Why choose an aluminium roof lantern? (aluminium vs uPVC vs timber)

Aluminium is the most popular material for a modern roof lantern for three reasons: the slimmest sightlines (Korniche bars are just 57mm, so you get more glass and more light), structural strength (aluminium spans the largest openings without heavy framing), and longevity (powder-coated aluminium won't rot, warp or need repainting). By comparison, uPVC is a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative with slightly chunkier frames (we stock the Wendland uPVC lantern for budget-conscious projects), while timber suits heritage looks but needs regular upkeep and rarely matches aluminium's slim profiles. For this reason we specialise in aluminium and uPVC and don't supply timber.

Which aluminium roof lantern is best?

For most contemporary extensions, the Korniche offers the best balance of slim sightlines, light and value. It is often considered to be the UK's best-selling aluminium lantern. For large or extra-wide openings, the Skylantern spans up to 6m wide with no maximum length. For a design-led, frameless look, the Thermalight is our premium choice. Brett Martin is a dependable thermally broken all-rounder, available in Contemporary, Classic and Pyramid styles. The best choice depends on your span, budget and the look you're after. If you're still unsure, give the team a call, and they'll always be happy to help.

How much do aluminium roof lanterns cost?

Aluminium roof lanterns in our range start from around £855 inc VAT for a compact Korniche and rise to £2,325+ for a premium frameless Thermalight. As a guide: Entry / best value: ~£855 (Korniche) Mid-range: ~£920–£1,390 (the Skylantern and Brett Martin ranges) Premium / frameless: £2,300+ (Thermalight) Price is driven by size, the glazing specification (self-cleaning, solar-control or triple glazing cost more), colour finish and system upon which the lanterns are built. These figures are for the lantern supplied and you will need to factor in additional costs for a professional fitter. Every price comes with our Price Match Promise.

What size aluminium roof lantern do I need? (and big spans)

As a rule of thumb, you should aim for a lantern covering 15–20% of the room's floor area. Aluminium's strength is what makes big openings possible. Skylantern spans up to 6m wide with no maximum length, and the largest Korniche units reach ~6m × 4m with intermediate rafters. You should always measure the finished builder's kerb upon which the lantern will be sited in order to determine your dimensions, not the ceiling opening. Send your dimensions to the team for a size check if you are unsure.

Aluminium Roof Lanterns

Aluminium is the first choice for a contemporary roof lantern. It provides the slimmest sightlines for the most glass, whilst offering the strength to span large openings. The powder-coated finish ensures it's a product that will last for decades with virtually no maintenance.

At R&S, we supply the UK's leading aluminium lantern systems, from the market-leading Korniche to large-span Skylantern, thermally broken Brett Martin, Lunaglaze and premium frameless Thermalight. We aren't tied to a single brand, instead choosing to focus on quality products with a breadth that will fit most projects.

We've created a simple comparison of the brands below to help you narrow down your choice. If you're still unsure, or have any questions on the products and their application, give the team a call on 01276 450626 for further help.

Shop the range

Skylantern Contemporary Lantern - Rooflights & Skylights

Skylantern - biggest spans. From £922 inc VAT

Three models — Square, Contemporary & Traditional (to £1,390)
Spans up to 6m wide with no maximum length
Triple-glazing option to a 0.9 glazing U-value

Best for: large, wide, open-plan openings

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Korniche Glass Roof Lantern - Rooflights & Skylights

Korniche - best value & best seller. From £854.51 inc VAT

The UK's best-selling aluminium lantern; slim 57mm bars for maximum glass
Self-cleaning glass as standard
Glazing U-value from 1.0
Dispatch in around 10–14 days

Best for: contemporary extensions wanting the most light for the money

Buy now

Brett Martin Contemporary 4 panel Roof Lantern - Rooflights & Skylights

Brett Martin - most style choice. From £1,168.35 inc VAT

Thermally broken; choose between Contemporary 4-panel, Classic 6-panel or Pyramid
Self-cleaning argon Low-E glass
Glazing U-value 1.2

