Roof lanterns for Gillingham: the essentials
For Gillingham homes and buildings we offer roof lanterns: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We measure first, specify to the opening and confirm any planning or building-control points before quoting.
Orangery-style extensions with lanterns are popular across the South East, and solar-control glass makes a big difference on south-facing gardens. Roof lanterns suit orangeries, kitchen-diners and single-storey extensions.
From Gillingham to Chatham, Rochester and Strood, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Choices for your Gillingham project
- Opening vents with electric control
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Internal and external colours
- Light from every angle across the day
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
What to check first
- Needs a strong, level kerb or upstand
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Planning and building rules for Gillingham
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. 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.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Roof lanterns prices in Gillingham
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| 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 |
What happens next
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Gillingham, measures and checks structure and access.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Gillingham
Questions about roof lanterns in Gillingham
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 big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
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.
Do you fit roof lanterns in Gillingham?
Yes. We survey and fit roof lanterns in Gillingham and across Kent. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Gillingham?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
