Stroud · Gloucestershire
Roof Lanterns in Stroud
Homeowners in Stroud can get a written roof lantern quote that fixes the price for the size, shape, glass, colour and vents shown.
- GL6
- GL5
- GL10
- Guide from £1,095
Roof lanterns in Stroud: what to know
Old polycarbonate or single glazed roof lanterns can be replaced with double glazed aluminium lanterns on the existing upstand, if the upstand is sound, level and the right size. Upstands that are rotten, uninsulated or out of level should be rebuilt first, which the survey identifies.
In England, a rooflight on a house is usually permitted development if it projects no more than 150mm beyond the roof plane and is no higher than the highest part of the roof. Raised lanterns often stand taller than that, so check with the council before ordering.
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.
Opening skylights and lantern vents can be manual or electrically operated, often with a rain sensor that closes them automatically when it starts to rain. Electric vents need a power supply planned before plastering, so the wiring route is agreed at survey when an opening option is chosen.
What you get
- Sealed double glazed units with laminated inner pane options
- Written guarantee terms and manufacturer documentation
- Survey of the roof, opening, upstand and drainage
- Fixing, glazing and sealing onto the prepared upstand
Working in Stroud
- Postcodes covered
- GL6, GL5, GL10 and the surrounding area, including Gloucester, Cirencester and Cheltenham
- Coast
- Stroud sits roughly 14 km from the nearest coastline, close enough that exposure on open or high ground is worth considering. 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.
- Daylight and sun
- In Stroud the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.6 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.4 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 Stroud
| 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 L sets the minimum energy performance for replacement windows and doors in existing homes in England: a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, or Window Energy Rating band B for windows; doors can instead meet a Door Set Energy Rating (band B, or band C for doors more than 60% glazed); rooflights need 2.2 W/m²K.
Options to choose between
Frame colours
Powder-coated aluminium in grey, black, white or other RAL colours, often dual colour to suit the roof and the room.
Opening vents
Manual or electric vents in the lantern or skylight, with optional rain sensors that close them automatically in wet weather.
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 Stroud: questions
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.
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.
Will a roof lantern make my room too hot?
A roof lantern can add heat on sunny days, especially facing south or west, because overhead glass receives sun for much of the day. Solar-control glass, opening vents and blinds help keep the room comfortable. The glass is chosen at survey based on the lantern's size and orientation and how the room is used.
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.
Do you cover Stroud for roof lanterns?
Yes. We can quote for roof lanterns across Stroud and the surrounding Gloucestershire area, including postcode districts GL6, GL5 and GL10, and nearby Gloucester, Cirencester and Cheltenham. 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 Stroud
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.