Best for: a dependable all-rounder in the shape that suits your roof

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Thermalight Lantern - Rooflights & Skylights

Thermalight - premium frameless. From £2,325 inc VAT

Frameless structural-glass design, ultra-slim glass-to-glass joints
Heat-soaked toughened glass
Glazing U-value 1.1 (to 0.6 upgraded)
Usually dispatched 3–5 days

Best for: design-led, security-conscious and time-sensitive projects

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Style Comparison Table

Aluminium roof lantern range — compared

System	Frame / build	From (inc VAT)	Glazing U-value*	Size / spans	Lead time
Korniche	Aluminium, 57mm bars	£854.51	1.0–1.2	to ~6m × 4m (with rafters)	~10–14 days
Skylantern Square / Contemporary / Traditional	Aluminium	£922–£1,390	1.5 dbl / 0.9 tri	to 6m wide, no max length	7–10 days
Brett Martin	Thermally broken aluminium	£1,168.35	1.2	1500×1000 → 3000×2000 (+ bespoke)	1–3 weeks
Thermalight	Frameless aluminium	£2,325	1.1 (to 0.6)	1000×1500 / 1000×2000mm	3–5 days

Every lantern carries a 10-year warranty. *Centre-pane (glazing) figure — the whole-lantern U-value used for Building Regs is higher and varies by size, and sits within the England Part L 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal) limit.

Roof Lantern Buyers Guide

We've written a comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to take into account when choosing a Roof Lantern.

See now

Buying an Aluminium Roof Lantern

Why choose an aluminium roof lantern? (aluminium vs uPVC vs timber)
Aluminium is the most popular material for a modern roof lantern for three reasons:
the slimmest sightlines (Korniche bars are just 57mm, so you get more glass and more light),
structural strength (aluminium spans the largest openings without heavy framing), and
longevity (powder-coated aluminium won't rot, warp or need repainting).

By comparison, uPVC is a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative with slightly chunkier frames (we stock the Wendland uPVC lantern for budget-conscious projects), while timber suits heritage looks but needs regular upkeep and rarely matches aluminium's slim profiles. For this reason we specialise in aluminium and uPVC and don't supply timber.
Which aluminium roof lantern is best?
For most contemporary extensions, the Korniche offers the best balance of slim sightlines, light and value. It is often considered to be the UK's best-selling aluminium lantern.

For large or extra-wide openings, the Skylantern spans up to 6m wide with no maximum length. For a design-led, frameless look, the Thermalight is our premium choice. Brett Martin is a dependable thermally broken all-rounder, available in Contemporary, Classic and Pyramid styles.

The best choice depends on your span, budget and the look you're after. If you're still unsure, give the team a call, and they'll always be happy to help.
How much do aluminium roof lanterns cost?
Aluminium roof lanterns in our range start from around £855 inc VAT for a compact Korniche and rise to £2,325+ for a premium frameless Thermalight.

As a guide:
Entry / best value: ~£855 (Korniche)
Mid-range: ~£920–£1,390 (the Skylantern and Brett Martin ranges)
Premium / frameless: £2,300+ (Thermalight)

Price is driven by size, the glazing specification (self-cleaning, solar-control or triple glazing cost more), colour finish and system upon which the lanterns are built. These figures are for the lantern supplied and you will need to factor in additional costs for a professional fitter.

Every price comes with our Price Match Promise.
What size aluminium roof lantern do I need? (and big spans)
As a rule of thumb, you should aim for a lantern covering 15–20% of the room's floor area. Aluminium's strength is what makes big openings possible. Skylantern spans up to 6m wide with no maximum length, and the largest Korniche units reach ~6m × 4m with intermediate rafters.

You should always measure the finished builder's kerb upon which the lantern will be sited in order to determine your dimensions, not the ceiling opening. Send your dimensions to the team for a size check if you are unsure.