Roof lanterns for Boston: the essentials
Thinking about roof lanterns in Boston? The short answer: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Midlands housing is a mix of Victorian terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, and rear kitchen extensions with flat rooflights are a common upgrade. In Boston, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for rooms that need height as well as light.
Boston is around 44 km from Lincoln, and we survey and fit throughout that part of Lincolnshire, including the PE21 district.
What you can choose
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Opening vents with electric control
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
- Can include opening vents
Before you order: points to check
- Needs a strong, level kerb or upstand
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
Planning and building rules for Boston
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.
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. 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.
What do roof lanterns cost in Boston?
Guide prices for roof lanterns in Boston 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
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- 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.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Neighbouring towns
More we do in Boston
Common questions
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.
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.
Can you work alongside my builder in Boston?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Boston?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
