighten your home and offer stunning views of the sky, but they have key structural differences that affect how they function. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the right one for your needs:

Light Distribution

Because of their raised design, roof lanterns let natural light enter from multiple angles. This results in light being diffused throughout the entire room.

Skylights typically channel light from directly overhead, creating a more focused, 'spotlight' effect. However, their large size still allows them to light up most of the room effectively.

Aesthetics

Skylights usually have a flat, minimalist design with minimal decoration, focusing on providing light rather than drawing attention to the frame itself.

In contrast, roof lanterns are more visually striking. Their multi-paned pyramid shape rises above the roof, catching the eye both inside and outside the home and making them a standout architectural feature.

Space

Roof lanterns can make the ceiling feel much taller and much more spacious. Skylights don't usually create that same illusion of extra height, although some skylights with a raised design can give a little bit of a boost.

Installation and Cost

Due to their simpler design, skylights are generally easier, quicker, and cheaper to install compared to roof lanterns, which need more structural support.

Bring Natural Light Into Your Property With an Alimax Skylight or Roof Lantern

Looking for the perfect skylight or roof lantern for your project? Alimax have you covered! We design two of the best roof window solutions on the market: the Flat MAX skylight and the LuMax roof lantern. Keep reading to see what makes them stand out!

Flat MAX Skylight

Flat MAX is a sleek, modern skylight that offers high performance without compromising on style. Here's what sets it apart:

• Built with a strong yet unobtrusive aluminium frame and safety glass, it provides excellent thermal insulation, light transmission, and noise reduction. You can also upgrade to solar control glass for extra comfort!
• Flat MAX's design allows the glass panels to be removed easily, all without touching the frame. This translates to a durable, cost-effective solution that's built to last.
• Installation takes minutes, not hours, so you can start enjoying the benefits of natural light in no time!

LuMax Roof Lantern

Fusing modern design with high-performance materials, LuMax stands head and shoulders above other roof lanterns. Here's what makes it unique:

• LuMax features a classic 25-degree pitch and maximises the glass area for a light and airy feel. The slim, thermally broken aluminium profiles create a minimalist look that won't obstruct your views of the sky.
• LuMax incorporates standard 28 mm double-glazed units that work together with the thermally broken aluminium to deliver outstanding energy efficiency, thermal performance, and noise reduction.
• The LuMax system utilises pressure plates secured with anti-tamper screws, resulting in a strong, safe, and secure roof that resists all break-in attempts.
• LuMax has been designed for fast and straightforward installation, saving on labour time and costs.

Think the FlatMAX or LuMax might be the perfect fit for your home or a client's project? Visit our showroom in Fordingbridge to see our products firsthand, get a free quote online, or give us a call on 01425 205465 to get started!