Roof Lantern Cost

Looking to find out how much installing a roof lantern costs?

Roof lanterns, sometimes referred to as skylights, are glass-covered openings in the roof. These stylish features are popular with homeowners as they are a great way of letting natural light into a space.

Roof lanterns come in a variety of different shapes and styles, and they can often be fitted to any shape or size of the roof.

Our detailed cost guide includes supply-only costs for different types of roof lanterns, the cost of roof lantern installation, as well as additional costs — all up to date for 2026.

Check out our full guide below.

How Much Does a Roof Lantern Cost?

The average cost for installing a roof lantern in the UK is around £2,250, but installation costs vary widely, with the biggest factors determining the price being the size of the roof lantern and the material it is made from.

You can get a small roof lantern made from uPVC fitted for between £1,000 to £1,700. A more popular choice of material is aluminium. This is because it is not the most expensive option, but it does provide good quality and can be made using thinner struts to support the glass.

A small aluminium roof lantern will cost £1,280 to £1,650. A mid-sized aluminium roof lantern will cost £1,880 to £2,300.

The most expensive options are timber-framed roof lanterns. They all have to be custom-made, which is why the cost is much higher. A small timber-framed roof lantern will cost £1,350 to £2,000.

Roof Lantern Installation Prices

The cost of your roof lantern installation will depend on the specific size, type, and material you choose.

The table below shows the typical costs for installing roof lanterns of different material and shape, based on the sizes for small and average-sized roof lanterns.

Bigger or more complex designs could increase these costs significantly, but larger roof lanterns will have the added benefit of letting much more natural light into your space.

Supply Cost of Lantern Roofs

Let's take a closer look at roof lantern supply costs, broken down by shape, size, and material.

Lantern Supply Costs by Shape

The shape of your roof lantern directly affects the cost:

• Square roof lanterns are the most affordable option
• Rectangular roof lanterns are a mid-price option
• Octagonal roof lanterns typically need to be custom-made, increasing their price

For comparison, here are the prices for medium-sized aluminium roof lanterns:

Lantern Supply Costs by Material & Size

Your roof lantern's material will also play a part in determining your overall costs:

• uPVC is a budget-friendly option with good thermal efficiency, but it can have bulkier frames and be less aesthetically pleasing.
• Aluminium gives a modern appearance with slim frames, but they are more expensive than uPVC.
• Timber is a traditional roof lantern material, giving a premium look and feel, but they are often custom-made and cost more as a result.

Let's put that into context with small, medium, and large roof lanterns:

Roof Lantern Installation Costs

The labour costs for fitting a roof lantern will vary depending on the size of your window and the type of fitters you hire.

Here's what you need to know:

• If you have a very large window, such as 3,000mm x 5,000mm and above, a bigger team will be needed to install it safely, increasing your daily cost.
• For a mid-sized roof lantern, such as 1,500mm x 2,000mm, a team of two should be sufficient. In this case, you can expect to pay around £325 per day.
• The whole process should take 2 to 3 days. This means your total labour costs will be in the range of £650 to £975.

Factors That Impact Roof Lantern Costs

Roof lantern prices vary depending on a few factors:

Size Of Roof Lantern

The size you choose will be the biggest factor in your lantern roof cost.

Put simply, the larger the roof lantern, the higher the supply and labour costs.

Type of Roof Lantern

The shape of the roof lantern will also impact the cost. The more complicated the shape, the higher the price.

However, this effect is relatively small compared to the size of the roof lantern.

The bigger price change comes from the material you choose for the frame. uPVC is the cheapest option, aluminium is the middling option, while the most expensive by far is timber.

Location Of The Property

If your property is hard to access, or it is not easy to get material to the location of the roof lantern, the job will take longer. This will have an impact on your labour costs.

You should also expect to pay a premium for labour if you live in London or the south east of the UK.

Type of Glass

The glass you choose for your window can also affect the cost. There are quite a few options to choose from, but they will mostly depend on which brand of roof lantern you decide to use.

