If you are seeking to add some natural light to an area of your home, or you want the feel of a conservatory with the versatility of a reception room, skylights or roof lanterns could be the right investment for you. Last week we covered the differences between the two; this week we will look closer at the pros and cons of each.
Skylights – the pros and cons
Skylights are easy to fit and look fantastic. They are also incredibly versatile as they can be fitted in flat or pitched roofs. The list of pros goes on:
- Skylights are cheaper and easier to install than roof lanterns.
- They transform a loft conversion with minimal structural work.
- They are easy to clean.
- A range of opening options are available, including electric and weather-sensitive action.
- Skylights are very discreet, making an impact in terms of light while having minimal effect on aesthetics overall.
- Provided you don’t live in a listed building or designated area, planning permission is not normally needed for skylights.
Nothing is perfect, however, and skylights do come with some cons:
- Skylights are limited by size, so although that means they can bring light to small areas, you will probably need multiple skylights to really impact a larger room.
- If multiple skylights are installed, they could cause a conservatory effect, making the room stiflingly hot in the summer.
- Skylights are unobtrusive, which means that they don’t provide wow factor.
Roof lanterns – the pros and cons
Roof lanterns definitely add a touch of grandeur to a space as well as a host of other pros:
- By bringing light in from all angles, roof lanterns allow you to get maximum light into a space at any time of day.
- They are a great solution for a larger flat roof, where one skylight may not be enough.
- They add to the feeling of light and space by increasing the height of the roof as well as adding more light.
- Some companies offer ready-to-install products that can be fitted quickly and easily.
- Roof lanterns are a real statement and can add wow factor to a home.
As expected, there are some downsides:
- Roof lanterns are more expensive than skylights. However, in a larger space where you might need several skylights to produce the same amount of light as one roof lantern, the cost difference may not be significant.
- With their multiple faces, roof lanterns can be harder to keep clean (although self-cleaning glass is available).
- As with skylights, the addition of a large amount of glass provides light, but can also cause overheating.
If you are torn between the airy grandeur of a roof light and the discreet functionality of a skylight, it is a good idea to shop around. Take a look at other houses as you are out and about, or check out sales websites to get style ideas, before speaking to a reliable carpenter, handyman, roofer or builder about the must suitable option for your house, your taste and your budget.