How we approach roof lanterns in Portsmouth
Our roof lanterns service in Portsmouth 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.
Period cottages and conservation-area streets are common in the South East, so slim conservation rooflights are often the right choice. In Portsmouth, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for rooms that need height as well as light.
Portsmouth is around 25 km from Southampton, and we survey and fit throughout that part of Hampshire, including the PO1 district.
Specification options
- Opening vents with electric control
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Can include opening vents
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
Things we check at survey
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
Do you need permission in Portsmouth?
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.
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.
Guide prices for Portsmouth
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Portsmouth, 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 |
How the job runs
- Tell us what you have. Send the PO1 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Roof lanterns near Portsmouth
Other services in Portsmouth
Questions about roof lanterns in Portsmouth
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.
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 you fit roof lanterns in Portsmouth?
Yes. We survey and fit roof lanterns in Portsmouth and across Hampshire. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Portsmouth?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