Let's take a look at a few of the options:

Glazing Type

If you choose double or triple-glazed glass, this will cost around 2 to 3 times the cost of single-glazed glass.

Tinted Glass

You can get clear or tinted glass for your roof lanterns. Some manufacturers charge the same for both types, while others charge a small extra fee for the tinted options.

Toughened Glass

If trees overhang your roof lantern, or you have windows above, you may want to pay extra for toughened glass. These panes are more resistant to damage.

Self-Cleaning Glass

You can get glass that encourages the water to run off in sheets rather than collect in droplets, which helps to clean the glass, and reduces the maintenance needed. This option will, however, attract a higher supply cost.

Low U-Value Glass

The U-value is a measure of how efficient your roof lantern is at trapping heat in your home.

The lower the U-value, the more effective, and the warmer your home will be. There will be a slight increase in the price of more efficient glass.

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Additional Roof Lantern Installation Costs

When you receive a quote for installing your roof lantern, it's important to understand exactly what is included. Always ask for an itemised quote so you're not surprised by any additional costs once the work is complete.

Most quotes for straightforward lantern roof installations would include everything, but here are some additional costs that you might need to budget for.

Scaffolding

You will probably need to have scaffolding installed for most roof lantern installations, especially for installations on two-storey properties or where a large roof lantern is being installed.

Depending on the height and how long it's required, you could expect to pay between £500 and £1,500 for your scaffolding hire.

Roof Modification

If you're having a roof lantern installed in an existing roof, this is going to require some modifications to be made to accommodate the new skylight - this could include reinforcing the area, as well as making space for the lantern.

Significant structural work can have a big impact on the cost of your project, so depending on what's required, you could expect the modifications to add £500 to £2,000 to the project costs.

Flat Roof Replacement

If your current flat roof is in poor condition and no amount of modifications are going to help, then you might need to consider replacing it. While this might seem drastic, it can be the best way to prevent future leaks and issues after your installation.

Depending on the size of your roof, and which materials are used, you can expect the average cost to replace a flat roof to be around £2,500.

Automatic Window Openers

If your roof lantern opens, this can be operated manually, but automatic openers are a much more convenient way to control the ventilation from your skylight - especially if you have high ceilings or your roof lantern is not easily accessible.

There are different types of opening systems available, with wired and wireless options, and depending on which one you go for you could expect to pay around £265 to £320 per window.

Trickle Vents

With building regulation requirements for ventilation within properties, trickle vents are a great way to provide a gentle, but steady flow of fresh air - which helps reduce condensation and maintain good air quality.

Having trickle vents installed is relatively inexpensive and should cost around £40 per vent.

Guttering Adjustments

You might find that your current guttering layout needs some adjustment to allow for the installation and enjoyment of your new roof lantern, and even if it doesn't, with the scaffolding in place it might be a good time to make any necessary repairs.

You can expect costs to replace your guttering to be around £100 to £650, depending on what's required.

What's Involved in Installing a Roof Lantern?

• The first step is to make a hole in your roof for the lantern. This is a messy job, and you may want to seal off the room below the work to keep as much dust contained as possible.
• Once the hole has been made, you'll need to reinforce the roof - especially if the rafters or joists had to be cut to make the hole. This is usually done by replacing the removed timber with two new pieces, spanning either side of the opening.
• An upstand will then be built, which is the raised ledge on which the roof lantern’s frame will sit, made from materials that match your roof.
• The frame for the roof lantern will be constructed and sealed into place on the upstand, using silicone. This creates a weathertight finish and a solid base to support the panes of glass.
• The struts that support the glass are then constructed.
• Once the whole lantern frame is made, it will be positioned onto the frame that is sealed to the upstand.
• Next, the glass panels will be fitted into place. How this is done will depend on the brand of roof lantern you have chosen to go with.
• Once the glass is in place, there will be external caps to fit, which will seal up the roof lantern, making it entirely weatherproof.

Choosing a Roof Lantern

Roof lanterns come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and while you should have plenty of options to choose from, some of your decisions will be limited by the space that you are working with.

