Northamptonshire · England

Roof Lanterns in Northamptonshire

Old polycarbonate lanterns in Northamptonshire that leak, rattle or have yellowed can usually be replaced with a double glazed aluminium lantern on a sound upstand.

Guide from £1,095
7 towns covered
Postcode areas LE, MK, NN, OX, PE

Aluminium roof lantern across Northamptonshire

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Towns we cover for roof lanterns in Northamptonshire

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

What applies in Northamptonshire

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 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.

Northamptonshire is inland, around 66 km from the nearest coast at its closest point, so salt exposure is rarely a factor.

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

Frame colours

Powder-coated aluminium in grey, black, white or other RAL colours, often dual colour to suit the roof and the room.

Flat framed skylight

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

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 Northamptonshire: 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.

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.

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.

Why does my roof lantern get condensation?

Condensation forms when warm, moist air from cooking, bathing or drying clothes meets the colder glass and frames at high level. Older single glazed or non thermally broken lanterns suffer most. Thermally broken frames, warm-edge spacers, extractor fans and opening vents reduce it. Some condensation on very cold mornings is normal and clears as the room warms.

Which parts of Northamptonshire do you cover for roof lanterns?

We cover the whole of Northamptonshire, including Northampton, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden, and postcode areas LE, MK, NN, OX, PE. 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 Northamptonshire

All glazing in Northamptonshire · Roof Lanterns & Skylights across the UK

Get a written quote in Northamptonshire

Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.

Get a guide price 0800 088 6248 WhatsApp