Timber Lantern Specification and Options

Timber Roof Lantern Specification

We have a default set of specifications that suits the majority of lanterns we manufacture an install. Red Grandis is the default timber and comes with a number of benefits. Whilst it’s debatable how important sustainability is to the average homeowner,  many of the architects and larger developers we work with have it as least as a box to be ticked. We can use other timbers, oak being the most usual alternative, but for a painted lantern Red Grandis is the best product.

The glazing is an important consideration and solar control glass is recommend in most situations. Lantern lights have an inherent advantage over conservatories in that the area of roof glazing is generally less, therefore climate control becomes easier, however when the sun is high in the sky in the summer, there can still be a lot of direct sunlight shining in through a lantern roof. Our solar control glass blocks most of this heat and glare out, helping to make the room usable all year round.

Timber Paint Colours

Timber Roof Lantern Specification. Hardwood lanterns can be sprayed to any colour using Teknos microporous paint. Our standard white is RAL 9010 in semi gloss, but any other colour reference can be matched.

The external components are painted in a lead-grey as standard, RAL 7012. This subtle grey colour compliments most other roofing materials and doesn’t show up any dirt as much as lighter hues.

Alternatively, we can apply a translucent coating, ranging from the clear which gives the timber no colour to a dark stain. “Red” Grandis is slightly pink in colour, but tinted coatings can give it the appearance of different timbers from mahogany to oak.

lantern finials

Finials

We offer two standard finial options, a Ball Finial and a Spire Finial. These are made to our unique design from a wood resin mould.

Alternatively the lantern can have a low-profile hipped-end ridge with no finials.

hardwood lantern

Hardwood

We normally use 100% FSC Certified Red Grandis hardwood for our roof lanterns. It is ethically-sourced from managed plantations, it is strong, stable and has a fine grain that is easily worked and accepts paint and stain readily.

The strength of hardwood over softwood alternatives allows us to us slimmer sections even with triple glazing.

Oak is an option and is generally supplied unfinished internally, but RAL 7012 grey externally.  Oak roof lanterns tend to have a more rustic feel, there is no benefit in using oak on a painted lantern. We use European Joinery Grade Oak which is 70% FSC Certified.

Glazing Options

Our standard double-glazing has a centre pane of 1.0W/m²K .

We also offer Triple-glazing with a centre pane u-value of 0.7 W/m²K .

Self-cleaning and solar-control glass are offered in various tints, with up to 91% solar heat reflection for double-glazed and 94% for triple.

traditional roof lantern Traditional Roof Lanterns

Climate Control

If the room is anything other than north-facing, solar control glass is advisable and is the most effective option for preventing over-heating. A glass with a solar-heat reflection of around 80% is best advised, this gives the optimum balance between light transmission and shading.

Opening roof windows are generally a good investment, whilst the solar control glass is of the most benefit, it is typically better to have at least one roof opener than not. An opening roof window will not only help release hot air in extreme weather, it is particularly useful in kitchen extensions to ventilate cooking odours.

In some extensions or orangeries, insects will congregate in the roof area, this is often due to bifold doors being left open in summer evenings. A opening roof vent is a simple way to allow them to escape in the natural convection currents of upwardly flowing air.

traditional roof lantern hardwood orangery roof lanterns

Lighting

One of the advantages of hardwood lanterns over other products is the ability to conceal lighting cable and hang pendant lights.

We can provide decorative bosses for hanging lights and create cable channels in roof rafters to hide wiring for lights or electric roof vents.

Local Conservatory Orangery Company near me orangery

Supply and Install

We offer a Supply and Install service only. Whilst the expertise required to install a hardwood roof lantern is not quite comparable to rocket science, we have found that it is more efficient and cost-effective for all parties if we do the installation.  Were we to supply the lantern only, there would be a delivery cost of several hundred pounds and we would often incur the cost of providing remote support to fitters unfamiliar with the product. For the client, not only would they pay the delivery cost, they would also have to pay someone to install who would invariably take longer to do so.

As it stands, our fitters will bring the lantern with them and install on the same day thereby combining the delivery and installation costs and providing a swift and accurate installation.

traditional roof lantern hardwood orangery roof lanterns

Lead Times

Our lead times may vary throughout the year so please ask. We will endeavour to bring that forward where required for the occasional “rush job”.

Once the order is confirmed, we provide a provisional installation date which is then confirmed nearer the time once the flat roof is ready. This allows clients to place the order before the flat roof is built so the lantern is available when required. Having been established for over twenty years, we appreciate building projects and schedules are rarely in sync, so it make sense all round to fine tune the installation date nearer the time.

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