Roof lanterns date back to the Victorian era, and the more traditional styles of roof lanterns seen today are often Victorian in appearance, which tend to be more architectural in their look.

These lanterns will have height and be made from several panes of glass, while modern designs tend to be sleeker in appearance, with a subtle profile.

If you have a structured roof lantern, you will be able to see the glazing bars. These are the pieces of wood or metal that support the glass. They are designed to be beautiful, as well as functional.

You can have a glass that lies flat to the roofline, like a Velux window, or you can have something that stands above the roofline. They can be fitted to both flat and pitched roofs.

Let's take a closer look at some of the most common roof lantern options:

Shape of Roof Lantern

The shape you choose will depend on the space you have.

Rectangle Roof Lantern Cost

These are based on the traditional Victorian shape. They are long and thin and are often placed over hallways.

They work well in open-plan spaces and can be used to define the flow of a space.

The price for a medium-sized, uPVC rectangular roof lantern starts at £1,750.

Square Roof Lantern Cost

Typically, square roof lanterns are placed in the centre of a space. They are modern in appearance and are designed to be symmetrical.

They can be used in smaller spaces or to highlight points within a larger room.

The price for a small, uPVC square roof lantern starts at £1,000.

Polyhedral - Octagonal To Hexadecagonal Roof Lantern Cost

These many-sided roof lanterns give a space a feeling of grandeur. They feel a little like a tower or turret made from glass.

They work well in circular or unusually shaped spaces.

The price for a medium-sized, aluminium polyhedral roof lantern starts at £2,250.

Style of Roof Lantern

You can make some choices that are more about the style and finished look of your roof lantern. You can make these style choices with any shape roof lantern.

Cupola Roof Lantern Cost

A cupola is a secondary structure on top of a roof lantern. It makes the lantern stand higher above the rest of the roof.

These are often used on larger homes to make the roof lantern look more proportional from the outside. The cost of a cupola will depend on what sort of roof lantern you get and the material it is made from.

They are custom-made, so prices can vary.

Double/Triple Lantern Roof Lantern Cost

Multiple lanterns can be used to divide up a space or provide a larger glass area. They can be directly one after the other or separated by part of the original roof.

There is no extra cost for having a double/triple lantern. It is just the cost and installation for all the lanterns you choose.

Finial Roof Lantern Cost

A finial is a shaped piece that sits at the apex of your lantern. The most popular option is a round ball shape. More minimal designs may look better with no finial at all.

The average cost of a finial is around £35.

Frame Material for Roof Lantern

The material you choose for the frame will greatly impact your roof lantern. The frame is the most visible part of a roof lantern so it will determine the final look.

The choice of frame material can also have a large impact on the cost of your roof lantern.

uPVC Roof Lantern Cost

This is the lower-cost option. They have been around for a while and are easy to find. There are many options, and you can even get fake woodgrain finishes.

Prices for a small, uPVC roof lantern start from £1,000.

Pros

• ✔ Lots of colour choice
• ✔ Cheaper than other roof lantern materials

Cons

• ✖ Can expand in the heat
• ✖ The weakest option, needing wider struts

Aluminium Roof Lantern Cost

Aluminium is a more modern option. It is a higher-end option. However, it is useful for creating a modern, minimal look. The strength of aluminium means that it can support larger panes of glass.

Prices for a small, aluminium roof lantern start from £1,280.

Pros

• ✔ Strong and Durable
• ✔ Can use thinner rafters and support large panes

Cons

✖ Shorter lifespan than uPVC

✖ More expensive than uPVC

Wooden Roof Lantern Cost

This is the most expensive and time-consuming option. The frame has to be custom-built. The final look is very traditional and is timeless.

Prices for a small, timber-framed roof lantern start from £2,400.

Pros

• ✔ Traditional Look
• ✔ High-quality craftsmanship

Cons

• ✖ Most expensive option
• ✖ Require regular maintenance

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Roof Lantern Installations

When you install a roof lantern, you will be subject to building regulations.

