And when it comes to skylights for flat roofs, there’s plenty of choice available. You can keep it classic with flat rooflights, add some curves with a circular rooflight or get the wow-factor with a striking roof lantern. To help you decide, we’re going to take a look at some options, their benefits, as well as provide top installation tips.
Types of Skylights for Flat Roofs
Fixed Flat Rooflights
What type of skylight is best for flat roofs?
Fixed flat rooflights are one of the most popular skylights for flat roofs and are made using a single double or triple glazed, glazing unit.
The ‘fixed’ in the name means a rooflight that doesn’t open. These are ideal for homeowners seeking a minimalistic design. They are barely noticeable from the exterior, preserving the building’s original lines and aesthetics.
Roof Maker’s fixed flat rooflights are available in custom sizes up to 3 square metres to really wow visitors and flood open plan spaces with light. It is also possible to join multiple glazing units together to create a much larger modular rooflight. These can be combined in many different configurations.
Modular Rooflights
If you need something larger, you could consider our modular rooflights. The modular system lets you place several flat glazing units together with supporting splits between them. This allows you to cover a much larger area of your flat roof.
Modular rooflights can also be ideal if you have an unusual space or want a more creative arrangement.
Circular Rooflights
If your room has a more hexagonal or rounded shape, the O-lite can make a beautiful centrepiece. This circular rooflight is fixed (non-opening) and appears frameless from inside. It’s available in three standard diameters: 750mm, 1000mm or 1500mm.
Openable Skylights
If you’d prefer an option that allows for air flow, then our openable skylights are a great choice. Installed with a hinged opening for ventilation, they’re particularly useful in kitchens and bathrooms, for clearing steam and cooking smells.
The skylight opens using a concealed chain mechanism. This is powered by a wall-mounted switch or remote control and can be opened partly or fully up to 250mm. This makes management easy, especially if placed out of reach.
And if it looks like rain, you don’t need to worry. Our openable skylight is fitted with a rain sensor that will close it for you automatically if there’s a shower.
Roof Lanterns
Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique and eye-catching, our Slimline® roof lanterns are worth considering. Unlike flat rooflights, roof lanterns are three-dimensional and have the shape of an elongated pyramid.
Our lanterns are designed to create a stunning architectural feature in your room. They’re functional, too, as the angled glass catches the sunlight from all directions and channels it down into your living space.
Because roof lanterns sit above the surface of the roof, they increase the ceiling height too, which makes your room feel brighter and more spacious.
The structure of a roof lantern means there will be some visible glazing bars, but we’ve made those as slim and unobtrusive as possible, so they don’t interfere with your view.
Roof lanterns can also be made with an opening panel if you need ventilation. However, it’s worth noting that an opening panel will have a slightly thicker frame.
Flat Rooflights vs. Roof Lanterns: Which is best for you?
Natural lighting solutions like rooflights play a pivotal role in transforming living spaces. But when faced with options like flat rooflights and roof lanterns, which is the best fit for your project?
Here’s a quick summary of the benefits and things to consider.
Flat Rooflights
Flat rooflights offer an uninterrupted flow of natural light, brightening up spaces without the complications of shadows cast by structural elements. They also provide:
- Classic minimal style that suits most properties
- More cost-effective and easier to install
- Rectangular rooflights can be made to custom sizes*
- Circular rooflights and modular configurations are also available
- Can be made with a hinged opening for ventilation
- Frameless appearance gives unparalleled sky views and allows maximal light to pass through.
If your skylight is for a room where you need more privacy, check first if your flat roof will be overlooked.
Roof Lanterns
Roof lanterns are designed to capture light from various angles throughout the day, significantly brightening the central areas of larger rooms and enhancing the sense of openness. Some of the other benefits include:
- A stunning architectural centrepiece for your room
- Channels sunlight from all angles throughout the day
- Adds both height and light to your room
- Can be made to a custom size*
- Can have an opening panel for ventilation.
Some flat roofs have height limitations, which could mean a roof lantern is unsuitable, so check your building regulations first.
*Subject to manufacturing limitations
Understanding Rooflights and Roof Lanterns
Rooflights come in various designs, each suited to different architectural styles and practical needs. Flat rooflights are sleek and sit flush with the roof, providing a clean, modern look without altering the roofline. On the other hand, roof lanterns are 3d-structured, glass units that rise above the roof surface, offering a bold, classic aesthetic that can serve as a room’s centrepiece.
Installation and Maintenance for Rooflights
Flat Rooflights
So, can you add a skylight to an existing flat roof?
The short answer is yes. Flat rooflights are generally easier and less intrusive to install. Flat rooflights can also be integrated into existing roofs with minimal structural adjustments. This simple installation also means they can often fit in more easily in various-sized rooms and may require less planning permission than taller, more obstructive plans.
Roof Lanterns
Alternatively, while more complex to install, roof lanterns are often worth the extra effort for the dramatic effect they offer. Our advanced systems (slimline roof lanterns and rooflights) are also available flat-packed or installed by Roof Maker. Our flat-pack option enables installers to get the rooflight up onto the roof without the costly requirement of a crane.
This is thanks to our patented technology, which features the slimmest glazing bars on the market, blending the profiles into the glass unit seals to give clean and minimal lines for maximum light.
Depending on your choice, some roof lanterns may require more maintenance due to their design complexity and exposure. Roof Maker’s stepped glazing units remove the traditional “caps”, so water is free to run off the edge.
Planning Permissions for Flat Roof Lights
Depending on your location, planning permissions may vary. Flat rooflights often do not change the external silhouette of a building and are less likely to require permissions. Roof lanterns, being more prominent, might need approval, especially in conservation areas.
Some basic regulations you may have to follow include;
- To install a rooflight, the roof structure will generally need to be altered to create the opening.
- The roof will have to be able to carry the load (weight) of the new rooflight. If the roof can not do this, then it will need to be strengthened.
- Any rooflight that is installed will need to prove that it has sufficient insulation against heat loss i.e. is energy efficient.
Whatever your needs, we recommend checking with your local council and consulting a certified installer before making any purchase or project decisions. Our team are always on hand to offer our expertise too, and answer any questions you may have.
Work with Roof Maker Today
Always consult your local council’s planning department or engage with an architectural expert to ensure compliance with local regulations and to streamline your project’s approval process.
Choosing between flat rooflights and roof lanterns depends on your specific needs for aesthetics, installation ease, and the architectural character of your home. Each offers unique advantages that can significantly enhance your living environment.
If you’re interested in exploring the ideal rooflight solutions for your home contact Roof Maker today on 0116 269 6297.. Our experts are here to provide you with tailored advice and help you select the perfect product to transform your space.
Updated: April 2025