Sliding rooflights for Edinburgh: the essentials
Thinking about sliding rooflights in Edinburgh? The short answer: box rooflights whose glass lid slides back for walk-out roof access. The longer answer depends on your roof, which is why we survey before we price.
Scottish weather is hard on roofs, so we specify rooflights and roof windows with exposure in mind and fit upstands with generous heights. In Edinburgh, as anywhere, sliding rooflights are the usual choice for staircases that rise to a roof terrace.
We cover all of Edinburgh and the EH1 district, and nearby Musselburgh and Dalkeith.
Specification options
- Electric drive with safety edge
- Anthracite, black or RAL frames
- Box (glazed sides) or flat sliding lid
- Rain sensor
- Double or triple glazing
- Full-width, walk-out access to a roof terrace
- Daylight down the stair when closed
Things we check at survey
- The stair opening and headroom must meet Building Regulations
- Electric units need a dedicated supply and commissioning
Consents for sliding rooflights in Edinburgh
Scottish householder permitted development (Class 2B, other external alterations) can cover a rooflight that projects no more than 1 metre from the roof, but the right does not apply 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. Replacing a rooflight, frame included, does not need a building warrant, but the work must still meet the building standards.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
Sliding rooflights prices in Edinburgh
Guide prices for sliding rooflights 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Large box slider with electric drive | £11,995 – £20,395 | £9,995 – £16,995 |
| Standard box slider Typical | £8,995 – £13,195 | £7,495 – £10,995 |
| Flat sliding lid | £7,195 – £9,595 | £5,995 – £7,995 |
How the job runs
- Tell us what you have. Send the EH1 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Edinburgh, measures and checks structure and access.
- 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.
Nearby towns
Other services in Edinburgh
Common questions
How heavy is it?
Box sliders weigh hundreds of kilograms, so delivery may need a crane or lifting gear, and the structure must be checked.
What if it is raining?
Fitted with a rain sensor, an electric unit closes automatically. Most also have a manual override for power cuts.
Can children open it?
Controls can be key-switched or placed out of reach. We will set the controls up to suit the household.
Will I need planning permission in Edinburgh?
In Scotland most rooflights on houses fall under Class 2B permitted development; in a conservation area, or on a listed building, consent is needed.
How do I book a survey in Edinburgh?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
