A Brief History Of The Roof Lantern

By Author: MattMorgan
Total Articles: 6
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Traditionally, a roof lantern is a glass and timber light weight roof component. It sits atop an otherwise flat roof in order to provide natural lighting into the room below.

Today's roof lanterns derive from a 16th century structure called an orangery that was built in parts of France and Italy. These orangeries were usually composed of brick and glass, with long glass windows on the sides and a central glass area for added sunlight. Back then, there purpose was purely practical - to grow fruit and vegetables in otherwise unfavorable climates.

During the Gregory era, advances in architecture allowed for the creation of the first true roof lanterns. Placed atop the roof of period homes, roof lanterns allowed for greater lighting in a time when candle light was the only alternative to natural sunlight. Typically the structures were installed above stairwells and other areas where a large amount of light was crucial. During this time period, glass was still blown by hand and thus quite expensive. Thus, only the upper class could afford the luxury of these fine structures.

By the mid-1800s mechanized ...
... production of glass had started and the price began to decline rapidly. Falling glass prices, combined with increased affluence, lead to a boom in glass structures of all types. Shops, hotels, and government buildings started incorporating roof lanterns into their designs and the public wasn't far behind.

Roof lanterns quickly became a standard feature in Victorian, and later Edwardian, era homes. Providing lighting in crucial areas such as kitchens and stairwells, and beauty everywhere, these structures grew rapidly in popularity. Early designs were prone to leaks and provided very little in the way of insulation. Thus it was common to see the structures boarded over during the cold winter months.

Fortunately, building technologies have advanced considerably since those days. Improved sealants keep leaks from occurring, while double glazed glass keeps the the warm air in during the winter cold. Motorized controls allow for the easy opening and closing of today's roof lanterns. Thus allowing a nice summer breeze to flow in while being ready to close in a hurry if a pop-up storm develops.

Today's structures maintain a traditional appearance while offering a structurally sound product. Use of high-quality, pressure treated lumber, and advanced paint provide a structure that is sure to last for many years with very little maintenance required.