Roof lanterns in Frome: what is involved?
We handle roof lanterns across Somerset, including Frome. In short: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
Holiday lets and second homes across the South West often want roof windows with blinds and remote opening for when the house is empty. Roof lanterns suit rooms that need height as well as light.
From Frome to Warminster, Trowbridge and Bath, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
What you can choose
- Opening vents with electric control
- Internal and external colours
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
Things we check at survey
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
Planning and building rules for Frome
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.
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 Frome?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Frome, 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
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Nearby towns
More we do in Frome
Common questions
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.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
Will I need planning permission in Frome?
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.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Frome?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
