How we approach roof lanterns in Richmond
We handle roof lanterns across Greater London, including Richmond. 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.
Party walls are a fact of life in London terraces, and rooflights close to a shared wall need detailing that keeps the neighbour's side dry too. Roof lanterns suit rooms that need height as well as light.
Jobs in Richmond are planned around access: whether the roof can be reached from the garden, whether a hoist or crane is needed, and where we can park. We check this when we measure.
Options we can specify in Richmond
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Internal and external colours
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
- Light from every angle across the day
What to check first
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Planning, building control and Richmond
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.
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. 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 Richmond
Guide prices for roof lanterns in Richmond are the same as anywhere we work — what changes the price is the job: access, structure, scaffold and finishing.
| 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
- Tell us what you have. Send the TW9 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- 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.
Nearby towns
Other services in Richmond
Common questions
Do they leak?
Modern lanterns are sealed systems. Leaks usually trace back to the kerb or roof membrane detail, which we form and check ourselves.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Richmond?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Will I need planning permission in Richmond?
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.
