Roof Lanterns
A roof lantern is the perfect way to flood your home with natural light, creating a striking architectural feature that enhances space, comfort, and value.
At Budget Designer HomeWorks, we supply and install high-quality roof lanterns across Belfast, Bangor, Newtownards, Lisburn, and throughout Northern Ireland. Our systems are suitable for everything from modern kitchen extensions and orangeries to traditional homes and renovations.
Whether you are upgrading a flat roof, planning a new orangery, or extending your living space, we will help you choose the right roof lantern system to suit your property, your budget, and your lifestyle.
Why Choose Roof Lanterns From Budget Designer HomeWorks?
Aluminium Framed Roof Lanterns as Standard:
Aluminium-framed roof lanterns are our most popular choice, offering excellent strength, slim sightlines, and long-term durability. They are available in both pyramid-style and flat (flush) designs to suit different roof types and architectural styles.High-Performance Systems for Large Spans:
For lanterns over three metres wide or for larger glazed roof projects, we can install full conservatory roofing systems. These include structural bar tensioners and reinforced components to ensure long-term stability and compliance. We have completed many projects of this type, with examples available on this page.Thermally Broken, Weather-Resistant Frames:
All of our aluminium lanterns feature a polyamide thermal break to reduce heat transfer and improve insulation. Dual polyester powder-coated finishes provide a marine grade protection against corrosion, fading, and Northern Ireland’s changing weather.Advanced Blue Active Glazing:
We install Blue Active glazing systems to reduce sun glare and provide self-cleaning properties. This improves comfort while keeping maintenance to a minimum.Long-Term Investment & Upgrade Flexibility:
Aluminium frames are designed to last for many years without warping or deterioration. Glazing units can be replaced or upgraded over time without changing the frame, making aluminium roof lanterns a strong long-term investment.Expert Installation & Trade Collaboration:
Our installation teams are highly experienced in fitting roof lanterns and glazed roof systems. We regularly work alongside builders and construction companies to deliver seamless projects, ensuring correct structural support, sealing, and finishing.
Roof Lanterns - Designed & Installed the Right Way
Choosing the right roof lantern is about more than appearance. It is about correct specification, structural integrity, and confidence in the team carrying out the work.
With decades of experience installing glazed roof systems across Northern Ireland, we understand what is required to deliver safe, reliable, long term performance in real conditions.
- Highly Experienced Installation Teams: Our fitting teams have developed specialist skills through years of complex roof lantern installations, using proven methods to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- High Performance Aluminium Systems: We use strong aluminium frames with thermally efficient glazing designed to maintain a stable internal temperature and perform reliably year round.
- Technical Integration Matters: A roof lantern is only as good as the structure it sits on. We ensure correct upstand preparation, sealing, and detailing to protect against heat loss and water ingress.
- Structural & Site Awareness: Every installation is assessed for wind loading, elevation, and exposure, ensuring the system performs correctly in both coastal and inland locations.
- Architect & Builder Collaboration: We regularly work alongside architects and builders, taking full responsibility for the glazing element within larger projects.
- Local Knowledge You Can Rely On: From building control requirements to older property structures, we understand the challenges specific to Northern Ireland homes.
- Ten Year Warranty & Accountability: We stand over both product and installation, providing long term peace of mind with a comprehensive ten year guarantee.
Roof Lantern Systems Designed for Every Extension
Every home and extension is different. That is why we offer a range of carefully selected roof glazing systems to suit different roof designs, spans, and architectural styles.
Standard roof light options include anthracite grey, black and white, with dual colour and custom colours available.ÂOur team will guide you through the options and recommend the most suitable solution for your project.
- Standard Aluminium Lanterns: Square or rectangular lanterns up to 3000 mm x 2500 mm with slim sightlines and excellent strength.
- Large-Span Roofing Systems: Bespoke, reinforced conservatory-style roof systems for wider openings and larger projects.
- Contemporary Flat Roof Lights: Minimalist roof lights installed on an upstand with subtle pitch and high-quality perimeter trims.
- Future Upgrade Options: Glazing units can be replaced or upgraded over time without changing the main frame.
Do Roof Lanterns Need Building Control Approval in Northern Ireland?
In most cases, yes. Installing a roof lantern involves structural alterations to the roof and must meet Building Regulations. Approval is usually required to ensure the installation is safe, compliant, and properly supported.
Here is how Building Control typically applies to roof lantern projects:
- Existing Roof Installations: When fitting a lantern into an existing roof, architectural drawings and structural calculations are normally required. These confirm the roof can safely support the lantern and supporting upstand.
- Load-Bearing Assessments: Calculations are carried out to assess the weight of the lantern, wind and weather loads, and any additional reinforcement needed.
