Roof lanterns for Balham: the essentials
We handle roof lanterns across Greater London, including Balham. In short: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
London homes often run deep from front to back, so the middle of the ground floor is the darkest space — exactly where an overhead rooflight earns its keep. Think of roof lanterns for rooms that need height as well as light.
Balham sits about 2 km from Clapham and 2 km from Streatham, and we cover the whole SW12 postcode district and the roads in between.
Options we can specify in Balham
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Internal and external colours
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
Things we check at survey
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
Consents for roof lanterns in Balham
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.
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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Roof lanterns prices in Balham
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Balham, scaffold, a hoist for heavy glass, or a new structural opening can move the figure, which is why we survey first.
| 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
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- 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.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Balham
Roof lanterns in Balham: questions
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.
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.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
Will I need planning permission in Balham?
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.
Is the survey in Balham free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
