Installing a roof lantern is a stylish and energy-efficient way of allowing more natural light into your home. Roof lanterns are also a great way to increase the amount of natural light if you already have an existing roof light.
Installing a roof lantern is an upgrade for your home. It boosts the house’s value and reduces your energy bills, particularly during winter.
A new roof lantern cost might be off-putting, especially considering installation costs. We have all the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Roof Lantern Installation Costs
Knowing the costs of having a new roof lantern installed in advance can help you plan better and decide on which roof lantern to purchase.
Unless you’re looking for something massive, you should be able to get more natural light in your home without too much extra cost. So how much does it cost to install a roof lantern?
There are various costs associated with installing a roof lantern, and the cost of the roof lantern depends on multiple factors.
Roof lantern size
The size of a roof lantern can be very easily customised by you when getting one, but the overall price will likely be affected.
How big your desired roof lantern is, plays a big part in just how much the roof lantern itself will cost. The bigger the roof lantern, the pricier it will be. A small roof lantern will obviously be cheaper than a larger one, as it requires less materials and less labour to install.
Roof lantern type
The type of lantern you choose dictates its price. The lantern’s material and shape also determine its cost: more complex styles are more expensive.
Glass type
The type of glass you choose to have will also affect the price of the roof lantern overall.
Tinted glass
You may opt to get the glass tinted; sometimes, there isn’t an additional charge for that, but sometimes there is.
Glazing type
The price of triple-glazed glass is double that of single-glazed glass – keep this in mind when designing your dream roof lantern.
Toughened
Depending on where you plan to install a roof lantern, you might want toughened glass so that the panes are more resistant to damage. An excellent example is if the roof lantern is positioned under a tree.
Self-cleaning
Self-cleaning glass will make your roof lantern low maintenance. This glass reduces maintenance costs because allows water to run off instead of puddling.
If you don’t opt for self-cleaning glass, you can check out our tips on how to clean a roof lantern.
Low u value
An energy-efficient roof lantern will have a low U value, and this can make the roof lantern slightly more expensive. A roof lantern with a low U value will decrease your energy bills by trapping heat in your home.
Property location
Which area your house is located in can affect the labour costs. Some areas, like London, will charge higher prices.
There is also an added cost depending on how accessible the property is and how accessible the site for the roof lantern installation is.
Labour costs
The cost of labour in roof lantern installation depends on the number of labourers and how long it takes to install the lantern.
A mid-sized roof lantern will take two fitters about 2-3 days to install. Larger roof lanterns will require a bigger team, which might take more days to install.
Additional roof lantern costs
Think of potential extra costs when you budget for your roof lantern installation.
While you have someone working on your roof, you might want to get other things done as well.
Automatic Openers
If you choose a roof lantern with windows that open, you should invest in automatic openers to make it easier for you if you ever decide to open them.
You can get matching aluminium windows for your roof lantern which can be installed at the same time to reduce the price of fitting.
The average cost of automatic opener installation is between £250 and £ 300 per window.
Trickle vents
If you don’t have any other ventilation in the room, you might want to ad trickle vents to your roof lantern. The average cost of trickle vents is £35 per vent.
Flat roof repairs
If your roof is not in a good state, and you discover it in the process, it’s wise to get any repairs done immediately to avoid any problems down the road.
You should have the repairs done before you can have the roof lantern installation done. The repair costs will vary depending on the extent of the damage and how easy it is to fix.
You might also consider replacing any missing tiles if your roof has missing tiles and repairing your gutters. You can also get your gutters clean while you have the scaffolding available.
Scaffolding hire
Depending on your house’s roof, you might need to pay for scaffolding hire. Where you want the roof lantern installed is also an important factor.
Touch base with your chosen contractor sooner rather than later and see of they’ll need the scaffolding to do the job. Scaffolding hire is typically charged by the time you have the scaffolding.
Scaffolding hire is about £4500 on average, so it’s wise to get any other work you might need on the roof right then while you have the scaffolding.
Roof cleaning
If you’re installing a roof lantern, it’s as good a time as any to get your roof cleaned so that it looks its absolute best. You should consider pressure washing the entire exterior of your house.
Doing it during the roof lantern installation will save costs and give your home a facelift. The average cost to pressure wash a roof is £450.
Additional considerations
There’s more to consider than the actual roof lantern installation itself. There are other things to consider and keep in mind when budgeting and planning.
Building regulations
You must have the building inspected after installing your lantern. It’s important to make sure it meets standard building requirements.
The roof needs to be structurally sound despite the new hole cut into it for the roof lantern; it must have adequate support to support the roof lantern.
The roof must still be weatherproof, so the roof lantern needs to be weatherproof. Roof lanterns are typically weatherproofed with a silicone seal at the base of the frame where it meets the roof.
The room below the roof lantern must have some proper ventilation. This can be done with the trickle vents, windows and doors in the room, but there must be airflow.
The last of the building regulations is that the roof lantern must meet the basic energy conservation standards. You can ensure this by buying a roof lantern with an appropriate U value of 1.6 or less.
Planning permission
There are certain limits you have to meet before you need planning permission to install a roof lantern.
When you’re planning on installing a roof lantern, you need to make sure that;
- The finished result isn’t more than 150mm from the existing roof plane.
- The roof lantern shouldn’t be higher than the highest part of the roof.
- Any side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and more than 1.7 metres above the floor.
If the roof lantern you plan on having installed doesn’t meet these limits, you’ll need to apply for planning permission.
