Mono-pitch or gable roof lantern? How to choose

Mono-pitch or gable? A mono-pitch roof lantern suits most extensions: one sloping surface, clean lines, and the most affordable type, from €1,532. A gable roof lantern, from €2,399, is the choice when the lantern sits in the middle of a roof, when you want a classic roofline or when you are looking for extra height inside. The choice is not just a matter of taste. Where the water needs to go and where the lantern sits on the roof often decide it too.

What is a mono-pitch roof lantern?

A mono-pitch roof lantern, also called a lean-to roof lantern, is a glass roof lantern with a single sloping surface that runs from a high side to a low side. It has a standard pitch of 8°, just above the 7° needed for good drainage. Up to 5 metres wide we make it in one panel without an intermediate bar; wider versions get a thermally broken bar.

It is the most popular type for extensions. Lengths of 1, 2 and 3 metres are always in stock, see the standard sizes. You will find all specifications under the mono-pitch roof lantern.

What is a gable roof lantern?

A gable roof lantern has two sloping glass surfaces that meet at a ridge, just like the roof of a house. As standard we make it up to 6 metres long and 4 metres wide per roof surface; larger is possible in modules. The shape can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Water runs off to two sides. The bottom rails contain a self-cleaning drainage system that carries water to the existing gutter or downpipe. More details under the gable roof lantern.

Mono-pitch or gable: the differences at a glance

For the same glass area, both types give roughly the same amount of light. The difference is in the direction. A mono-pitch lantern sloping to the south catches a lot of direct sun; slope it to the north and you get even light with little heat. A gable lantern with its ridge running north to south catches morning light on one side and afternoon light on the other, giving even light throughout the day.

• Mono-pitch: one surface, water to one side, from €1,532
• Gable: two surfaces with a ridge, water to two sides, from €2,399
• Mono-pitch: up to 5 m wide without a bar, 1, 2 and 3 m in stock
• Gable: up to 6 m long and 4 m wide per surface, larger in modules

When does a mono-pitch lantern fit?

A mono-pitch lantern is the logical choice above an extension whose roof falls to one side, with the gutter along the low edge. It keeps the roofline low and is hardly visible from the street or the neighbours' garden. On a narrow, long extension along the rear wall, a single surface is often the calmest solution too.

If the high side meets a taller wall, a wall-abutting lean-to roof lantern is worth considering: it gives both overhead and side light and comes with the right flashing profiles for your type of wall. The difference is explained in mono-pitch or wall-abutting lean-to.

When does a gable lantern fit?

A gable lantern fits when the lantern sits freely in the roof, with roof on all sides, and you can drain water to two sides. Inside, the ridge gives extra height in the middle, which makes a garden room, conservatory or kitchen feel more spacious. From outside the shape looks classic, which suits a country house or a villa.

With a gable lantern, rain and snow run off to two sides, so less water crosses the bottom rail per surface. If you want daylight from every side and the extension is large, also compare gable or hipped roof lantern.

Cost and lead time

The difference between the prices from is €867. A gable lantern has a ridge, two roof surfaces and more profiles, and is always made to measure. A mono-pitch lantern in a standard size often comes from stock; the lead time is from 2 weeks after approval. How the rest of the price is built up is explained in what a roof lantern costs.

Frequently asked questions