Here at Whitesales, we’ve worked on roof lanterns for all manner of buildings. We’ve been involved in projects for office buildings, universities, swimming pools and many more. You can see a selection of them in our case studies section, but today, we wanted to focus on one particular type of building; heritage homes. 

Roof lanterns are a welcome addition to all homes, but there’s a tendency to think they’re better suited to modern ones. This is incorrect; roof lanterns belong on heritage houses as much as new builds. Let’s take a closer look.

Aluminium Roof Lanterns In Traditional Buildings

In the past few years, aluminium roof lanterns and skylights have become more popular. Aluminium is an incredibly strong and durable metal, so is an ideal material for lanterns, but it’s also thought of as being very modern. It’s sleek and stylish, and results in slimmer frames, so is usually associated with cutting-edge properties. We’ve got a strong suspicion that this has affected the public perception of roof lanterns and convinced people that they’re a contemporary installation.

While there is some truth to this, aluminium lanterns are also widely customisable. They’re versatile and can be adjusted to resemble vintage designs, which makes them a perfect addition to heritage homes too. We’ve developed roof lanterns that fit seamlessly into Georgian or Victorian homes and don’t compromise the aesthetic. It’s understandable that anyone who owns a traditional-looking house might be reluctant to make big changes to the structure, but there’s no reason to settle for old, drafty roof lanterns. We can replace them with modern ones that look all but identical and are far better at keeping the wind out.

Upgrading A Roof Lantern

It’s also worth bearing in mind that roof lanterns have been used for far longer than people often think. You can find them on European buildings like the Seville Cathedral in Andalusia which dates back to the 16th Century, or the Baptistery Of St. John in Florence which is over nine hundred years old! Roof lanterns and roof lights have been fundamental parts of our architectural heritage for a long time, so don’t think they’re solely reserved for modern buildings. 

Yes, the styles, materials and construction methods have changed since those early days, but the older looks can be replicated without much trouble. Our architectural history is important and we’re proud to help preserve it for future generations. And just in case you’re wondering, in most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install a roof lantern in a heritage home.

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To sum up, if your clients have a heritage home and are reluctant to replace or install a roof lantern, there’s no reason to be concerned. It’s entirely possible to get a pristine aluminium lantern that matches the existing decor and looks like it’s been in place for decades. It’ll also improve the insulation, be more weather resistant and be more secure.

If you currently have a heritage project in mind, why not get started by requesting a quote today? You can also ring us on 01483 917580 or email sales@whitesales.co.uk. Our expert staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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