Roof lanterns are a great way to increase the amount of natural lighting in your home while enhancing its aesthetics.
These can be installed anywhere, from living rooms to bedrooms, uplifting the environment of your home.
While the installation process might seem daunting, it can be completed quickly and safely with the right approach. Today, TuffX will provide a step-by-step guide for installing roof lanterns.
Tools and Materials
- Tape measure
- Chalk line or marker
- Circular saw or jigsaw
- Crowbar or hammer
- Spirit level and carpenters square
- Drill and screws or bolts
- Screwdriver
- Suction cups or glass lifters
- Utility knife
- Roof lantern kit
- Timber
- Rubber gaskets or sealing strips
1. Planning and Preparation
Before you begin, it’s essential to plan the style, size, and location of the roof lantern.
There are a wide variety of roof lantern shapes and designs to choose from, offering something for every home. To do this, consider the following:
- Room size and ceiling height: Larger rooms can accommodate bigger roof lanterns. However, opt for a size that is proportional to the room so as not to overwhelm the space.
- Structural support: A roof lantern requires proper support. Check whether your existing roof structure can handle the additional weight or if it needs to be reinforced.
- Planning permission: Roof lanterns are typically exempt from planning requirements since they are classified as “permitted developments.” There are, however, some exceptions, particularly if you reside in a conservation area or a listed structure. Always check with your local authority before completing any renovation work.
2. Measure and Marking
Once you have decided on a roof lantern design, it’s time to measure and cut the roof opening for the installation.
Measure the dimensions of your roof lantern with a tape measure, aiming for precision. This should account for the size of the roof lantern, the frame, and any necessary support structures. Repeat this process twice to ensure the measurements are accurate.
Then, using the measurements of your rooflight, mark out the dimensions on the inside ceiling as a guide for cutting. Then, add these measurements to the roof using a chalk line or marker.
3. Cutting the Roof Opening
Using a hammer or crowbar, start removing tiles, slates, or roofing materials from the marked area.
Once the covering is removed, use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut through the sheathing and insulation. Before cutting through any rafters or joists, add temporary supports to prevent them from collapsing.
Install trimmer joists parallel to the original joists and headers perpendicular to the joists. These should be installed securely to distribute the load of the roof lantern.
Use a carpenter’s square to check that all corners are 90 degrees and a spirit level to ensure that all the edges are level.
4. Installing the Upstand
The upstand acts as the structural base that supports the roof lantern, serving as a crucial component.
This is a raised frame on which the roof lantern sits, elevating the structure above the roof level. Upstands ensure proper drainage, and they can be pre-manufactured or built on-site.
To build from scratch, complete the following:
- Cut the timber to size based on the measurements of your roof lantern. The upstand should be around 150 mm high to allow sufficient room for insulation.
- Assemble the cut timber into a rectangular frame.
- Secure the upstand to the roof structure using strong screws or bolts.
If you’re installing a pre-manufactured upstand, simply place the pre-fabricated upstand onto the roof opening, aligning it with the edges of the cut opening. Secure it in place with the appropriate fixings.
5. Fitting the Roof Lantern Frame
Most roof lanterns come with a kit containing the frame components, including side beams, ridge beams, glazing bars, and screws.
Begin by positioning the base frame sections on top of the upstand. These are the horizontal beams that the ridge beam and vertical glazing bars will be supported by. Using the included bolts or screws, fasten them firmly, making sure they line up straight with the upstand edges.
Then, attach the vertical glazing bars from the base frame to the top ridge beam. The ridge beam, which extends horizontally along the roof lantern’s apex, connects the vertical glazing bars.
This is where the higher glass parts are mostly supported, so make sure it is positioned correctly. Bolt the ridge beam firmly to the vertical bars using the supplied fasteners. Use a spirit level to ensure everything is precise.
6. Installing the Glass Panels
Once your frame is securely in place, begin by installing the largest glass panels first.
Use a glass lifter or suction cups to lift and position each panel. Avoid touching the edges of the panels, as this can cause chipping or cracking.
Once the panel has been aligned in place, ensure it sits correctly with the glazing bars and ridge beam. The panel should sit snugly within the frame without any gaps or uneven edges.
Then, install the glazing bars along the seams where two glass panels meet, locking them in place. Use clamps or clips to secure them in place.
After securing the panels, apply sealing strips or rubber gaskets along the edges where the glass meets the frame. Press them firmly in place to secure a tight seal to prevent leaks.
Choose TuffX For Your Roof Lanterns
At TuffX, we offer a stunning range of modern roof lanterns, perfect for improving home efficiency and comfort.
With a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to choose from, you can find the perfect match for your interior.
Browse our roof lanterns today to invest in the beauty of your home.