| A roof lantern in its traditional form is essentially a | | | | were also incorporated into the design and |
| glass and timber roof light, very much like a miniature | | | | architecture of hotels and in places of education and |
| conservatory roof, which is incorporated, usually into | | | | public buildings such as town halls and public libraries. |
| an area of flat roof, in order to introduce light into | | | | It is sadly true that many of these fine and imposing |
| the area below. | | | | structures were prone to leak, due to the limitation |
| It is also possible to incorporate a roof lantern into | | | | of contemporary construction and sealing materials. |
| the ridge of a roof, and there are other areas where | | | | What's more, single glazing meant that they allowed |
| a roof lantern can work well if the design and | | | | heat to escape, so the areas beneath them could be |
| installation are carried out correctly. | | | | uncomfortable or expensive to heat during the |
| Roof lanterns were first used in the Georgian era at | | | | winter. Unfortunately, this meant that the owners |
| a time when the first orangeries and conservatories | | | | often reduced the size of the roof lantern, and with |
| were being built. The roof lantern allowed light into | | | | it the available light, or boarded them over completely |
| the stairwell of a property and into other areas of | | | | so that the area beneath had to be illuminated with |
| the home, an important consideration when without | | | | electric light. |
| electric or gaslight, candle power was the only lighting | | | | Ventilation was also sometimes required in these |
| available and interiors could be dim and dark even on | | | | early roof lanterns and this could only be provided by |
| sunny days. | | | | manual opening via a crank rod to turn the window |
| At the time glass was still made by hand and was | | | | mechanism open or closed. Very inconvenient if it |
| thus expensive, so initially architects had to reserve | | | | suddenly began to rain. |
| the use of roof lanterns when designing fine town | | | | Modern Roof Lanterns & Skylights |
| and country houses for wealthy clients. | | | | Fortunately today we have the benefit of modern |
| In the second half of the Victorian era, glass started | | | | dry double glazing techniques, advanced sealing |
| to be machine made and became more affordable. | | | | compounds and automatic electric mechanisms for |
| At the same time society became more affluent and | | | | opening and closing roof lantern windows. |
| the interest in glass structures influenced by the | | | | These improvements, together with the use of |
| Crystal Palace built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, | | | | sealed double glazed panels ensure that modern roof |
| led to a greater demand for glass to be used in the | | | | lanterns can maintain a traditional appearance while |
| building of homes, | | | | offering, structural Integrity and durability together |
| Both the Victorian's and Edwardian's used roof | | | | with good insulation properties. |
| lanterns wherever they were needed for both | | | | What's more, the use of durable hardwood timber |
| practical and aesthetic reasons - domestically to | | | | and high quality microporous paints and stains ensures |
| introduce light over landings and stairwells, in billiard | | | | that a modern roof lantern will last for many years |
| rooms, reception rooms and kitchens. Roof lanterns | | | | with minimum maintenance. |