Roof lantern edge details
How the edges of a roof lantern are finished
The edges of a roof lantern do a lot of work. Outside, they keep the weather out and carry rainwater away. Inside, they're the frame you see from the room below. On every Tuck's Wood lantern, both are designed and made by us, in timber and aluminium.
Here's how each part fits together, from the kerb your builder prepares to the finishing details inside.
The kerb or upstand
Our standard lanterns sit on a lead-dressed kerb, also called an upstand, built into the flat roof by your builder before we arrive. Its internal dimensions should match the lantern's internal aperture exactly, excluding any internal finishes such as plaster.
The roof plate
The lantern's timber roof plate, or sill, sits on top of the kerb. The rafters and hips span from the roof plate up to the ridge, typically at a 25 degree pitch, so rainwater runs straight off onto the surrounding flat roof.
The aluminium skirt
Around the outside of every lantern we fit an aluminium skirt. It neatly finishes the base of the lantern and adds extra weather protection where the lantern meets the kerb.
Glazing edge protection
At the lower end of each glass panel we fit an aluminium enclosure. This shields the edge of the sealed unit from UV light, helping to preserve its seal for longer.
Inside: cornices and pelmets
Inside, the edge of the opening can be finished with a timber internal cornice for a traditional look. If you're having blinds, a cornice-style pelmet conceals the blind headrails so all you see is the moulding.
Edge detail questions
Who builds the kerb or upstand?
Your builder or roofer builds and lead-dresses the kerb before installation. We'll confirm the exact internal size it needs to be.
What size should the opening be?
The internal size of the kerb should match the internal aperture of the lantern, measured before any internal finishes. Each of our standard models has a dimensioned drawing on our products page.
Can the edge be made to suit an unusual opening?
Yes. Our bespoke lanterns are made to measure, including lanterns with side-frames and lanterns that abut a wall or gable.
Not sure what your opening needs?
Send us your drawings or a few photos of the roof and we'll help you get the details right.
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