In most cases, you will not need planning permission, as most roof lanterns will fall under permitted development.

Building Regulations

There are several aspects of the project that building regulations will apply to. You should have an inspection once the work is complete to ascertain if the work is up to the required standard in the following areas:

• Roof Strength - The roof must remain structurally sound after the hole for the roof lantern is made. This means that adequate supports must be fitted to ensure the roof is stable.
• Weatherproofing - The new roof lantern must be adequately sealed to the existing roof. This often requires the use of silicone to create a waterproof seal at the base of the frame.
• Ventilation - The room with the roof lantern must have proper ventilation. This can be achieved through the roof lantern or by other means, but there must be adequate airflow.
• Energy Conservation - The roof lantern that you install must meet basic energy conservation standards. The best indication of this is the U-value. The roof light should not have a U-value of more than 1.6.

Planning Permission

In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install a roof lantern.

If your roof lantern falls within these guidelines, it's permitted development, and there is no need for planning permission:

• The final result is no more than 150mm from the existing roof plane.
• No addition is higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Any side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and over 1.7m above the floor.

Benefits of Installing a Roof Lantern

Roof lanterns are very popular, not only because they look good, but because they offer a lot of other benefits:

Increases Natural Light

With an opening in the roof, you allow light to enter the room all day long.

The addition of natural light into a space can have a dramatic effect on the feel of a room. It is especially effective in rooms that have few or no windows.

Reduced Energy Costs

With a roof lantern, you will find that you do not need to use lighting in that space during daylight hours.

Roof lanterns are also very energy efficient, and they offer a better thermal barrier than the rest of your roof does. In other words, they will reduce your heating bills in winter.

Brings the Outside In

During the day, a roof lantern lets the sunlight in, and during the night, you can watch the night sky. If it rains, you can listen to the soothing drum of the rain on the glass. In all these ways, a roof lantern connects your home to the outside world.

Makes Rooms Feel Larger

Adding a roof lantern is an effective way of making a space feel larger than it is. The added light and the views of the sky create a more open feeling which can make a room more enjoyable to spend time in.

Increased Home Value

Roof lanterns are an appealing architectural feature, and are often associated with wealth and luxury. Homes with roof lanterns tend to sell for more money and spend less time on the market.

Weatherproof

Roof lanterns are resistant to the elements in ways that traditional roofing is not. You can expect your roof lantern to offer better protection from wind, rain, and changes in temperature.

Low Maintenance

Roof lanterns have a lot of design behind them, and they are designed and fitted to be self-washing. This means that when it rains, it will clean your windows, removing the need for maintenance. You can expect your roof lantern to last as long as, if not longer than the rest of your roof.

Cost of Roof Lantern Removal

If you have a roof lantern that you want to remove, it is not a terribly big job. Most contractors will be able to remove a roof lantern in a few hours and will charge you for their time and the disposal of the materials.

The real cost will depend on how you want to fix the hole in your roof. If you are replacing your old roof lantern with a new one, then the new roof lantern installation cost will be similar to that of a new roof lantern. The price for removing the old lantern will be similar to the cost of making a hole for a new flat roof lantern.

If you intend to restore the original roof structure, then you will need to pay the cost of the roof repair. This will largely depend on the size of your roof lantern and the type of roof it is on.

Checklist: Hiring a Local Roof Lantern Installer

A wide range of contractors can install roof lanterns. Here are some of the things you should look for when choosing yours:

• Look for an installer who is familiar with the brand and type of roof lantern you want to use - you don’t want them learning how to install it on your home.
• You should also seek out an installer who has good reviews and is willing to put you in touch with former, satisfied clients.
• Make sure you ask for a written, itemised quote from your contractor so you can see what's included in your fee. Be sure to check for things like waste removal, skip hire, and scaffolding hire if needed.
• You should look for a contractor with FENSA certification because this means that they should install your roof lantern in compliance with building regulations. They are registered with the local council, and you have some recourse if something goes wrong.

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