Roof lanterns in Barking: what is involved?
For Barking 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.
Many London roofs are reached only through the house or over neighbouring property, so lifting heavy glass is planned at survey rather than on the day. Typical uses for roof lanterns include rooms that need height as well as light.
Barking is around 15 km from central London, and we survey and fit throughout that part of Greater London, including the IG11 district.
Choices for your Barking project
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
- Light from every angle across the day
Before you order: points to check
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
Planning, building control and Barking
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. 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.
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. 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.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
Guide prices for Barking
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Barking, 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- 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.
Nearby towns
Related work in Barking
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.
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.
Is the survey in Barking free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
Can you work alongside my builder in Barking?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
