Roof Lanterns Cost Guide
Roof lanterns, also known as skylights, are popular for aesthetic and functional reasons. By placing an opening in the roof, you let the maximum amount of natural light enter the room below throughout the day. Natural light can brighten up a space and make it feel more open, especially if the room has few or no windows.
Are you considering installing a roof lantern? Are you wondering about the roof lantern costs in the UK? Continue reading this article to learn about roof lantern installation costs as well as the different types of roof lanterns and the benefits of installing a roof lantern.
How much does a Roof Lantern cost?
Average cost in UK: £2550
Get local prices
£1040
LOW COST
£7800
HIGH COST
£2550
AVG COST
Next Step: Find out exactly how much your project will cost.
Average cost in UK: £2550
Get local prices
£1040
LOW COST
£7800
HIGH COST
£2550
AVG COST
The average cost for a skypod roof lantern is £1040, while the most expensive option – a timber roof lantern – can cost up to £7800.
Roof Lantern Installation Costs Explained
One important factor that will affect the roof lantern installation cost is the size of the roof lantern. Another consideration is how accessible your roof is. If scaffolding is required, this will add to the price. The cost of installation may also vary depending on your location, as different areas have different hourly labor rates in the UK.
The following table provides examples of the total cost for roof lantern installations:
Roof Lantern Type | Cost |
|---|---|
Timber Roof Lantern | £1850-£7000 |
With Scaffolding | £2500- £7800 |
Skypod Roof Lantern | £850-£3400 |
With Scaffolding | £1100-3800 |
Atlas Roof Lantern | £1500-£4000 |
With Scaffolding | £1800-£4400 |
What are Roof lanterns?
Roof lanterns are a great way to improve the natural roof light in your home. They were popular among the Victorians, and they have made a comeback in recent years as a popular feature for British homeowners.
Roof lanterns are becoming a more popular home accessory in recent years, as homeowners with larger properties are eager to make the most of the space they have and add something sleek and elegant to the exterior of the building. Roof lanterns can be bought ready-made or purpose-built for your property, depending on what suits you. Whether your roof is flat or pitched, these lanterns can be fitted to lay flat against the roofline or raised above it.
Most roof lanterns especially suit high-ceilinged, single storey extensions rooms that extend out from the main bulk of the house, such as in kitchens or conservatories. However, they can work just as well in an attic room or lounge if the property is large enough. Working as a built-in skylight, they allow more light to permeate the chosen room, leaving you to enjoy the open-plan design come rain or shine.
Types of Roof Lantern and their Supply Costs
A roof lantern and skylights can be a great addition to any property and there are several different types available on the market. It is worth taking some time to consider the benefits of each type before making a decision. Get the most out of your roof lantern by finding one that best suits your home!
Atlas Roof Lantern Cost
Atlas roof lanterns are cherished for their narrow aluminum frames, which deliver a graceful and polished look. This type of roof lantern is sleeker and allows for maximum light exposure, as the frames surrounding the panels are thinner than other types on the market.
Atlas Roof Lanterns retain more heat than other types of roof lanterns, making them great for colder months; however, too much daylight can enter and make things uncomfortably bright or hot during summer.
The cost of an Atlas Roof Lantern typically starts at £1,200 and can go up to £3,000.
Flat Roof Lantern or Skylights Cost
Flat roof lanterns, skylights, rooflight or velux window, are all different names for a type of window that lies flat on your roof. These windows derive their name from their difference in shape when compared to other types of lanterns which are designed with angles and stick out from the surface of the roof.
By installing flat roof lanterns or skylights, you can infuse your property with more light while also adding a touch of architectural beauty. Flat roof lanterns are less expensive, but they are more likely to develop leaks than angular roof lanterns.
The cost of a flat roof lanterns varies depending on the specifications, but you can expect to pay anywhere from £275 to £1,850.
Skypod Roof Lantern Cost
The contemporary and architectural finish of a Skypod roof lantern is popular among homeowners, as it offers the same benefits as the Atlas Roof Lantern but at a more affordable cost. Keep in mind that the price will vary depending on which model you choose.
Although skypod roof lanterns are excellent additions that add space, extra light, and height to a room, they can be difficult to clean because they are often hard to reach. One advantage of choosing a Skypod roof lantern is that they come pre-built, so installation often takes less time than with other types of roof lanterns.
