Lantern Rooflights
Lantern roof lights (or skylights, or roof windows - many names, one result) have seen an exponential rise in popularity these last few years.
Similar to bi-fold doors, and apex windows, their sole purpose is to bring light into a room. Often flat, they can also slope, or be tented, like an orangery.
There are many positives to installing an lantern roof window- increasing natural light, increasing a feeling of space, saving on energy costs (by utilising the natural light rather than artificial light).
What you do need to consider is controlling the heat gain/ loss through that space. Like it or not, glass is a cold material, with little thermal benefit. If your roof light sits above a popular useable space in your home (and they often do, that’s why you’ve had one installed) that space may feel uncomfortably cold in winter, and uncomfortably warm in summer. If you have furniture under this space, you also need to consider the damage UV rays can cause- even on a wintery sunny day.
Blinds can help.
Cellular blinds can sit across the base of the space. The cellular construction of the fabric is ideal for temperature control (see our blog on why here).
These blinds can run flat, can run on a slope, and can be shaped to suit. They can be manually or remotely controlled. Just remember, if you choose manual, that you will have to walk the blind across the space with a telescopic rod, and may have to constantly move furniture to open/ close it.
When the blind is closed, you will lose some light, but that’s often a small price to pay for a more comfortable relaxing environment. When the blind is open, you may see some cords running along the mid- space depending on the size, but these are unobtrusive, and almost invisible against daylight.
Go motorised!
If you love the light, but want to control the heat/ UV issue, go external screen. Motorised only, these run across the outside of the space (so not suitable for orangery spaces), and stop the heat/ UV getting into the room by acting as a barrier between the sun and the glazing. A screen fabric is specially woven to allow you a view through it, so you still enjoy the filtered light and blue skies. These are external grade products, and zipped for safety. You will see no cords running across the space when open, but the power is mains only, and w suitable power supply will need to be available.
If you choose motorised, most good systems can work with popular SmartHome technology, and/ or you simply use a remote control. Depending on size, many can be battery powered, or solar powered, so no unsightly wires running to plug sockets.
Whatever your thoughts, it’s always good to chat these things through in a showroom, with samples on display, and a knowledgeable assistant. Why not book a showroom visit, bring along some approx. sizes and find out more?