- New Builds and Extensions: For new builds or extensions, these structural calculations are usually completed during the design and planning stage and included within the approved drawings.
- Professional Project Management: An experienced installer will manage the approval process, liaise with Building Control where required, and ensure all regulations are met before installation begins.
Engineered for Northern Ireland Weather & Conditions
Roof lanterns must be designed for real weather, not showroom conditions. Wind, rain, snow, elevation, and exposure all affect long-term performance. These systems help maintain a year-round comfortable temperature and we assess every project individually to ensure the correct system is used.
- Wind and Elevation Calculations: Each installation is checked for exposure and structural loading requirements.
- Bespoke Project Assessment: No two properties are treated the same. Every system is individually specified and can include electronic openers or rain sensors when required for certain buildings.
- Builder Collaboration: We regularly work alongside construction companies, taking full responsibility for this specialist element.
- Ongoing Support and Aftercare: From first survey to long after installation, our team remains available to support you.
Completed Projects
EASY 4 STEP PROCESS
How It Works
Get in Touch
Free Survey and Quote
Manufacture and Installation
Aftercare and Warranty
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CONTACT US
Ready to Upgrade? Let’s Get Started
If you have a question related to Roof Lanterns that we haven’t covered here, call and speak with our knowledgeable team. We are on hand to guide you with all aspects of the design, build or installation of your home improvement project.
165 Clandeboye Rd, Bangor BT20 3JP, Northern Ireland.
+44 28 9145 3700
sales@budgetni.com
Questions About The Service
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We can provide any size from compact 1m x 1m to large bespoke 5m x 3m designs. If a larger roof lantern is needed, then we can design a bespoke conservatory roof system that will perform in the same way. All are made to measure. Speak to our team about your project for a breakdown of available designs.
Yes. Aluminium with dual polyester powder coating resists corrosion and is ideal for coastal areas around Northern Ireland.
We provide our blue activ, self cleaning glazing as standard in our roof lights and lanterns, with a choice of clear, tinted, solar control, acoustic or privacy glass available, depending on your project.
Yes. We can retrofit a lantern into an existing flat roof, provided the structure is suitable. We will need to carry out an in depth survey to check what structural adaptions will need to be carried out for building control compliance.Â
Absolutely. We provide trade supply for builders and construction firms across Northern Ireland, and can manage delivery directly to site. We are also happy to collaborate with builders and construction companies for the installation if a lantern or skylight is required as part of a larger project.Â
Our systems are fully thermally broken with a polyamide core and achieve excellent U-values, helping to retain heat and reduce condensation. We provide our 1.0 Climaguard glazing as standard, but can provide specialised glazing in double or triple glazed form.
In most cases, yes. When installed into an existing roof, structural alterations are required and Building Control approval is usually needed. Structural calculations confirm the roof can safely support the lantern and upstand. For new builds and extensions, this is normally covered at the design stage. We ensure that all roof lantern specifications align with your architect’s construction issue drawings, managing the critical intersection between the glazed system and the structural upstand.
Most roof lanterns fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission. Exceptions may apply to listed buildings or properties in conservation areas. We check this during your survey.
A roof lantern is a raised glazed structure that sits above the roof line and provides maximum light and visual impact. A skylight, also known as a rooflight, sits closer to the roof surface and offers a more minimalist appearance.
Both options perform well when correctly installed.
No, not when modern thermally broken frames and high-performance glazing are used. Quality roof lanterns provide excellent insulation and meet current building standards.
Poorly specified systems may cause heat loss, which is why correct design is essential.
No, not when they are installed correctly.
Professional installation, correct roof and upstand preparation, and proper sealing prevent water ingress. Most leak issues are caused by poor fitting or inadequate structural support.
Not always.
The roof structure must be suitable and able to support the additional weight. Structural assessments are carried out before installation to confirm suitability with the upstand and structural supports calculated for the project.
Yes, for most homeowners.
Roof lanterns significantly improve natural light, enhance living space, and increase the usability of extensions and kitchen areas. They also create a beautiful focal feature, adding to the enjoyment of the space.
Yes. Well-designed roof lanterns improve visual appeal, internal comfort, and resale value, particularly in modern extensions and open-plan layouts.
Positioning depends on room layout, roof orientation, and sunlight exposure.
We consider solar gain, shading, and internal usage to maximise comfort and light levels.
Most standard roof lantern and skylight installations are completed within a day or two, depending on roof structure and project complexity.
Larger or bespoke systems may take a little longer.
Very little. Modern aluminium frames and self-cleaning glazing require minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning and visual checks are usually sufficient.