Rooflight upstands & kerbs in London: what is involved?
We handle rooflight upstands & kerbs across Greater London, including London. In short: insulated kerbs built and waterproofed to suit your rooflight. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
Many London roofs are reached only through the house or over neighbouring property, so lifting heavy glass is planned at survey rather than on the day. Rooflight upstands & kerbs suit roofs where the old kerb is low, cold or leaking.
London is the main town we list in Greater London; we also cover nearby Pimlico and Islington.
Choices for your London project
- Proprietary insulated kerbs
- Internal plaster-box linings
- Timber upstands with insulation
- Raised upstands for deep green or ballasted roofs
- Upstands to suit single-ply, felt, GRP or liquid roofs
- Built square to the rooflight size
- Insulated to avoid a cold bridge
Things we check at survey
- Minimum upstand height is set by the rooflight manufacturer — commonly 150 mm above the finished roof
- Insulation continuity around the upstand affects condensation
Do you need permission in London?
In England a rooflight on a house is usually permitted development under Class C if it projects no more than 150 mm beyond the roof slope and sits no higher than the ridge. 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.
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.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
What do rooflight upstands & kerbs cost in London?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In London, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| 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 |
How the job runs
- 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.
- 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.
Rooflight upstands & kerbs near London
More we do in London
Questions about rooflight upstands & kerbs in London
Can an old upstand be reused?
If it is sound, square, insulated and the right size. Often it is cheaper to rebuild than adapt.
Why is my rooflight cold around the edge?
Usually an uninsulated upstand. Insulating the kerb and lining the reveal fixes most cold spots.
How high should a rooflight upstand be?
High enough to meet the rooflight manufacturer's minimum above the finished roof surface — commonly 150 mm. On roofs with deep finishes, such as green roofs, it needs to be taller.
How do I book a survey in London?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Will I need planning permission in London?
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.
