Roof lanterns for Cardiff: the essentials
Thinking about roof lanterns in Cardiff? 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.
Many Welsh homes have older single-storey rear extensions where a glass rooflight brightens a dark kitchen. In Cardiff, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for rooms that need height as well as light.
We cover all of Cardiff and the CF10 district, and nearby Penarth and Dinas Powys.
Choices for your Cardiff project
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Opening vents with electric control
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Internal and external colours
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
- Light from every angle across the day
What to check first
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Planning and building rules for Cardiff
Welsh householder permitted development (Class C) allows rooflights that project no more than 15 cm and sit no higher than the existing roof — but not in conservation areas, National Parks, AONBs or World Heritage Sites. Listed buildings need listed building consent from the council, and flats have no householder permitted development rights.
In Wales the limiting values are 2.2 W/m²K for a rooflight and 1.4 W/m²K (or WER Band B) for a roof window in an existing house. A revised Welsh Approved Document L takes effect on 4 March 2027; rooflights in new dwellings stay at 2.2 W/m²K.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Guide prices for Cardiff
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Cardiff, 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Tell us what you have. Send the CF10 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- 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 Cardiff
Questions about roof lanterns in Cardiff
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
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.
Do they leak?
Modern lanterns are sealed systems. Leaks usually trace back to the kerb or roof membrane detail, which we form and check ourselves.
Can you work alongside my builder in Cardiff?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Do you fit roof lanterns in Cardiff?
Yes. We survey and fit roof lanterns in Cardiff and across South Glamorgan. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
