How we approach rooflight upstands & kerbs in Hitchin
Thinking about rooflight upstands & kerbs in Hitchin? 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.
Period cottages and conservation-area streets are common in the South East, so slim conservation rooflights are often the right choice. Typical uses for rooflight upstands & kerbs include new flat-roof openings and rooflight replacements.
Hitchin is around 34 km from Watford, and we survey and fit throughout that part of Hertfordshire, including the SG4 district.
Specification options
- Upstands to suit single-ply, felt, GRP or liquid roofs
- Upstand repairs and rebuilds
- Internal plaster-box linings
- Proprietary insulated kerbs
- Timber upstands with insulation
- Fixings and falls agreed with the rooflight maker
- Correct height above the finished roof
Things we check at survey
- Upstand size must match the unit within a tight tolerance
- Minimum upstand height is set by the rooflight manufacturer — commonly 150 mm above the finished roof
Planning and building rules for Hitchin
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. 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.
Under Approved Document L, a rooflight added to an English home must achieve at least 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal plane), and a roof window 1.4 W/m²K or Window Energy Rating Band B. In an extension, glazing including rooflights is normally limited to 25% of the new floor area plus any windows or doors the extension covers, unless a whole-house calculation shows otherwise.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
What do rooflight upstands & kerbs cost in Hitchin?
Guide prices for rooflight upstands & kerbs in Hitchin 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 SG4 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.
Rooflight upstands & kerbs near Hitchin
Other services in Hitchin
Common questions
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.
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.
How do I book a survey in Hitchin?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Is the survey in Hitchin free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
