What are conservation rooflights?
A conservation rooflight is a roof window designed to look like a traditional cast-iron rooflight: low-profile, sitting flush with the slates or tiles, with a slim dark frame and often a central vertical glazing bar.
Conservation officers often ask for them on listed buildings and in conservation areas because they keep the roofline quiet.
Modern versions hide double glazing and insulated frames behind the traditional profile, so you get the period look with current performance.
- Typical sizes
- Small to medium — commonly up to about 800 × 1200 mm
- Frame
- Steel or aluminium, black or grey
- Glazing
- Slim double glazing
- Profile
- Low, close to the roof plane
- Fitting time
- About one day per rooflight
- Typical lead time
- 2–5 weeks from order
Why choose conservation rooflights?
- Traditional slim profile, sits low in the roof
- Steel or aluminium frame in black or grey
- Optional central glazing bar
- Double glazed behind a period look
- Suits slate and plain-tile roofs
- Often preferred by conservation officers
What options are there?
- Steel or aluminium frames
- Central vertical glazing bar
- Manual or electric opening
- Flashings for slate or plain tile
- Toughened or laminated double glazing
- Blinds
What should you check before you order?
- Listed building consent is needed for listed buildings
- Conservation officers may specify size and position
- Projection above the roof line is limited — usually as flush as possible
- Lead or matching flashings may be required
Planning and building-regulation rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our planning guide and building regulations guide set out each nation's position.
How much do conservation rooflights cost?
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large or electric conservation rooflight | £2,755 – £4,195 | £2,295 – £3,495 |
| Standard conservation rooflight Typical | £2,035 – £2,755 | £1,695 – £2,295 |
| Small conservation rooflight | £1,795 – £2,155 | £1,495 – £1,795 |
Guide prices per rooflight, supplied and fitted. Your fixed price follows a free survey for new installations.
Conservation rooflights: common questions
Do I need consent for a conservation rooflight?
On a listed building you need listed building consent. In a conservation area, check with the council — many areas have Article 4 directions affecting roof alterations.
Are conservation rooflights double glazed?
Most modern ones are, with slim units behind the traditional frame.
Can they open?
Yes, most are top-hung or side-hung for ventilation and cleaning, with manual or electric operation.
Will the council accept it?
We cannot promise an outcome, but a slim conservation profile fitted low in the roof is the type many conservation officers ask for.
Do they suit slate roofs?
Yes — flashings are made for slates and for plain tiles.
Can you copy an original rooflight?
Some makers produce bespoke sizes to match an existing opening. We can survey and quote.
