Cambridgeshire · England

Roof Lanterns in Cambridgeshire

Is the middle of your extension in Cambridgeshire too dark? A roof lantern or skylight brings in light that wall windows cannot reach.

Guide from £1,095
9 towns covered
Postcode areas CB, PE, SG

Opening skylights in Cambridgeshire: what to know

Cutting a new opening for a roof lantern or skylight usually means trimming joists or rafters, so the roof can carry the load around the hole. Building regulations approval is generally needed for a new rooflight, covering structure, energy performance and, near a boundary, fire performance.

In England, Approved Document L sets a limiting U-value of 2.2 W/m²K for rooflights, calculated in the horizontal position, for both new and existing homes. A kerb or upstand built on site should achieve 0.35 W/m²K or better. Ask for the lantern's declared horizontal U-value, not a vertical figure.

The price of a roof lantern or skylight depends on the size and shape, glass specification, frame colour, opening vents or electric operation, and whether the upstand already exists or needs building. Access to the roof and lifting large units add labour. See the guide prices for typical ranges.

Glass for lanterns usually comes with a self-cleaning outer coating that helps rain wash away dirt, and a choice of clear, neutral or blue-tinted solar-control glass. Solar-control glass limits heat build-up under a south-facing lantern, while clear low-E glass suits shaded or north-facing rooms.

Roof lantern above a kitchen island in an open-plan extension

Towns we cover for roof lanterns in Cambridgeshire

Choose your town for local details, nearby areas and the postcode districts we cover.

What applies in Cambridgeshire

Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.

Listed buildings in England need listed building consent for most changes to historic windows or glass, and conservation areas can restrict changes visible from the street. Speak to the council's conservation officer before ordering.

Parts of Cambridgeshire are within about 18 km of the coast, where exposure to wind and salt air is worth planning for. Coastal lanterns face salt deposits on the glass and frames and strong uplift from wind on exposed roofs. Marine-grade coatings, stainless fixings and secure fixing to a well-built upstand matter, and salt film may need rinsing more often than self-cleaning glass manages alone.

Getting a large lantern onto a terraced flat roof may mean carrying it through the house or lifting it over neighbouring property, so access is planned at survey. Lanterns near a boundary raise fire performance questions, and conservation areas may restrict raised glazing.

Guide prices

Guide prices inc VAT for typical jobs. Remote and island locations are quoted by arrangement. Your written quote fixes the price after measuring.
Typical job	Guide price inc VAT
Lantern 1500 × 1000 mm, fitted to a kerb	£1,395 – £1,795
Lantern 2000 × 1000 mm	£1,695 – £2,095
Lantern 3000 × 1500 mm	£2,795 – £3,695
Flat glass rooflight 1000 × 1000 mm	£1,095 – £1,395

Choosing your roof lanterns

Square or octagonal lantern

A pyramid or eight-sided design that suits square rooms, orangeries and spaces where a central focal point is wanted.

Flat framed skylight

A low-profile framed rooflight on a flat roof upstand, fixed or opening, for bathrooms, landings and smaller rooms.

Opening vents

Manual or electric vents in the lantern or skylight, with optional rain sensors that close them automatically in wet weather.

Solar-control glass

Neutral or blue-tinted coatings that reduce heat build-up under south or west-facing lanterns while keeping daylight levels high.

Roof Lanterns in Cambridgeshire: questions

What guarantee comes with a roof lantern?

Manufacturer guarantees apply to the frame, coating and sealed units, and the terms are confirmed in writing. The upstand and roof covering may be covered separately, depending on who builds them. Guarantee terms for the installation are set out in writing with your quote, so you know exactly what is covered before going ahead.

Should the inner glass in a roof lantern be laminated?

Laminated inner glass is the safer choice and is recommended by the Rooflight Association. If a laminated pane breaks, the interlayer holds the pieces together, so glass is far less likely to fall into the room below. This matters most over kitchens, dining tables, stairs and seating, and it is offered as a standard option.

How do I clean a roof lantern?

Self-cleaning coated glass lets rain lift most dirt, but a rinse with clean water in long dry spells helps. Clean from a safe position at the roof edge or from a suitable platform, never by standing on the lantern. Wipe the inside glass with mild soapy water, and keep leaves clear of the upstand and roof outlets.

Does fitting a roof lantern need building regulations approval?

A new roof lantern or skylight generally needs building regulations approval, because the roof structure is cut and must be supported, and the unit must meet energy standards. Fire performance also matters near a boundary. Replacing a lantern on an existing sound upstand is simpler, and we explain which route applies at survey.

Which parts of Cambridgeshire do you cover for roof lanterns?

We cover the whole of Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough, Cambridge, Wisbech, St Neots and Huntingdon, and postcode areas CB, PE, SG. Building rules for roof lanterns here follow the regulations for England. Enter your postcode on the quote form and we will confirm cover; then a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.

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