Skylight replacement in Edinburgh: what is involved?
Thinking about skylight replacement in Edinburgh? The short answer: replacing tired domes and failed glass with a modern rooflight. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Short winter days in Scotland make every square metre of overhead glass count, so rooflight sizing matters. In Edinburgh, as anywhere, skylight replacement is the usual choice for older extensions due a modern rooflight.
We cover all of Edinburgh and the EH1 district, and nearby Musselburgh and Dalkeith.
What you can choose
- Misted glass unit replacement only
- Fixed to electric opening
- Upstand rebuild and insulation
- Dome to flat glass upgrade
- Roof window replacement in pitched roofs
- Often reuses the existing opening
- Better thermal performance
What to check first
- Upstand and roof condition decide the scope
- Enlarging the opening changes the structure and may need approval
Planning and building rules for Edinburgh
Planning rules in Scotland differ: rooflights are treated as external alterations under Class 2B, with no permitted development in conservation areas. Flats and tenements are outside householder permitted development, so check with the planning authority first.
Under the Scottish building standards, replacement rooflights should average 1.6 W/m²K or better, and no individual unit should exceed 3.3 W/m²K. Forming a new opening normally involves structural work, so check with the local authority verifier whether a building warrant is needed.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
What does skylight replacement cost in Edinburgh?
Guide prices for skylight replacement in Edinburgh 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement with upstand rebuild and opening unit | £2,995 – £4,795 | £2,495 – £3,995 |
| Dome to flat glass upgrade Typical | £1,915 – £2,995 | £1,595 – £2,495 |
| Like-for-like glass rooflight | £1,555 – £2,155 | £1,295 – £1,795 |
The process, step by step
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Edinburgh, measures and checks structure and access.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Nearby towns
Other services in Edinburgh
Skylight replacement in Edinburgh: questions
How long does a replacement take?
Usually a day for a standard rooflight on a sound upstand.
Do I need building regulations approval to replace a rooflight?
Replacements in existing homes generally need to meet current thermal standards and may need notification or approval. We advise on the route for your job.
Can I go bigger when replacing?
Possibly. Enlarging the opening means trimming joists, so we check the structure first.
Do you offer skylight replacement in Edinburgh?
Yes. We carry out skylight replacement in Edinburgh and across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Send your postcode and we will offer a survey date when we reply.
Is the survey in Edinburgh free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
