Can a Roof Lantern Be Fitted In a Day?
Adding a roof lantern to your home is one of the most effective ways to bring in natural light and create a stunning focal point in any room. But if you’re considering this stylish upgrade, one of the first questions you might as is: can a roof lantern be fitted in a day?
The short answer? Yes – in most cases, a roof lantern is simple to install, and can be fitted in just one day. However, there are a few key factors that can influence the timeline. In this blog, we’ll share with you all the advice and information you need to know for installing a roof lantern.
What Is a Roof Lantern?
A roof lantern is a glazed structure, typically installed on a flat or low-pitched roof. Unlike flat rooflights, lanterns project above the roofline and allow daylight to flood in from multiple angles. They’re perfect for areas such as kitchen extensions, living spaces or orangeries – any space that would benefit from natural light and a sense of height.
At UK Rooflights Online, our roof lanterns stand out from the crowd, retaining traditional features using advanced technology. Their multi-pane design options allow for more light to enter a room, and use slim aluminium frames to reflect the style of traditional skylights and reduce the need for artificial lighting. They are extremely energy efficient, and like many lantern roofs, are double glazed as standard to improve thermal efficiency. Their minimalist design is what makes them a popular architectural feature for any home improvement project, but also makes them incredibly easy to install.
Comprehensive Guide: The Installation Timeline
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation process, some groundwork needs to be in place.
- Structural Opening: your builder or contractor will need to create the opening in the roof where the roof lantern will sit. This should be done using the manufacturing guidelines provided by your supplier.
- Upstands or kerbs: these must be prepared to support the lantern frame. In some cases, you may be able to order the roof lantern with a pre-built upstand that fits building regulations. In most cases, builders will complete this ahead of time.
If the roof opening and upstand are ready, the lantern fitting itself can often be completed within a few hours.
On the Day of Installing a Roof Lantern
Once everything is prepped, the roof lantern can usually be installed in the following steps:
- Delivery and handling of the lantern
- Assembly of the frame (this may be done on-site or pre-assembled, depending on the model)
- Fitting the frame to the kerb
- Glazing installation – the glass panels should be fitted securely
- Sealing and final checks – for weatherproofing and finish
For experienced installers, this entire process typically takes between 3 to 6 hours. However, this will all depend on multiple factors and the size of your project.
Factors That Can Affect Installation Time
While many installations go smoothly, a few variables can impact the timeline:
- Size and complexity: Larger lanterns with more panes or bespoke designs may take longer than smaller, simpler designs.
- Weather conditions: poor weather may delay or interrupt installation plans, particularly when working at height on a property.
- Access: If your property has limited access to the roof, extra time may be needed for lifting or manoeuvring.
- Preparation work: For proper installation to be carried out, the upstand or roof opening must be ready pre-installation.
Existing Roof Plane
If you’re installing a roof lantern on an existing roof, which already has an opening from a previous roof lantern, this may create a quick and easy installation. However, it must be ensured that proper measuring is taken to reorder a roof lantern, as there can be common concerns around the size of replacement lanterns if reordered with another manufacturer.
DIY or Professional Installation?
Some homeowners with building experience may choose installing a roof lantern themselves. However, we recommend using a professional installer to ensure your roof lantern is properly installed and is safe, secure and fully weatherproof. This is especially important if you’re working with larger units or complex glazing.
You should also check with your local authority before installing a roof lantern, as in some cases planning permission may be required.
So, Can A Roof Lantern Be Fitted In A Day?
In most cases, a contemporary roof lantern can be fitted on flat roofs in a single day, making it one of the quickest ways to transform your living space with abundant natural light and modern style. With a bit of preparation and the right team, you’ll be enjoying your brighter, more open home in no time.
Looking for a fast, high-quality roof lantern solution? At UK Rooflights Online, we supply a wide range of ready-to-fit aluminium roof lanterns with fast delivery across the UK. With advanced features such as excellent energy efficiency, thermally broken frames and an ultra-secure glass structure, the roof lantern meets all the relevant building regulations and safety requirements. Get in touch with our team today or browse our online shop to find the perfect lantern for your project.
