A roof lantern typically costs from around £350 for a small uPVC unit, from around £600 for aluminium and from around £1,250 for timber, before installation. A mid-sized lantern takes two fitters about 2–3 days to install, and extras such as scaffolding, opening vents and roof repairs add to the total.
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.
A roof lantern is one of the most effective ways to bring natural light into a room — and one of the few home improvements that adds style, cuts energy bills and increases property value at the same time. Even if you already have a rooflight, a lantern can transform how a space feels.
The tables below set out what you can expect to pay. The sections underneath explain what sits behind those numbers, plus the building regulations and planning rules you'll need to meet.
How Much Does a Roof Lantern Cost by Frame Material?
uPVC roof lanterns start from around £350, aluminium from around £600 and timber from around £1,250, before installation. Aluminium offers the best balance of slim sightlines, strength and lifespan for most modern homes.
|
Material |
Starting price |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
|
uPVC |
from around £350 |
Tight budgets; wide colour range including woodgrain finishes |
|
Aluminium |
from around £600 |
Modern homes; slim sightlines and larger glazed panes |
|
Timber |
from around £1,250 |
Traditional properties; bespoke, custom-built frames |
How Much Does a Roof Lantern Cost by Shape?
Square roof lanterns start from around £600, rectangular from around £650 and multi-sided polyhedral designs from around £700 for small sizes, with prices rising as size and complexity increase.
|
Shape |
Typical price |
Character |
|---|---|---|
|
Square |
from around £600 (small) |
Contemporary homes; works as a central focal point |
|
Rectangular |
from around £650 (mid-range) |
Long, narrow spaces and hallways; Victorian-influenced |
|
Polyhedral |
from around £700 (small) |
Turret-like, multi-sided; suits unusual spaces |
What Extra Costs Should You Budget For?
Beyond the lantern itself, budget for scaffolding, any flat roof repairs, automatic openers for opening vents (around £250–£300 each), trickle vents (around £35 each) and building control fees.
|
Item |
Cost |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Automatic window openers |
£250 – £300 per window |
Worth fitting if your lantern has opening vents |
|
Trickle vents |
around £35 per vent |
Needed where the room has no other ventilation |
|
Finial |
around £30 |
Decorative topper; ball shapes are most popular |
|
Cupola |
Custom-priced |
Made to suit the specific lantern; usually larger homes |
|
Roof pressure washing |
around £450 |
Cheapest done while access equipment is already up |
|
Flat roof repairs |
Varies with damage |
Must be completed before installation |
|
Scaffolding hire |
Charged by hire period |
Confirm with your contractor at quote stage |
|
Labour (mid-sized lantern) |
2 fitters, 2 – 3 days |
Larger lanterns need bigger teams and more days |
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Roof Lantern?
Installation cost depends mainly on labour: a mid-sized roof lantern typically takes two fitters 2–3 days, plus forming the opening, scaffolding and making good. Larger lanterns, poor access and higher-cost areas such as London all increase the price. Our roof lantern installation guide shows what the job involves.
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.
Does Size Affect Roof Lantern Cost?
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.
Does Lantern Type Affect the Price?
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.
How Does Glass Type Affect the Price?
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
Triple glazing costs noticeably more than double glazing - keep this in mind when designing your dream roof lantern.
Toughened glass
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 glass
Self-cleaning glass will make your roof lantern low maintenance. This glass reduces maintenance because it allows water to run off instead of puddling.
If you don't opt for self-cleaning glass, plan to clean the lantern a few times a year with warm soapy water, a soft brush and a squeegee on an extendable pole.
Low U-value glass
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.
Does Location Affect Installation Costs?
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.
How Much Labour Does Installation Take?
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.
What Additional Costs Are There?
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.
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 add 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
You might need to pay for scaffolding hire, depending on your house's roof. Where you want the roof lantern installed is also an important factor.
Touch base with your chosen contractor sooner rather than later and see if they'll need the scaffolding to do the job. Scaffolding hire is typically charged by the time you have the scaffolding.
Scaffolding costs vary with the size of the job and the hire period, 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 having a roof lantern installed, 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.
What Else Should You Consider?
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.
Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?
You must notify building control and have the work inspected, as cutting a new roof opening is a structural alteration. 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. Approved Document L (2021) sets a maximum U-value of 2.2 W/m²K for new rooflights, and many good-quality lanterns achieve 1.6 W/m²K or lower.
Do You Need 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 must be more than 1.7 metres above the floor.
If the roof lantern doesn't meet these limits, you'll need to apply for planning permission. Most roof lanterns stand more than 150mm above the roof, so a lantern added to an existing flat roof often needs permission, while one built as part of a new extension is usually covered by that extension's approval. Check with your local planning authority.
How Do Shape, Material and Style Affect Roof Lantern Prices?
Shape, size, material and style all change the price: uPVC is cheapest, timber most expensive, and bespoke shapes, cupolas and multiple lanterns add cost.
As you know, your desired roof lantern's shape, size, style and material affect how much it'll cost. Some factors might be out of your hands, such as the size and available space.
How Much Do Different Roof Lantern Shapes Cost?
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 lantern; in the centre of a space to highlight points in a room or as a focal point.
This shape is most common with modern and contemporary homes, and a small roof lantern in this shape 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.
Which Roof Lantern Material Is Best Value?
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 size, shape and material of the lantern.
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.
Aluminium roof lantern
This is the most modern material to have your new roof lantern made from. 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 with 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.
The average starting roof lantern cost, using wood for the frame, is about £1250.
Do Cupolas, Finials and Multiple Lanterns Cost More?
The finished look you have in mind for your roof lantern can also impact the price of installation.
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.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Roof Lantern?
A roof lantern brings far more daylight into a room, reduces the need for artificial lighting, makes the space feel bigger and adds an architectural feature that appeals to buyers. Read more about the benefits of roof lanterns.
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.
Can a Roof Lantern Reduce 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.
Modern thermally broken lanterns with low-E double or triple glazing limit heat loss, although no glazing insulates as well as a well-insulated roof. 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.
Does a Roof Lantern Make a Room Feel Bigger?
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. Being able to enjoy the view of the sky, especially the night sky, is also a great benefit that'll make the room more enjoyable for everyone.
Does a Roof Lantern Add Value to Your Home?
Roof lanterns are often seen as luxurious and only for wealthy people - and they are architecturally pleasing. A bright, well-designed extension with a roof lantern can make your home more appealing to buyers if you decide to sell.
Does a Roof Lantern Add 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, see our guides to the different types of roof lanterns and choosing the right roof lantern size.
Roof Lantern Cost 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. Aluminium Living can help you choose aluminium doors to complement your roof lantern using our online door designer.
Do roof lanterns add value?
A roof lantern can make a flat-roofed extension brighter and more appealing to buyers, which can support your asking price, but the value added depends on the whole project rather than the lantern alone. Quality, proportion and a neat installation matter most.
Can you get blinds for roof lanterns?
Yes. Made-to-measure roof lantern blinds are available in manual and electric versions and help control glare and summer heat. Factor them into your budget at the design stage, particularly for south-facing lanterns. Find out how orientation affects the light a roof lantern lets in.
Is it cheaper to fit a roof lantern during an extension build?
Usually, yes. Fitting a lantern while an extension roof is being built avoids the cost of cutting into and trimming an existing roof, re-weatherproofing and extra scaffolding hire, and the lantern can be approved as part of the extension.
How long does it take to install a roof lantern?
Fitting the lantern itself can take a few hours once the kerb is ready, but forming a new opening in an existing roof typically takes two fitters 2–3 days. See our step-by-step guide to installing a roof lantern.
