Glass and ventilation

Opening roof lanterns

An opening roof lantern has one or more glazed panels that open on an electric actuator. Because warm air collects at the top of a room, a vent in the lantern is one of the most effective ways to cool a kitchen or living space on a hot day.

Configure and price See sizes and prices

Roof lantern with an electric vent panel open on its actuator

Get a price for an opening roof lantern

Send your kerb size and we will reply with a fixed written quote.

In short: Electric opening vents to let warm air out at the highest point of the room. Guide prices start from £1,990 including VAT, supply only.

How do lantern vents work?

A motorised actuator pushes the vent open by a set distance. Most are controlled by a wall switch or remote, and many can be paired with a rain sensor so the vent closes automatically when it starts to rain.

Vents need a power supply run to the lantern, which should be planned before the ceiling is finished. Electrical work must be done by a competent electrician.

How many vents do I need?

One vent suits most lanterns up to about 3 metres long. Larger lanterns over big open-plan rooms may benefit from two. If ventilation is part of how your building control approval is being met, your designer will specify the opening area.

What does a vent cost?

Each electric vent adds roughly £695 including VAT to the lantern price, plus the cost of wiring. Guide prices below include one electric vent.

Sizes and guide prices

Opening roof lantern prices by size

Opening roof lanterns guide prices
Kerb size	Roof area	Guide price	Configure
1000 × 1500 mm	1.50 m²	£1,990–£2,190£1,658 ex VAT from	Configure
1000 × 2000 mm	2.00 m²	£2,190–£2,490£1,825 ex VAT from	Configure
1500 × 2000 mm	3.00 m²	£2,690–£2,990£2,242 ex VAT from	Configure
1500 × 2500 mm	3.75 m²	£2,990–£3,390£2,492 ex VAT from	Configure
2000 × 3000 mm	6.00 m²	£3,890–£4,390£3,242 ex VAT from	Configure
2000 × 4000 mm	8.00 m²	£4,790–£5,490£3,992 ex VAT from	Configure

Guide prices include VAT at 20%, supply only, aluminium with self-cleaning double glazing in a stock colour, including one electric vent. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing on your quote before you order.

Specification

What you get

Operation: Electric actuator, switch or remote
Rain sensor: Available on many ranges
Vents: Usually one; two on larger lanterns
Power: Supply wired by an electrician
Position: Usually in a side pane

Before you order

Three checks

Measure the outside of the kerb, width then length, and check the diagonals. How to measure.
Check the glazing allowance for your extension and whether you need planning permission. See building regulations and planning.
Plan the lift. Your quote gives the approximate weight so your installer can plan access and lifting.

Questions