Portsmouth · Hampshire
Roof Lanterns in Portsmouth
A roof lantern in Portsmouth can flood a dark extension or kitchen with daylight from above, and our glaziers check the roof and upstand before you receive a fixed written quote.
- PO1
- PO5
- PO2
- Guide from £1,095
Portsmouth: opening skylights
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.
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.
Roof lanterns are not designed to be walked on, so never stand or lean on the glass or bars. Cleaning and inspection should be done from safe access at the edge of the roof. Keep leaves and debris away from the upstand and roof outlets so water drains freely.
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.
What a typical job includes
- Fixing, glazing and sealing onto the prepared upstand
- Written guarantee terms and manufacturer documentation
- Sealed double glazed units with laminated inner pane options
- Survey of the roof, opening, upstand and drainage
About Portsmouth for this job
- Postcodes covered
- PO1, PO5, PO2 and the surrounding area, including Gosport, Fareham and Ryde
- Coast
- Portsmouth is about 2 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are 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.
- Daylight and sun
- In Portsmouth the midwinter sun reaches about 16° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.7 hours of daylight, rising to about 63° and 16.3 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 Portsmouth
| 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
In England, replacing a whole window, roof window or glazed external door is building work. It has to be notified to building control, either by an installer registered with a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass, or through a building notice to the council. Replacing only the glass in an existing frame is a repair and is not notifiable.
Choosing your roof lanterns
Rectangular hipped lantern
A long ridge with hipped ends, suiting most rectangular extensions and kitchens, sized to the opening and the room below.
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 Portsmouth: questions
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.
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 much does a roof lantern cost?
The cost of a roof lantern depends on its size and shape, the glass specification, frame colour, any opening vents, and whether the upstand exists or needs building. Access to the roof and lifting a large lantern also affect labour. See the guide prices for typical ranges; the written quote fixes the price for your exact specification.
Do I need planning permission for a roof lantern?
Sometimes. In England, rooflights on a house are usually permitted development if they project no more than 150mm above the roof plane and are no higher than the highest part of the roof. Raised lanterns often exceed that, and flats, listed buildings and conservation areas have extra controls, so check with your council first.
Do you cover Portsmouth for roof lanterns?
Yes. We can quote for roof lanterns across Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampshire area, including postcode districts PO1, PO5 and PO2, and nearby Gosport, Fareham and Ryde. 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 Portsmouth
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.