Roof lanterns in Folkestone: what is involved?
Our roof lanterns service in Folkestone 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. Typical uses for roof lanterns include rooms that need height as well as light.
Jobs in Folkestone 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.
Specification options
- Internal and external colours
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Opening vents with electric control
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Can include opening vents
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
Things we check at survey
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Do you need permission in Folkestone?
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.
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. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards, published in March 2026, apply from 24 March 2027 and keep the 2.2 W/m²K limit for rooflights.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
What do roof lanterns cost in Folkestone?
Guide prices for roof lanterns in Folkestone 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 |
How the job runs
- Tell us what you have. Send the CT19 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.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Neighbouring towns
Other services in Folkestone
Roof lanterns in Folkestone: questions
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.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
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.
How do I book a survey in Folkestone?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Will I need planning permission in Folkestone?
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.
