Roof lanterns in Cambridge: what is involved?
For Cambridge homes and buildings we offer roof lanterns: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We measure first, specify to the opening and confirm any planning or building-control points before quoting.
Barn conversions and timber-framed homes across the East often call for conservation rooflights or bespoke glass. In Cambridge, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for rooms that need height as well as light.
From Cambridge to St Ives, Newmarket and Ely, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Options we can specify in Cambridge
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Opening vents with electric control
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Can include opening vents
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
Before you order: points to check
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Planning, building control and Cambridge
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. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
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. 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 Cambridge
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 or bespoke aluminium lantern | £5,995 – £10,795 | £4,995 – £8,995 |
| Mid-size aluminium lantern (2 × 3 m) Typical | £3,955 – £5,995 | £3,295 – £4,995 |
| Small lantern (1 × 2 m) | £2,995 – £3,955 | £2,495 – £3,295 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Get in touch. Use the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool with your Cambridge address.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Cambridge, measures and checks structure and access.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Cambridge
Roof lanterns in Cambridge: questions
Roof lantern or flat rooflight?
A lantern adds height and sky from all sides; a flat rooflight is lower-profile and cleaner from outside. Our guide compares them in detail.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
Can you work alongside my builder in Cambridge?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
How do I book a survey in Cambridge?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