The prices of Skypod roof lanterns start at £550 and go all the way up to £2700.
Timber Roof Lantern Cost
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your home, then timber or oak roof lanterns are a perfect choice. They will instantly transform any room, giving it a more stylish and elegant look. Timber roof lanterns are beautiful frames for your architecture, adding both classic and contemporary vibes to your home, something you won’t get with an aluminum roof lantern.
While you can stain roof lanterns made of timber in any shades or colors you want, they often take more time to install as they are frequently crafted to order, making them the more expensive type of roof lantern.
A timber roof lantern generally costs between £1,500 and £4,000.
Some of the Benefits of Roof Lanterns Include:
Roof lanterns can be a great addition to any home, and they offer many benefits, which makes them worth considering.
Increased Natural Light
One of the biggest benefits of roof lanterns is that they can significantly increase the amount of natural light in your home. If you live in an area with little natural light, or if you have a dark home, roof lanterns can be a great way to brighten things up.
Reduced Energy Costs
A roof lantern provides natural lighting and eliminates the need for artificial roof lights during daylight hours. Roof lanterns are not only energy efficient, but they offer a much better thermal barrier than the rest of your roof. To put it simply, they will reduce your energy bills in winter. Together, these two effects can have a substantial impact on your energy costs.
Improved Ventilation
Roof lanterns can also improve the ventilation in your home. If you live in an area with high humidity, or if you have a stuffy home, roof lanterns can help to improve the air quality in your home by increasing the airflow.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Roof lanterns can also add an element of style and class to your home. They are a great way to make your home stand out from the rest, and they can add to the curb appeal of your property.
Increased Value
Roof lanterns can also add value to your home. If you ever decide to sell your home, a roof lantern can be an appealing feature to home buyers and can help increase your property value.
Cost Factors of Installing Roof Lantern
There are a few key factors to keep in mind when adding a roof lantern to your home.
Roof lights & Lantern Experts
First, you will need to have a professional install the roof lantern for you. This is not a do-it-yourself project, especially if you are installing a large roof lantern, it is important to make sure that the installation is done correctly to avoid any problems.
Type of Roof Lantern
Second, you will need to decide what type of roof lantern you want. There are many different styles and designs to choose from, and you will want to make sure that you select a style that fits in with the overall look of your home.
The more intricate the shape or design, the higher the price will be. In addition, the type of material you select for your frame can affect how much you end up paying. Small roof lantern such as uPVC is the most affordable option, while aluminum frames occupy the middle ground and timber is the most costly. A timber frame roof lantern is a worth investing option for your home. It is well-insulated and looks great, while also being a high-quality product.
Size of Roof Lantern
Third, you will need to decide what size roof lantern you need. You will want to make sure that the roof lantern is not too small or too large for the space available. The bigger roof lanterns, the higher the cost will be. The size of the roof lantern impacts how much material and manpower is required, and therefore affects the total price.
Type of Glass
Last, you’ll need to decide on the type of glass for your roof lantern. A roof lantern is a large window, Therefore, the glass selected will affect the cost.
Here are some types of roof lantern glass you might want to consider discussing with your local experts:
Tinted – Although it may cost a bit more, tinted glass often ends up costing the same price as clear glass.
Double or triple glass – The price of double- or triple-glazed glass is two to three times that of single-glazed glass.
Toughened – If your roof lantern is in direct line with trees or other potential dangers, this is the best option for you.
Self Cleaning Glass – The self-cleaning feature on roof lantern glass will make your life significantly easier by minimizing the amount of time you need to clean it.
Self-cleaning glass is an excellent piece of technology that offers low maintenance and easy cleaning. Photo catalytic glass uses ultraviolet energy to power a chemical reaction that breaks down organic dirt. In addition, water essentially slides off the surface of the glass rather than forming droplets.
Additional Costs of Installing a Roof Lantern
With most home improvement project, you can expect additional costs that might not have been originally planned for. This is also the case when installing a roof lantern.
Often, home repairs may unintentionally bring to light other potential underlying issues within your property. You would also like to make sure that the job is being done as per British building regulations. To help prevent any further unwanted surprises or expenses, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequent additional costs people encounter when having a roof lantern installed.
