What happens when a roof lantern is delivered?
Pallets, weights, unloading, checking for damage and storing a lantern on site until it is fitted.
Most lanterns arrive on one or more pallets, with the frame parts and glass packed separately. Here is how to make delivery day go smoothly.
Before delivery
- Tell us about access: narrow roads, parking restrictions, steep drives or no hardstanding.
- Plan enough people to unload. The approximate weight is on your quote; glass units are the heaviest single items.
- Clear a dry, flat storage space, ideally under cover.
On the day
- Delivery is usually to the kerbside or driveway.
- Check the packaging and glass before signing where you can. If you cannot check, sign as unchecked.
- Photograph any damage and tell us the same day.
Storing it
Store glass units upright, on edge, on timber bearers and away from direct sun if they are still wrapped, because wrapped glass in sunlight can overheat. Keep frame parts flat and protected. Fit the lantern as soon as practical.
For consumers, the law keeps goods at the seller's risk until they are in your physical possession, so damage caused in transit is ours to put right.
Sources
Written by the Buy Roof Lanterns team. Last reviewed 19 October 2026. General guidance only; your designer, building control body or council confirms what applies to your project.