Talk to me about roof lanterns!

[namechanger234]

We have a converted attached garage which we've made into a large kitchen but it's really dark
I've thought about putting in a roof lantern. I've got some builders coming next week but they've said I need to decide on what size and type of roof lantern I want and buy it myself and they will install it

Where do I start. I think I could for 1.5 metre x 1 metre easily probably longer

There are so many different types online. Any recommendations and thoughts on design

I think I like the ones that have more detail ...

Wouldn’t it be dictated by the roof structure? I’d consult somebody else before buying anything.

I also feel that 1x1.5 is pretty small and might not look that good on a big ceiling (depending on the positioning).

That’s not very big. Would it provide much light? Do you mean an orangery style lantern?

We have a huge one over our kitchen as part of the design. If you are retro fitting, what type of roof is it? We have had a roof light put above our landing and inserted in s tiled roof. It’s a heritage style one and it just blends in. You could have one or several. If you have a flat roof, I think you might need to think about what you want the finished roof to look like. Try Houzz for ideas?

Sorry yes it's a standard garage flat roof so not massive

We've had the work done to convert into kitchen a couple of years ago and it's all plastered and painted but v dark so we are just wanting to get more light

The roof structure will need to be strong enough to support whatever you install, and the roofers will need to ensure it can be made watertight without water pooling around the rooflight. Have a think about how water will drain away from the installation too. Maybe chat to the builder again, I'd expect them to be advising you more here.

Rooflights are also fragile and not strong enough to stop a fall, so if it becomes something that attracts water pooling, leaves etc and you or a member of the family go up to clear it, be aware the whole roof is very thin and it's possible to fall /step through the roof or through the rooflight. Painful, potentially very dangerous and very expensive.

They also (as I bang on about on these threads) need edge protection when they are up there, and must not be working solely with a ladder. Ask them what they'll be using as their edge protection!

And ask them what they know about the garage roof structure, so is it a fragile surface up there or not? Will they be using crawling boards?

You might need to get planning permission, it depends though, check here for details. www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/47/roof

You can also get them sprayed in different colours now, so you don't have to have a boring black, white or grey. That way, the light and the colour become a great focal point. I'm sure it would brighten it up!

Have you looked at installers? They'll make sure to buy and install the right one, can sketch up designs and advise on what suits your home/budget best. Best to get a few different quotes. But thats just what I'd do.