How we approach roof lanterns in Orpington
Our roof lanterns service in Orpington 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.
Mansard and loft conversions are common across London, and roof windows are often set out alongside dormers on the rear slope. Roof lanterns suit rooms that need height as well as light.
Orpington is around 21 km from central London, and we survey and fit throughout that part of Greater London, including the BR6 district.
Specification options
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Internal and external colours
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
What to check first
- Needs a strong, level kerb or upstand
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
Planning, building control and Orpington
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. 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.
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.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
What do roof lanterns cost in Orpington?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Orpington, 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.
- 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.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
Related work in Orpington
Common 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.
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.
Can you work alongside my builder in Orpington?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Do you fit roof lanterns in Orpington?
Yes. We survey and fit roof lanterns in Orpington and across Greater London. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
