What are roof lanterns?
Across West Sussex, our roof lanterns work covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Orangery-style extensions with lanterns are popular across the South East, and solar-control glass makes a big difference on south-facing gardens. Across the South East, single-storey kitchen extensions on 1930s semis and post-war detached houses are where most flat rooflights and lanterns go.
Towns in West Sussex
Specification options in West Sussex
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Opening vents with electric control
- Internal and external colours
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
Planning and building rules in England
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. 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.
For English homes the energy rules ask for rooflights of 2.2 W/m²K or better and roof windows of 1.4 W/m²K (or WER Band B); most modern double glazed units meet both. 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.
Guide prices
Guide prices for roof lanterns in West Sussex 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 about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Roof lanterns in nearby areas
Common questions
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.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
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.
Do you fit roof lanterns across West Sussex?
Yes. We survey and fit roof lanterns across West Sussex, including Crawley, Worthing, Bognor Regis.
