Rooflight upstands & kerbs in Portsmouth: what is involved?
We handle rooflight upstands & kerbs across Hampshire, including Portsmouth. 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.
Across the South East, single-storey kitchen extensions on 1930s semis and post-war detached houses are where most flat rooflights and lanterns go. In Portsmouth, as anywhere, rooflight upstands & kerbs are the usual choice for new flat-roof openings and rooflight replacements.
Jobs in Portsmouth are planned around access: whether the roof can be reached from the garden, whether a hoist or crane is needed, and where we can park. We check this when we measure.
Specification options
- Upstands to suit single-ply, felt, GRP or liquid roofs
- Raised upstands for deep green or ballasted roofs
- Upstand repairs and rebuilds
- Timber upstands with insulation
- Internal plaster-box linings
- Matched to your roof covering
- Insulated to avoid a cold bridge
Before you order: points to check
- Membrane compatibility with the rooflight's sealants
- Insulation continuity around the upstand affects condensation
Planning and building rules for Portsmouth
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. 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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Rooflight upstands & kerbs prices in Portsmouth
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| 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 |
What happens next
- Tell us what you have. Send the PO1 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- 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.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Neighbouring towns
Other services in Portsmouth
Questions about rooflight upstands & kerbs in Portsmouth
What roof coverings do you work with?
Single-ply, EPDM, felt, GRP and liquid-applied systems — or we coordinate with your roofer.
Why is my rooflight cold around the edge?
Usually an uninsulated upstand. Insulating the kerb and lining the reveal fixes most cold spots.
Does every rooflight need an upstand?
Flat and dome rooflights do. Pitched roof windows use flashing kits instead.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Portsmouth?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Will I need planning permission in Portsmouth?
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.
