Roof lanterns in County Down: the essentials
Our roof lanterns service in County Down covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We survey every job before fixing the price.
Northern Ireland has a mix of terraces, bungalows and rural farmhouses, and rooflights are a common upgrade when extending. Conservation areas and listed buildings in Northern Ireland are excluded from householder permitted development, so we check before quoting.
Towns in County Down
Specification options in County Down
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
- Light from every angle across the day
Planning and building rules in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's householder permitted development allows rooflights within limits — no more than 15 cm projection on road-facing slopes and a 0.5 m margin from ridge, eaves and party walls. A side-facing window within 15 m of a neighbouring boundary must be obscure-glazed, and non-opening unless the opening part is more than 1.7 m above the floor.
For homes in Northern Ireland, Technical Booklet F1 sets 1.6 W/m²K (or WER Band C) for replacement glazing including rooflights. Extensions follow a 25% glazing allowance in Technical Booklet F1.
Guide prices
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In County Down, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| 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 |
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.
Roof lanterns in nearby areas
Common questions
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
Do they leak?
Modern lanterns are sealed systems. Leaks usually trace back to the kerb or roof membrane detail, which we form and check ourselves.
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.
Can a lantern go on an existing extension?
Yes, if the flat roof structure can be opened up and trimmed. We check joists and the roof build-up at survey.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in County Down?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
