What do rooflight upstands & kerbs involve?
Rooflight upstands & kerbs in South Glamorgan means insulated kerbs built and waterproofed to suit your rooflight. Every quote follows a survey of the roof and the room below.
Wales sees a lot of wind-driven rain, particularly in the west, so upstand height and flashing laps matter more than anywhere. Slate roofs, stone cottages and terraced valleys are typical across Wales, and slim rooflights that sit low in the slates suit them best.
Towns in South Glamorgan
Specification options in South Glamorgan
- Timber upstands with insulation
- Proprietary insulated kerbs
- Internal plaster-box linings
- Upstand repairs and rebuilds
- Raised upstands for deep green or ballasted roofs
- Insulated to avoid a cold bridge
- Correct height above the finished roof
Planning and building rules in Wales
Welsh householder permitted development (Class C) allows rooflights that project no more than 15 cm and sit no higher than the existing roof — but not in conservation areas, National Parks, AONBs or World Heritage Sites. Listed buildings need listed building consent from the council, and flats have no householder permitted development rights.
Approved Document L in Wales (2022 edition) sets 2.2 W/m²K for rooflights, measured horizontally, and 1.4 W/m²K or Band B for roof windows in existing homes. Wales also has its own overheating rules (Part O) for new homes, in force since November 2022.
Rooflight upstands & kerbs prices in South Glamorgan
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In South Glamorgan, 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
- 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.
Upstands & kerbs in nearby areas
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 an old upstand be reused?
If it is sound, square, insulated and the right size. Often it is cheaper to rebuild than adapt.
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.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in South Glamorgan?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
