What do electric opening rooflights involve?
Across Greater Manchester, our electric opening rooflights work covers hinged rooflights that open on an electric actuator for fresh air. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Stone and brick terraces are typical across the North West, and roof windows in rear slopes are a common way to light attic rooms. Converted mills and warehouses in the North West often have large rooflights or glass roofs that need specialist replacement.
Towns in Greater Manchester
What you can choose
- Frame colour to match your doors
- Integral blind
- Electric actuator with wall switch or remote
- Insect screen
- Manual winder on smaller units
- Clears cooking steam and summer heat at ceiling level
- Daylight and purge ventilation from one unit
Planning and building rules in England
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof. A rooflight on a side-facing slope must be obscure-glazed, and fixed shut unless the opening part is more than 1.7 m above the floor.
For English homes the energy rules ask for rooflights of 2.2 W/m²K or better and roof windows of 1.4 W/m²K (or WER Band B); most modern double glazed units meet both. Replacing a rooflight or roof window can be self-certified by an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme; otherwise building control approval is needed.
Guide prices
Guide prices for electric opening rooflights in Greater Manchester are the same as anywhere we work — what changes the price is the job: access, structure, scaffold and finishing.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large with rain sensor and blind | £4,195 – £5,995 | £3,495 – £4,995 |
| Mid-size electric with rain sensor Typical | £2,995 – £4,195 | £2,495 – £3,495 |
| Small manual or electric opening unit | £2,395 – £3,115 | £1,995 – £2,595 |
How the job runs
- Tell us about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Opening rooflights in nearby areas
Common questions
Does it need an electrician?
The rooflight wiring needs a suitable supply. We can arrange it, or your own electrician can provide the spur and we connect the unit.
Is it secure when open?
An opening rooflight is a vent, not an access hatch, so the gap is small. For security, close it when the house is empty — a rain sensor does not lock the unit.
Can I control it from my phone?
Some ranges link to smart-home hubs or their own app. If that matters, say so at survey and we will specify a compatible model.
Can it open in a power cut?
Most electric units stay where they are during a power cut. Some manufacturers offer a manual override or battery backup — we will tell you which option the chosen model has.
Do you fit electric opening rooflights across Greater Manchester?
Yes. We survey and fit electric opening rooflights across Greater Manchester, including Manchester, Oldham, Wigan.
