Isle of Wight · England

Roof Lanterns in Isle of Wight

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

Guide from £1,095
4 towns covered
Postcode areas PO

Roof lantern replacement across Isle of Wight

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.

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.

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.

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 Isle of Wight

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

What applies in Isle of Wight

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.

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.

Isle of Wight has its own coastline, so for homes and businesses near the sea, salt air and wind-driven rain are part of the brief. 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.

Rural roofs collect more leaves, moss and bird debris, so lanterns need clear upstand drainage and regular checks. Exposed sites see higher wind loads and driving rain, and older outbuildings may need the roof structure strengthening before a lantern is added.

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

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.

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.

Roof Lanterns in Isle of Wight: questions

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.

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.

Which parts of Isle of Wight do you cover for roof lanterns?

We cover the whole of Isle of Wight, including Newport (Isle of Wight), Ryde, Cowes and Sandown, and postcode areas PO. 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.

Other glazing services in Isle of Wight

All glazing in Isle of Wight · Roof Lanterns & Skylights across the UK

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