Roof Tile Repair
When having a roof lantern installed, sometimes pre-existing problems with the roof tiles are revealed. For example, during the assessment process, our tradespeople may find that tiles have slipped or broken, or areas where erosion has caused the cement holding the tiles in place to degrade.
The price you’ll pay for roof tile repair largely hinges on the number of tiles that need to be fixed and the type of repairs needed.
The average cost of different types of roof repairs is as follows:
Valley Tiles repair – £350-£450
Re-cementing of ridge tiles – £150-£600
Slipped/broken tiles – £170-£500
Dry Ridge System – £750-£950
Adding Trickle Vents
To comply with British building regulations, you must make sure that the room containing your roof lantern is properly ventilated. The room must have proper ventilation to avoid moisture build-up and the possibility of a fire. The best way to keep your roof lantern from accumulating too much heat is by adding trickle vents, which are small openings that will allow air to pass through and regulate the temperature inside your home. On average, trickle vents typically cost around £35 each.
Scaffolding Hire
Before you decide to install a roof lantern yourself or hire someone, think about how easy it will be to get to your roof and if there is a safe place for the tradesperson to stand while installing a roof lantern.
A roof lantern is a type of skylight that often requires scaffolding hire during installation. The installation cost depends on the amount and type of scaffolding your project needs. For example, you may need temporary support structures while installing a roof lantern.
Below, you will find a list of generalized prices for scaffolding based on common requirements:
Scaffold Tower – £200 – £300
Scaffold a Chimney – £450 – £550
Scaffolding on 3 sides of a Semi-Detached House – £800 – £1000
Scaffolding on 3 sides of a Detached Bungalow – £600 – £700
Scaffold Bridging over a Conservatory – £450 – £550
Finishing Touches Cost for your Roof lantern
If you’re looking for any finishing touches to your new roof lantern, the following decorative additions can be purchased at the corresponding prices:
- Decorative Finials (Spike or Ball) cost £28 each
- A paint Job (Variety of Colours) costs £100 or less
- Opening Sash Windows cost £111
- Automatic Roof Openers cost £250 to £300
Further Additional Costs
There may be some additional expenses you hadn’t planned for when it comes to your new roof lantern installation. If the person you hired to do the job doesn’t live close by, they might ask for money to cover their travel costs.
Furthermore, the total labor costs of a job installation may go up if it’s more complex and requires extra hands. After your home is assessed for the work to be done, the tradesperson will give you a quote that takes all of these factors into account, including the potential for additional labor costs.
Labour Costs for Roof Lantern Installation
Most roof lantern installers tailor their prices and charges, so it is up to you to find the one that fits your budget.
The cost of installation for a roof lantern will depend on numerous factors, including your geographical location in the UK and the complexity of the installation process.
On average, the labour and installation will cost £250-£350 a day. This is due to the fact that it generally takes more than one day to finish, and therefore requires multiple labourers.
Don’t forget to use these quotes as rough estimates; always shop around for the best deal and get multiple quotes from local roofers. Unfortunately, there is little point in attempting a DIY job with a roof lantern, as they are awkwardly shaped and need extra care to prevent structural issues from arising in your entire property. So for a quick and sleek new look to your home, leave it in the hands of the professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need planning permission for a skylight or roof lantern?
It is not usually necessary to obtain planning permission to install a skylight or roof light because permitted development rules apply. Nevertheless, Planning rules stipulate that any modification must be at least 150mm from the roof plane and not above the roof height. All changes to the roof in an urban home are covered by this law. The roof should be modified to accommodate additional rooms and other laws can also be applicable. 150 millimeters would look great in the case of skylights.
What is the difference between a roof light and a roof lantern?
Probably the largest difference between roof lights as well as roof lights is their appearance. Flat Roof lights are barely noticeable at ground levels, while a roof lantern provides an impressive addition to your property’s design and decoration.
Is it possible to install an opening in a roof lantern?
You can opt to have vents added for an extra cost, which can be opened and closed either manually or with a motor. You can even get automatic opening vents which are a part of an automated climate control system; the vents open when the temperature rises and closes if it starts raining.
Are roof lanterns noisy in the rain?
The roof lantern structure has large glazing that can protect it against external noises like rain and traffic noises.
