How to Install a Stratus Lantern Rooflight

Watch our step-by-step Stratus Lantern installation video and learn how to fit aluminium roof lanterns professionally. Ideal for trade and DIY installers.

This video provides a step-by-step walkthrough of how to install a Stratus aluminium roof lantern, including unpacking, assembling the ridge bar, fixing the eaves frame, and fitting the glazing. Whether you're a professional installer or an experienced DIYer, this guide will help ensure your lantern is installed quickly, safely, and to a high standard.Our roof lanterns are designed for ease of installation and come complete with clear instructions and all necessary fixings. Each product is manufactured in the UK using high-grade aluminium and thermally broken frames to improve energy efficiency.

Our easy to follow fitting guide is below. Prefer a printed copy? Download this guide as a pdf here:
Download Installation Guide

Step-by-Step Stratus Lantern Installation Guide

Flat roof upstand before Stratus Lantern installation

Ensure supporting construction is square by checking diagonals. Measurements to be taken to outside corners of supports.The customer must ensure that the kerb and surrounding roof can adequately resist the horizontal spread of the lantern.

Applying sealant to the aluminium eaves beam

Sealant to be applied between intersection of eaves beams at corner joint using appropriate product.

Positioning the eaves beam onto the upstand with fixings ready

Secure all rafters and hips to eaves beam using M5 x 16mm bolts

Tip: If working with a restricted supporting upstand height you may need to loosely fir the end caps in place prior to the glazing bars being secured to assist assembly. If not glazing bar end caps will be fitted later in the process.

Fixing down eaves beam into timber upstand securely

Ensure that support infill is fitted between all glazing bars and Georgian hips. Fold back approx. 25mm of protective tape from support infill to allow it to be removed once glazing unit is in the correct position.

Aligning ridge support between opposite eaves beams

Top caps are located into their respectively numbered glazing bar. Tap down till fully located using a plastic or rubber mallet on a section of timber to avoid damage to capping.

Measuring internal upstand dimensions for roof lantern fitting

Apply a generous bead of suitable sealant around the full perimeter of the supporting structure. Positioned as shown.

Fixing ridge cap securely over ridge body

Installing ridge top cap with pre-applied gaskets

Fit glazing bars to eaves beam and ridge section in sequence shown. DO NOT fully tighten fixing bolts to allow fitting of hip rafters. Secure glazing bars and Georgian hips to eaves beam and ridge using MS x 16mm bolts (supplied in the eaves beam). Fully tighten fixing bolts to secure.

Fixing pressure plates along the eaves for tight seal

Rafters will need fitting with a gentle rotation to fit over bolts when fixing to ridge. Take care when positioning, not to scratch powder coated surface of ridge.

Checking corner cleats are flush and properly aligned

Use this sequence to glaze the units in their correct locations to balance weight evenly.

Securing central ridge assembly with fixings into bracket

Seal glazing bar and top cap to ridge section using appropriate sealant.

Verifying upstand squareness using diagonal measurements

Secure eaves beam into supporting upstand using appropriate fixings. Fixings to be positioned as shown in diagrams 3 and 4.

Fitting cresting and end caps to ridge section

Applying silicone sealant where glass meets aluminium

Ensuring glazing sits flush within pressure plate system

Fit Georgian hip bars to eaves beam and ridge section in sequence shown. When all sections are in correct position check they are square to eaves beam and ridge and tighten to fix in position. Fit central glazing bars to eaves beam and ridge section in sequence as per diagram if required.

Cleaning roof lantern glazing after full installation

Fix hips to radius end using M5 x 16mm bolts.

Fixing the corner cleat securely through pre-drilled holes

When attaching the glazing closers on a comtemporary design roof, it is advisable to seal the closer to the DGU to prevent the possibility of any central sagging to the end closer.

Apply a thin bead of sealant to the top wing of the glazing closer and attach. Secure with suitable masking tape and remove when cured.

Installing hip rafters into the ridge body connection

Now fit the radius end foam infills. They fit back to back as shown below.

Tightening screws to lock the hip rafter brackets in place

Sealant to be applied as indicated on this image to seal glazing bars and hip rafters up to radius end foam infills.

Fixing jack rafters from ridge to eaves frame section

Insert ridge holding bolt into receiving boss on underside of top cap casting.

Turn clockwise and lock in position. When fully tightened cut down to 85mm from end of threaded rod to edge of aluminium boss.

Completed Stratus aluminium roof lantern on flat roof

Fit top caps. Ensure gap between hip and ridge is sealed when no rafter is fitted.

Placing glazing unit onto glazing supports in rafters

Secure end caps on all glazing bars and Georgian hip rafters using 4.2 x 25mm self tapping screws (as supplied).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a professional to install the lantern?

While most competent DIYers can install our Stratus Lanterns, we would recommend professional installation for best results, especially for larger rooflights.

What size upstand do I need?

We recommend a 100mm wide x 150mm high upstand to ensure proper drainage and sealing of the lantern frame.

Can I install the lantern in wet weather?

Installation should always be done in dry conditions to ensure safe working and effective sealing of the product.

Is the installation guide suitable for all sizes?

Yes — the process is consistent across all sizes. You’ll just need a second pair of hands for larger units!

Inserting glazing support clips into aluminium bars

Peeling protective tape from rafter to prepare for glazing

Sealant to be applied to the underside of the top aluminium boss as indicated on this image.

Securing pressure plates over glazing panels

Drill 8mm diameter hole in bottom cap for nylon fixing bolt to pass through. Position indicated on inside of cover. Secure using M8 nylon nut.

Tools required:

Tape Measure
Drill and bits as required
Rubber or plastic mallet
Screwdriver and 8mm nut runner or socket
Sealant gun and sealant*
Hacksaw

Please ensure sealant used is suitable for self cleaning glass!

Internal view looking up through finished roof lantern

Whether you're a trade professional fitting multiple units or a homeowner looking for guidance on a DIY roof lantern install, our expert team is here to help.

Call us on 01782 593968 for free advice on: