Any advice/experience of a roof lantern?

Cupcake77_2

Hi

We're in the process of submitting plans for a 6m x 5m extension to the back of our house which will act as a kitchen/diner. We are also blocking our through lounge off to make a small lounge at the front and the back will be a sitting room which will form part of the new kitchen diner.

We are planning on 4m bifold doors and obviously want as much light as possible. We are unable to get a pitch on the roof at 5m so will be having a flat roof.

We like the look of roof lanterns and was wondering if anyone has any experience of these? I've seen some with Low E self cleaning 24mm double glazed glass at a reasonable price on Omega Roofing Systems website. Any experience of this company?

Also, what sort of size lantern would you suggest for a roof of that size? I dont want it to look to small for the room but at the same time I don't want it too big due to the amount of insulation we will be losing from the roof.

Really appreciate your help.

Innys

My new kitchen is very similar in size to your proposed one.

I have a lantern of around 2m x 0.8m. I also have a 1.5m window and d/g door to the garden. The roof is insulated to current building regs.

The floor has wet ufh and there's a double radiator in there too of 2.4m x 0.7m.

If you're thinking of having 4m bifolds plus a roof lantern, your kitchen will be so cold you could never use it. I seriously suggest you reconsider and/or consult an architect who will advise you on the likely heat losses you will suffer.

blackshirtuk

We are doing an extension 9m x 5m with flat roof. We went for 2 roof lanterns 2mx 1.2m. With 2 sets of 3.5m bifolds.

We are very happy with them, and yes self cleaning does actually work. Our lanterns were £800 each from a company in the midlands, 5 day turnaround and will design/make any size.

Cupcake77_2

Thank you both for your replies.

Innys you have panicked me a bit as we have consulted with both architect and builder already and they didn't seem to have any concerns over heat loss.

We were considering a 2.5m x 1.5m roof lantern but not sure if this will be big enough for the size of the room.

Blackshirtuk, do you remember the name of the company in the Midlands? I am in Essex so they may not deliver to me anyway. Also, do you have trouble with the cold or is your extension still in progress?

Thanks again

leveller2911

Theres a company near my workshop that makes decent quality lanterns.They have a website and also on you tube.

Chris Cooper is the owner and is ver knowledgable.


http://www.rooflanterns.co.uk/index.html


OP I agree with Innys, You will need to comply with regs on U values and likely to need a good thickness of Celotex in the floor,walls and roof because of the glass area proposed.

blackshirtuk

It was Dave at CCS Midland ltd, found them from ebay!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lantern-Roof-Skylight-1500mm-x-2500mm-BRILLIANT-SERVICE-/140814038553?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20c92bb619

They deliver nationwide, with their own vehicles.

My architect has subsequently had a huge lantern from them, 3.5m x 3m x 2.5m high.

The extension is ongoing but i dont feel it is cold. because as "leveller" said the building inspector insisted on lots of insulation, 100mm celotex walls and floor and 130mm in the roof.

We were supposed to insulate around the lantern above roof level but let us off as there was only 100mm showing.

Innys

Cupcake77 wrote: »

Thank you both for your replies.

Innys you have panicked me a bit as we have consulted with both architect and builder already and they didn't seem to have any concerns over heat loss.

We were considering a 2.5m x 1.5m roof lantern but not sure if this will be big enough for the size of the room.

Blackshirtuk, do you remember the name of the company in the Midlands? I am in Essex so they may not deliver to me anyway. Also, do you have trouble with the cold or is your extension still in progress?

Thanks again

I didn't intend to cause you to panic - just warn you.

Your builder and architect don't have to live in your house so they have little interest in how habitable it will be.

An extension with the amount of glass area you have in mind is one step back from a conservatory. Most posters on here will confirm that heating a conservatory is a losing battle.

If you have deep pockets, you could probably afford to keep your proposed kitchen warm but, personally, I'd dispense with the bifolds. They will cost you an arm and a leg.

clockworks_2

blackshirtuk wrote: »

It was Dave at CCS Midland ltd, found them from ebay!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lantern-Roof-Skylight-1500mm-x-2500mm-BRILLIANT-SERVICE-/140814038553?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20c92bb619

They deliver nationwide, with their own vehicles.

My architect has subsequently had a huge lantern from them, 3.5m x 3m x 2.5m high.

The extension is ongoing but i dont feel it is cold. because as "leveller" said the building inspector insisted on lots of insulation, 100mm celotex walls and floor and 130mm in the roof.

We were supposed to insulate around the lantern above roof level but let us off as there was only 100mm showing.

Thanks for the link. Looks very cheap, I am also looking for a roof lantern.

They also make bi-fold doors which I need.

clockworks_2

blackshirtuk wrote: »

We are doing an extension 9m x 5m with flat roof. We went for 2 roof lanterns 2mx 1.2m. With 2 sets of 3.5m bifolds.

We are very happy with them, and yes self cleaning does actually work. Our lanterns were £800 each from a company in the midlands, 5 day turnaround and will design/make any size.

Blackshirt how much were the bifolds? Did you buy them from the same company?

thanks

Cupcake77_2

blackshirtuk wrote: »

It was Dave at CCS Midland ltd, found them from ebay!

Link removed

They deliver nationwide, with their own vehicles.

My architect has subsequently had a huge lantern from them, 3.5m x 3m x 2.5m high.

The extension is ongoing but i dont feel it is cold. because as "leveller" said the building inspector insisted on lots of insulation, 100mm celotex walls and floor and 130mm in the roof.

We were supposed to insulate around the lantern above roof level but let us off as there was only 100mm showing.

Hi again

Our build is about to start and was wondering if you are still happy with your roof lantern and haven't had any leaks :rotfl:

I have requested a quote from the company you recommended and am just waiting on a reply.

Thanks
Nikki

Cupcake77_2

clockworks wrote: »

Thanks for the link. Looks very cheap, I am also looking for a roof lantern.

They also make bi-fold doors which I need.

Clockworks did you also end up using this company?