Compare roof lights and roof lanterns in this trade guide. Learn which system suits each job, boosts profit, and delivers customer satisfaction.
What You’ll Learn:
- The key visual and structural differences between a roof light and a roof lantern
- Which system fits best based on installation speed and site conditions
- How each option influences client satisfaction and overall project value
- Why The Trade Village is the go-to supplier for roof lights and roof lanterns
(Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 Minutes)
The Big Question: Roof Light or Roof Lantern?
When it comes to glazing the top of an extension, there’s often confusion among both homeowners and installers: should it be a roof light or a roof lantern?
Truth is, both do the same fundamental job — bringing light in from above — but they deliver very different effects, installation experiences, and profit profiles.
As an installer, understanding these differences helps you quote smarter, sell more confidently, and choose the product that makes sense for you and your customer.
Let’s get into it.
The Core Difference
| Type | Description | Key Look |
| Roof Light (Flat Rooflight) | A single, flat glazed panel fitted flush or near-flush with the roof. Often low-profile, sleek, and minimal. | Discreet, modern, subtle – the “frameless sky view.” |
| Roof Lantern (Pyramid / Multi-Facet) | A raised glazed structure that sits proud of the roof, usually multi-pane and framed. | Statement feature, architectural – the “glass crown.” |
Think of roof lights as clean modern minimalism, and lanterns as traditional drama and height.
The Fitter’s Angle – Installation Practicalities
| Installer Concern | Roof Light | Roof Lantern |
| Ease of Fit | Pre-glazed, drop-in, seal and done. | Modular assembly — more parts, but engineered precision. |
| Time on Site | 1–2 hours for a small team. | 2–4 hours depending on size. |
| Tools Needed | Basic sealants, fixings, and lift assist. | Same plus rafter fixings and ridge assembly. |
| Weight Handling | Heavy glass, minimal framing. | Lighter per section, but more overall pieces. |
| Upstand | Low (75–150mm typical). | Higher (150–250mm typical). |
| Lead Time | Fast (5–10 working days stock). | Similar (10 working days). |
| Weatherproofing | Integrated drainage channels. | Factory-sealed ridge caps and gutters. |
Installer verdict:
If you want fast turnaround and low hassle — roof lights win.
If you want a showpiece that adds value and visibility to your portfolio — lanterns deliver.
Customer Satisfaction – What Homeowners See (and Feel)
| Customer Priority | Roof Light | Roof Lantern |
| Aesthetic Impact | Sleek, minimal, “frameless sky view.” | Architectural, grand, instantly eye-catching. |
| Natural Light | Clean, diffuse light. | Dramatic light and height — more directional and vibrant. |
| Thermal Comfort | Excellent with modern glazing (U-value ~1.2 W/m²K). | Similar or better with thermally broken aluminium. |
| Noise Control | Great acoustic reduction (laminated options). | More exposed but mitigated by laminated glass. |
| Design Fit | Perfect for contemporary builds and clean lines. | Ideal for orangeries, period homes, and kitchens. |
| Maintenance | Self-cleaning glass, minimal frame. | Self-cleaning glass + easy-access caps. |
Customer verdict:
Roof lights appeal to modern minimalists.
Roof lanterns appeal to homeowners chasing visual impact.
The Money Maker – What Boosts Your Profit
| Profit Factor | Roof Light (Atlas / Korniche Flat) | Roof Lantern (Atlas / Korniche Lantern) |
| Average Sale Value | Moderate (add-on to door/window jobs). | High (premium feature, stand-alone sale). |
| Labour to Value Ratio | Excellent (low labour, high perception). | Still strong (higher value, slightly longer fit). |
| Upsell Opportunities | Solar control glass, integral blinds. | Colour options, decorative caps, dual lanterns. |
| Repeat / Referral Potential | Subtle elegance wins quiet referrals. | “Statement piece” drives word-of-mouth. |
| Stock Lead Time | 5–10 days typical. | 10–12 days typical. |
Trade reality:
Roof lights give you volume.
Roof lanterns give you profit and visibility — both literally and commercially.
Choosing the Right Product for the Job
Here’s the quick installer cheat sheet:
| Project Type | Go For | Why |
| Modern kitchen extension | Flat Roof Light (Atlas / Korniche) | Clean lines, minimal height, contemporary look. |
| Traditional orangery | Roof Lantern (Atlas) | Adds height, grandeur, and fits classic design. |
| New-build with open-plan living | Korniche Roof Lantern | Large spans, PAS 24 security, modern aesthetic. |
| Refurbishment with limited ceiling height | Atlas Roof Light | Low-profile system maximises light without raising structure. |
| Coastal / exposed sites | Korniche systems | Marine-grade aluminium, re-glazeable design. |
| Quick-turn home improvement project | Atlas Flat Rooflight | Pre-glazed, fast-fit, fast margin. |
The Trade Village Advantage – Why Fitters Choose Them
Whether you go roof light or roof lantern, your supplier matters as much as your system. The Trade Village understands that the trade needs speed, support, and supply certainty.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Fast UK lead times: Atlas stock roof lights and lanterns typically within 5–10 working days.
- Premium systems: Aluminium, thermally broken, and built to last.
- Trade pricing and support: No retail fluff — just real margins for fitters.
- Technical assistance: Help with sizing, load, and installation details when you need it.
- Nationwide delivery: On time, every time, from a trusted logistics network.
When you’re fitting for a client, you need products you can trust and a supplier who gets that your reputation is on the line. The Trade Village delivers both.
The Smart Installer’s Takeaway
Roof glazing is no longer just an upsell — it’s a market shift. Customers want daylight, design, and drama. You can offer all three without adding stress to your workflow.
- Fit roof lights for speed, modernity, and minimalism.
- Fit roof lanterns for impact, premium upgrades, and portfolio appeal.
- Fit both to stay versatile, relevant, and profitable.
That’s the real trade edge in 2025 — delivering the right product for the right job, every time.
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This is why more installers are choosing The Trade Village