How we approach roof lanterns in Catford
Our roof lanterns service in Catford covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. Every job starts with a survey of the opening, the roof covering and the room below, and a fixed written price.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces with narrow side returns are typical of much of London, and a glass roof or long flat rooflight is the usual way to keep the back rooms bright once the return is built over. In Catford, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for orangeries, kitchen-diners and single-storey extensions.
Catford sits about 2 km from Lewisham and 3 km from Blackheath, and we cover the whole SE6 postcode district and the roads in between.
What you can choose
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Opening vents with electric control
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
What to check first
- Needs a strong, level kerb or upstand
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Consents for roof lanterns in Catford
In England a rooflight on a house is usually permitted development under Class C if it projects no more than 150 mm beyond the roof slope and sits no higher than the ridge. 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.
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. In an extension, glazing including rooflights is normally limited to 25% of the new floor area plus any windows or doors the extension covers, unless a whole-house calculation shows otherwise.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
What do roof lanterns cost in Catford?
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Catford, 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
- Tell us what you have. Send the SE6 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Nearby towns
More we do in Catford
Roof lanterns in Catford: 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.
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.
Is the survey in Catford free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Catford?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
