Crewe · Cheshire
Roof Lanterns in Crewe
Looking for a roof lantern or skylight in Crewe? We can quote for rectangular, square and octagonal aluminium lanterns and framed flat-roof skylights.
- CW1
- CW2
- Guide from £1,095
About opening skylights in Crewe
A roof lantern is assembled from an aluminium ridge, hip bars and glazing bars that hold sealed glass units on each pitch. It sits on an upstand built around the roof opening. The upstand should be level, weathered into the roof covering and insulated, because a poor upstand causes most leaks and cold spots.
The Rooflight Association recommends laminated glass for the inner pane of glass rooflights, because laminated glass stays bonded together if it breaks instead of dropping fragments into the room below. Toughened inner panes are still used, but laminated is the safer choice over kitchens, stairs and seating areas.
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.
Warm, moist air rises and collects in a roof lantern, so condensation can form on cold winter mornings, especially over kitchens and bathrooms. Thermally broken frames, warm-edge spacers and good room ventilation reduce it, and opening vents in the lantern can release warm air in summer.
What you get
- Survey of the roof, opening, upstand and drainage
- Written guarantee terms and manufacturer documentation
- Removal and disposal of an old lantern or skylight
- Sealed double glazed units with laminated inner pane options
Crewe at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- CW1, CW2 and the surrounding area, including Winsford, Kidsgrove and Congleton
- Coast
- Crewe is well inland, around 33 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Crewe the midwinter sun reaches about 14° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.3 hours of daylight, rising to about 60° and 16.7 hours in midsummer. Overhead glazing receives far more light than a wall window of the same size, especially when the sun is high in summer. South-facing lanterns may need solar-control glass, while low winter sun and north-facing rooms benefit from clear, high light-transmission low-E glass.
- Access and setting
- 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.
- Rules in England
- 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.
Guide prices in Crewe
| 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 |
Get a guide price for your size
Approved Document F covers ventilation. Replacing windows should not leave a room with worse background ventilation than before, which is why replacement windows often include trickle vents.
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.
Solar-control glass
Neutral or blue-tinted coatings that reduce heat build-up under south or west-facing lanterns while keeping daylight levels high.
Rectangular hipped lantern
A long ridge with hipped ends, suiting most rectangular extensions and kitchens, sized to the opening and the room below.
Roof Lanterns in Crewe: questions
Can I replace my old polycarbonate roof lantern with glass?
Yes, in most cases. A glass lantern is heavier than polycarbonate, so the upstand and roof structure must be able to carry it. If the upstand is sound, level and the right size, a new aluminium lantern can usually sit on it. If not, the upstand is rebuilt first, which the survey will identify.
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.
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.
How long does it take to fit a roof lantern?
Fitting a roof lantern on a prepared upstand usually takes a day or less for a typical size, longer for large or complex shapes. The lantern is made to order first, and the lead time depends on its size, shape and colour. Building or rebuilding an upstand is separate roofing work that comes before fitting.
Do you cover Crewe for roof lanterns?
Yes. We can quote for roof lanterns across Crewe and the surrounding Cheshire area, including postcode districts CW1 and CW2, and nearby Winsford, Kidsgrove and Congleton. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Crewe
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.