How do you cover a roof lantern during building work?

Covering the roof opening before the roof lantern arrives

As soon as the roof is opened up, your project is at risk. One shower is enough for wet insulation and stains on a new ceiling. So keep the time the opening lies exposed as short as possible, and cover it well in the meantime.

A sturdy board on battens over the upstand works best, with a heavy tarpaulin over it that hangs well past the edge and is fixed in place. Give the board a fall so water runs off instead of pooling. If an existing dome is being replaced, also read how to replace a rooflight dome with a roof lantern.

• Board on battens over the upstand, laid to a fall
• Heavy tarpaulin hanging well past the edge
• Fix the tarpaulin against wind, do not just weigh it down
• Check it after every shower

Plan delivery so the opening is exposed only briefly

The simplest protection is a short wait. DagLichtDesign delivers from 2 weeks after approval, and the mono-pitch roof lantern in 1, 2 and 3 metres is always in stock. Read more about planning in the lead time of a roof lantern.

You collect the roof lantern by appointment in Barneveld or have it delivered on an agreed date. Match that date to the day your contractor has the upstand ready. The roof then opens and closes again the same day or shortly after.

Protecting the fitted glass during building work

After installation the building work often carries on for weeks. Inside there is plastering, sanding and painting; outside the roof covering is being finished. Glass and aluminium then have to put up with dust, cement splashes and sometimes a loose brick.

Cover the glass on the inside with sheeting or cardboard, fixed to the frame and not to the glass. Outside, a soft blanket or board protects the glass while work is done on the roof. Never put tools or materials on the roof lantern, not even for a moment.

• Protective sheeting inside, tape on the frame rather than the glass
• Tape that does not bake on in the sun, and not left on for weeks
• A soft cover outside whenever there is work on the roof
• Wipe off cement and lime straight away with clean water

After the building work: clean and check

Remove all covers as soon as the dirty work is done. Tape left in the sun for a long time leaves adhesive residue that is hard to remove. Then clean the glass with water and a mild soap, as described in roof lantern maintenance and cleaning.

Finally, check that the seals all round are still intact. A sealant joint that was knocked during the work can leak later. If you see moisture, read what to do when a roof lantern leaks.

Frequently asked questions