Last Updated on 15 November 2024 by Tia Ellahi
What to consider when costing up a roof lantern installation?
Roof lanterns can transform your home with stunning natural light. With an average cost between £1,000 – £4,000, this guide will break down everything you need to know, from installation expenses to added features and FAQs.
Roof lanterns are a stunning addition to any home, offering a stylish way to flood your living space with natural light and create a sense of openness.
They’re not just for grand designs or luxury homes; roof lanterns are becoming increasingly popular in everyday home renovations, particularly in kitchen extensions, conservatories, and living rooms.
However, understanding the full scope of costs involved is crucial to ensure your project stays within budget.
In a hurry? Jump ahead:
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Roof Lantern?
The overall cost of installing a roof lantern varies based on several factors, including the size, design, materials, and complexity of the installation.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £1,000 to £4,500 for the roof lantern itself, with additional installation costs averaging £1,900. Here’s a closer look at what influences these prices:
- Size and Design: Larger roof lanterns naturally cost more due to the additional materials and structural support required. Designs can range from simple, rectangular shapes to more elaborate, bespoke structures that may push costs higher.
- Materials: The type of materials used, such as aluminium, uPVC, or timber, also impacts the price. Aluminium options, such as Atlas roof lanterns, are favoured for their sleek, modern look and provide increased durability and longevity compared to cheaper uPVC alternatives.
- Installation Complexity: The complexity of the installation plays a significant role in determining labour costs. For example, if your existing roof needs reinforcing or if access is difficult, the installation might take longer and cost more.
When it comes to build quality and install times, nothing comes close to our korniche roof lanterns!
What Are Some Additional Roof Lantern Installation Costs?
Beyond the basic installation, there are several additional costs to consider that could influence your overall budget.
These include optional features and necessary modifications that can enhance functionality or aesthetics:
Adding Automatic Openers
Adding automatic openers to your roof lantern provides convenient ventilation and helps regulate indoor temperature.
These openers can be manually controlled or linked to smart home systems, allowing you to manage your indoor environment effortlessly.
The average cost of automatic openers is typically £400, depending on the brand and level of automation.
However, this cost can be offset if you instead opt for a manual window with a pole.
Replacing a Flat Roof
If your existing roof isn’t suitable for a lantern or requires significant modifications, you might need to replace it entirely.
Replacing a flat roof can add anywhere from £1,500 to £3,500 to your project, depending on the size and materials used.
Reinforcement is particularly important for larger lanterns, ensuring that your roof can bear the additional weight without compromising structural integrity.
Labour Costs and Timescales
Labour costs are a critical part of your budget. On average, you can expect to pay around £150 to £250 per day for professional installers.
The installation time typically ranges from 1 to 3 days, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the project and any unforeseen challenges or dramatic changes in weather that may arise during installation.
Adding Trickle Vents
Trickle vents are a valuable addition to roof lanterns, promoting airflow and reducing the risk of condensation. Especially in tightly sealed modern homes, maintaining good ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture build-up and ensure a comfortable indoor climate.
While the Atlas and Korniche roof lanterns we offer cannot be fitted with trickle vents, they do come with the option to add openers for ventilation.
Scaffolding Hire
Scaffolding is often required for roof lantern installations, particularly for higher roofs or where access is challenging.
Scaffolding hire on average in the UK will cost £700 depending on the height, complexity, and duration of the hire.
Ensure this is factored into your overall budget, as it’s a crucial safety measure for your installation team.
Get hands-on with your prep, find out how to correctly measure for a roof lantern.
More Cost Considerations for Installing a Roof Lantern
To ensure your budget is comprehensive, consider the following factors that can influence the final cost of your roof lantern installation:
Size of Roof Lantern
The size of your roof lantern is one of the most significant cost determinants.
Standard roof lanterns start at sizes around 1m x 1.5m, but custom sizes can be made to suit specific spaces.
Larger lanterns require more glass and framing materials, and they may need additional structural support, all of which adds to the overall cost.
Before choosing your lantern, carefully measure the space and consider how much natural light you want to introduce.
Type of Glass
Glass selection is another key factor that can affect the price.
Options include standard double glazing for added insulation and self-cleaning glass that uses the elements to keep itself clean and crystal clear.
Self-cleaning glass, for instance, uses a special coating on the outside of the glass that breaks down dirt, allowing rain to wash it away, which can add an extra £100 to £300.
While this can cost extra, all roof lanterns at GFD Homes come with self-cleaning glass as standard, saving you a little bit extra.
It is also recommended to clean the inside of your lantern every few months to maintain its crystal-clear views.
Type of Roof Lantern
Roof lanterns come in various materials, with aluminium and uPVC being the most common.
Aluminium is more durable and offers a sleek, modern aesthetic, making it a popular choice despite being more expensive than uPVC.
The choice of material will impact not only the initial cost but also the long-term upkeep and durability of your roof lantern.
It’s important to note that all our roof lanterns are only suitable for flat roofs. If you’re interested in enhancing a pitched roof, you might want to explore other options.
For more insights on pitched roofs, you can check out our guide on whether you can put a roof lantern on a pitched roof.
We proudly supply industry-leading Korniche & Atlas roof lanterns.
Kick off your Roof Lantern journey today with GFD Homes
At GFD Homes, we know a roof lantern is an excellent way to enhance your home, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits such as increased natural light and improved ventilation.
By understanding the costs involved and planning accordingly, you can ensure your roof lantern installation project goes smoothly and stays within your budget.
If you would like to know more about roof lanterns you can call our friendly team on 01642 309 576 who are always more than happy to pass on their wealth of knowledge! Or you can book a visit to our Teesside showroom.
FAQs About Roof Lantern Installation Costs
Can You Add a Roof Lantern to an Existing Roof?
Yes, you can add a roof lantern to an existing roof, However, the feasibility and cost will depend on your roof’s current structure and condition.
Older roofs may require reinforcement to support the additional weight of the lantern, and certain roof types might need modification for a seamless fit.
It’s crucial to have a structural engineer assess your roof to ensure it can safely accommodate the lantern. For more details, check out our guide on how to fit a roof lantern.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Roof Lantern?
In many cases, roof lanterns are considered a permitted development, which means you won’t need roof lantern planning permission as long as certain conditions are met.
These include ensuring that the roof lantern does not exceed the highest part of the roof by more than 150mm and is not wider than the existing roof.
Additionally, if your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building, there might be additional restrictions.
Always check with your local planning authority to confirm any specific requirements for your property.
How Much Does a Roof Lantern Cost?
The cost of a roof lantern can range from £2,000 to £4,500 or more, depending on the size, style, and materials used.
Custom sizes and higher-end materials, like aluminium with self cleaning glass, will push costs higher.
Additional features like automatic openers, decorative elements, and bespoke finishes can also add to the overall price.
For a more detailed breakdown, see our section on roof lantern installation costs.
Can You Put a Lantern Roof on an Existing Conservatory?
Absolutely! Providing that you were planning on replacing the existing roof with a traditional flat roof, adding a roof lantern would be a fantastic way to modernise the space, enhance natural light, and improve the overall aesthetics.
This upgrade can completely transform an older conservatory, making it feel more spacious and inviting.
However, it’s important to assess the current structure of your conservatory, as additional support may be needed to bear the weight of the lantern.
Want to read more about roof lanterns? Why not try….
- How High Can a Roof Lantern Upstand Be?
- How Much Does a Garage Conversion With a Lantern Roof Cost?
- What Size Roof Lantern Do I Need?
- How To Measure For a Roof Lantern
- Can you put a roof lantern on a pitched roof?