Roof Lantern Prices
Your desired roof lantern’s shape, size, style and material affect how much it’ll cost.
Some factors, such as the size and available space, might be out of your hands.
Roof lantern shape
The shape and size of your roof lantern will depend on how much flat roof space you have at your disposal. If you can’t fit in one big roof lantern, consider arranging multiple roof lanterns to create your desired vision.
Rectangle Roof Lantern
The rectangle shape is more aligned with the traditional roof lanterns from the Victorian era. These roof lanterns are long, thin and perfectly suited to hallways.
This shape of roof lantern would fit in well with a traditional or older home, and a mid-range roof lantern in this shape would cost at least £650 or more.
Square Roof Lantern
Square roof lanterns are often used like roof lights or a flat roof lanterns; in the centre of a space to highlight points in a room or as a focal point.
This shape is most common in modern and contemporary homes, and a small roof lantern typically has a starting price of about £600.
Polyhedral Roof Lantern
These roof lanterns usually have many sides and can look like a little tower or turret. They look the best in “unusual” places and spaces – drawing the eye to unique details and giving a room more character.
The starting price for a small, polyhedral roof lantern is £700.
Roof lantern material
The material you choose for your roof lantern is very important. The roof lantern’s frame will be the most visible part of the lantern, unless you opt for a frameless roof lantern.
You should choose a material that suits the style of your house so that your new lantern blends in and doesn’t look out of place.
Your new roof lantern’s material will also determine its cost; some materials cost more than others.
Each material has advantages and disadvantages, and it’s all about finding the material that matches your vision (and budget!). A roof lantern installation cost also depends on the lantern’s size, shape and material.
uPVC roof lantern
uPVC roof lanterns are the cheapest option, and they can be found in a wide range of colours. These roof lanterns can even be given a woodgrain finish.
The problem with uPVC is that it’s not as durable as the other options, so it won’t last as long. The material can also expand in high temperatures.
The average starting price for a uPVC roof lantern is about £350.
Wluminium roof lantern
This is the most modern material to make your new roof lantern. This option is pricier than the uPVC, but it gives a more refined, modern and sophisticated look.
This material is also stronger than uPVC, so it can support larger panes of glass, meaning you can have larger roof lanterns. It’s also more durable than uPVC, and because it’s so strong, you can have roof lanterns with slimmer sightlines.
The average starting roof lantern cost for one made with aluminium is around £600. Consider getting some new aluminium bifold doors to match your new roof lantern.
Wooden roof lantern
This is the most traditional roof lantern material and also the most expensive one. A wooden roof lantern will look great on any house because the look is so timeless, but it’ll also require more work to construct. The frame will have to be custom-built.
Aside from being expensive, this roof lantern also needs regular upkeep to keep it weatherproofed and looking good.
Using wood for the frame, the average starting roof lantern cost is about £1250.
Roof lantern style
The finished look you have in mind for your roof lantern can also impact the installation price.
Cupola roof lantern
A cupola is a separate structure that is put on top of a roof lantern; usually custom-made for the specific roof lantern it’s meant to adorn. The prices vary depending on the roof lantern.
A cupola is most commonly added to a roof lantern on larger homes. It makes the roof lantern stand higher than the rest of the roof and makes it look more proportional.
Multiple roof lanterns
If you don’t have enough space to have one large roof lantern, you might find it appealing to get multiple roof lanterns. You can arrange them on your roof to attain the look you’re going for.
Of course, this means that you’ll be spending more on roof lanterns. You’ll also possibly spend more on the labour costs depending on how long it takes to install each roof lantern.
Finial roof lantern
A finial is another optional piece that you can add to the roof lantern for style purposes. The most popular finial shape is a round ball shape, and the average finial costs about £30.
Benefits Of Installing A Roof Lantern
Aside from having more light in your house, there are some other great benefits of having a roof lantern installed that make all the costs worth it.
Reduced energy costs
With the extra light that a roof lantern provides, you won’t have to use lights as often during the daytime. You can also enjoy the natural light until it’s too dark outside. This is especially true for rooms that may not have many windows in them.
Roof lanterns are also thermally efficient and create a thermal barrier that’s better than your roof alone. They’ll reduce your heating bills because they’ll keep the heat in your house, especially any heat from the Sun coming in through the roof lantern.
Spaciousness
Adding extra light to a room can make it look and feel much larger than it is, giving the illusion of a bigger and more comfortable space.
Enjoying the view of the sky, especially the night sky, is also a great benefit that’ll make the room more enjoyable for everyone.
Increased value
Roof lanterns are often seen as luxurious and only for wealthy people – and they are architecturally pleasing. Should you ever decide to sell your home, you can comfortably add about 5% to 10% of the value on the price. Homes that have roof lanterns often sell very quickly.
Added style
When you install a roof lantern, even a small one, you add a statement piece to your home that looks great from both the outside and the inside. Roof lanterns are very trendy and add an air of drama and elegance to a room!
For more information on roof lanterns, check out our blog.
FAQs
Can I install my own roof lantern?
It is possible to install a roof lantern by yourself if you want to avoid that installation cost. Whether or not you should is dependent on your DIY experience and the size roof lantern you want to install.
Bigger roof lanterns require multiple people to install. Professionals make sure a roof lantern is properly installed, has a nice finish and is weatherproof. At UK Aluminium Bifold Doors we can help you choose and install a roof lantern that will complement your home.
