How we approach hinged roof access rooflights in Eltham
Our hinged roof access rooflights service in Eltham covers hinged glazed hatches over a stair or ladder for roof terrace access. Every job starts with a survey of the opening, the roof covering and the room below, and a fixed written price.
Mansard and loft conversions are common across London, and roof windows are often set out alongside dormers on the rear slope. Typical uses for hinged roof access rooflights include occasional roof access that also lights the stair.
Jobs in Eltham are planned around access: whether the roof can be reached from the garden, whether a hoist or crane is needed, and where we can park. We check this when we measure.
What you can choose
- Frame colour options
- Double or triple glazing
- Hinge side to suit the stair
- Rain sensor on electric versions
- Manual gas-strut or electric opening
- Roof access and daylight in one unit
- Lockable from inside
Things we check at survey
- Roof edges people reach may need guarding
- The lid must open clear of parapets and balustrades
Do you need permission in Eltham?
Most rooflights on English houses do not need planning permission, provided they keep within 150 mm of the roof surface and below the ridge line. 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.
Under Approved Document L, a rooflight added to an English home must achieve at least 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal plane), and a roof window 1.4 W/m²K or Window Energy Rating Band B. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards, published in March 2026, apply from 24 March 2027 and keep the 2.2 W/m²K limit for rooflights.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
Guide prices for Eltham
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large electric access hatch | £5,395 – £7,795 | £4,495 – £6,495 |
| Gas-strut hatch with grab handle Typical | £3,955 – £5,395 | £3,295 – £4,495 |
| Compact manual hatch | £3,595 – £4,195 | £2,995 – £3,495 |
The process, step by step
- Tell us what you have. Send the SE9 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Hinged roof access rooflights near Eltham
Other services in Eltham
Hinged roof access rooflights in Eltham: questions
Electric or manual?
Gas-strut hatches are simple and reliable. Electric hatches suit heavier lids, wider openings and anyone who would struggle to push a lid up.
How big does an access hatch need to be?
Big enough to climb through comfortably for the stair or ladder you have. For a stair, we size it to the stair width and the headroom; for occasional plant access a smaller hatch can work.
Is it secure?
Units lock from inside. As with any rooftop door, keep it locked when the house is empty.
How do I book a survey in Eltham?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Eltham?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
