Roof lanterns in Chatham: what is involved?
Roof lanterns in Chatham means hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We cover the ME4 district and the rest of Kent, with a survey before any price is fixed.
Across the South East, single-storey kitchen extensions on 1930s semis and post-war detached houses are where most flat rooflights and lanterns go. Think of roof lanterns for rooms that need height as well as light.
Chatham sits about 2 km from Gillingham and 2 km from Rochester, and we cover the whole ME4 postcode district and the roads in between.
Specification options
- Opening vents with electric control
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
What to check first
- 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 Chatham?
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. 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.
What do roof lanterns cost in Chatham?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Chatham, 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 |
The process, step by step
- Tell us what you have. Send the ME4 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.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Chatham
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.
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 I need to be at home for the survey in Chatham?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Do you fit roof lanterns in Chatham?
Yes. We survey and fit roof lanterns in Chatham and across Kent. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
