What do roof lanterns in Harwich involve?
Roof lanterns in Harwich means hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We cover the CO12 district and the rest of Essex, with a survey before any price is fixed.
Many homes in the East have low-pitched roofs on later extensions, which are better served by flat rooflights than pitched roof windows. Typical uses for roof lanterns include rooms that need height as well as light.
Harwich sits about 5 km from Felixstowe and 16 km from Ipswich, and we cover the whole CO12 postcode district and the roads in between.
What you can choose
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Internal and external colours
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
What to check first
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
Planning and building rules for Harwich
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.
Building Regulations Approved Document L sets a limiting U-value of 2.2 W/m²K for new or replacement rooflights in existing homes, measured in the horizontal plane; roof windows need 1.4 W/m²K or a Band B energy rating. 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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
What do roof lanterns cost in Harwich?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Harwich, 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 |
What happens next
- Tell us what you have. Send the CO12 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Harwich, measures and checks structure and access.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Nearby towns
More we do in Harwich
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.
Will I need planning permission in Harwich?
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.
Can you work alongside my builder in Harwich?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
