How we approach rooflight upstands & kerbs in Cowbridge
For Cowbridge homes and buildings we offer rooflight upstands & kerbs: insulated kerbs built and waterproofed to suit your rooflight. We measure first, specify to the opening and confirm any planning or building-control points before quoting.
Slate roofs, stone cottages and terraced valleys are typical across Wales, and slim rooflights that sit low in the slates suit them best. In Cowbridge, as anywhere, rooflight upstands & kerbs are the usual choice for roofs where the old kerb is low, cold or leaking.
Neighbouring towns include Llantwit Major (6 km) and Bridgend (11 km). We offer a survey date when we reply to your enquiry.
What you can choose
- Timber upstands with insulation
- Raised upstands for deep green or ballasted roofs
- Internal plaster-box linings
- Proprietary insulated kerbs
- Upstands to suit single-ply, felt, GRP or liquid roofs
- Correct height above the finished roof
- Insulated to avoid a cold bridge
What to check first
- Membrane compatibility with the rooflight's sealants
- Minimum upstand height is set by the rooflight manufacturer — commonly 150 mm above the finished roof
Do you need permission in Cowbridge?
Planning rules in Wales are tighter than in England for rooflights: Class C rights do not apply in conservation areas, National Parks or AONBs, so a rooflight there needs planning permission. A side-facing rooflight within 10.5 m of the boundary must be obscure-glazed, and non-opening unless the opening part is more than 1.7 m above the floor.
Welsh Building Regulations expect new or replacement rooflights to reach 2.2 W/m²K and roof windows 1.4 W/m²K or a Band B rating. A revised Welsh Approved Document L takes effect on 4 March 2027; rooflights in new dwellings stay at 2.2 W/m²K.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Guide prices for Cowbridge
Guide prices for rooflight upstands & kerbs in Cowbridge 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 |
How the job runs
- Tell us what you have. Send the CF71 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.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Neighbouring towns
Related work in Cowbridge
Common questions
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.
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 you work alongside my builder in Cowbridge?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Is the survey in Cowbridge free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
