How we approach rooflight upstands & kerbs in Edinburgh
Thinking about rooflight upstands & kerbs in Edinburgh? The short answer: insulated kerbs built and waterproofed to suit your rooflight. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Short winter days in Scotland make every square metre of overhead glass count, so rooflight sizing matters. Think of rooflight upstands & kerbs for roofs where the old kerb is low, cold or leaking.
We cover all of Edinburgh and the EH1 district, and nearby Musselburgh and Dalkeith.
Choices for your Edinburgh project
- Upstands to suit single-ply, felt, GRP or liquid roofs
- Upstand repairs and rebuilds
- Timber upstands with insulation
- Internal plaster-box linings
- Raised upstands for deep green or ballasted roofs
- Correct height above the finished roof
- Insulated to avoid a cold bridge
Things we check at survey
- Insulation continuity around the upstand affects condensation
- Minimum upstand height is set by the rooflight manufacturer — commonly 150 mm above the finished roof
Do you need permission in Edinburgh?
In Scotland most rooflights on houses fall under Class 2B permitted development; in a conservation area, or on a listed building, consent is needed. Flats and tenements are outside householder permitted development, so check with the planning authority first.
Under the Scottish building standards, replacement rooflights should average 1.6 W/m²K or better, and no individual unit should exceed 3.3 W/m²K. Forming a new opening normally involves structural work, so check with the local authority verifier whether a building warrant is needed.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
What do rooflight upstands & kerbs cost in Edinburgh?
Guide prices for rooflight upstands & kerbs in Edinburgh 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 raised upstand | £715 – £1,195 | £595 – £995 |
| Standard insulated upstand Typical | £475 – £715 | £395 – £595 |
| Small upstand on new roof | £355 – £475 | £295 – £395 |
The process, step by step
- Tell us what you have. Send the EH1 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Neighbouring towns
Other services in Edinburgh
Common questions
Does every rooflight need an upstand?
Flat and dome rooflights do. Pitched roof windows use flashing kits instead.
Can I build the upstand myself?
Your builder can, to our drawing. We check it before the rooflight is fitted, because the unit must sit square and level.
Can an old upstand be reused?
If it is sound, square, insulated and the right size. Often it is cheaper to rebuild than adapt.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Edinburgh?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Is the survey in Edinburgh free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
