What do roof lanterns involve?
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, our roof lanterns work covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Short winter days in Scotland make every square metre of overhead glass count, so rooflight sizing matters. Stone villas, cottages and conservation areas across Scotland often call for conservation rooflights in slate roofs.
Towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Options we can specify
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
Planning and building rules in Scotland
In Scotland most rooflights on houses fall under Class 2B permitted development; in a conservation area, or on a listed building, consent is needed. Listed buildings need listed building consent where the work affects their character.
Scotland's Technical Handbook (section 6) asks for windows, doors and rooflights in an extension to average 1.4–1.6 W/m²K, with no single unit worse than 3.3 W/m²K. Forming a new opening normally involves structural work, so check with the local authority verifier whether a building warrant is needed.
Roof lanterns prices in Edinburgh and the Lothians
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 |
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
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.
Do roof lanterns get hot?
They can in summer if clear glass is used on a south-facing roof. Solar-control glass and an opening vent make a big difference.
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.
Do you fit roof lanterns across Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Yes. We survey and fit roof lanterns across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including Edinburgh, Livingston, Musselburgh.
