{"id":333,"date":"2026-04-25T22:14:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T21:14:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/roof-lanterns-skylights-cost-uk-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T22:14:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T21:14:45","slug":"roof-lanterns-skylights-cost-uk-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/roof-lanterns-skylights-cost-uk-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Roof Lanterns vs Skylights vs Velux: 2026 UK Cost Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> A standard <strong>roof lantern<\/strong> on a flat roof costs <strong>\u00a31,500\u2013\u00a35,000 fitted<\/strong> in 2026. A <strong>roof window<\/strong> (like a Velux) in a pitched roof costs <strong>\u00a3400\u2013\u00a31,500 fitted<\/strong>. A <strong>flat skylight<\/strong> (flush in a flat roof) costs <strong>\u00a3800\u2013\u00a33,000 fitted<\/strong>. They look similar in marketing photos but they&#8217;re three different products with different installation requirements, different building regs, and different price brackets. This guide explains which is which, what they cost in 2026, and what to verify before signing.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 3 categories explained<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table>\n<thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Roof lantern<\/th><th>Roof window (Velux)<\/th><th>Flat skylight<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr><td>Roof type<\/td><td>Flat roof only<\/td><td>Pitched roof only<\/td><td>Flat roof only<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Profile<\/td><td>Pyramid \/ hipped frame above roof<\/td><td>Flush with roof slope<\/td><td>Flush with flat roof<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Typical size<\/td><td>1m \u00d7 1m to 4m \u00d7 2m<\/td><td>~50cm \u00d7 80cm to 1.4m \u00d7 1.6m<\/td><td>50cm \u00d7 50cm to 3m \u00d7 1m<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Opens?<\/td><td>Optional, premium spec<\/td><td>Standard (manual or electric)<\/td><td>Optional, electric only<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Cost (typical)<\/td><td>\u00a31,500\u2013\u00a35,000<\/td><td>\u00a3400\u2013\u00a31,500<\/td><td>\u00a3800\u2013\u00a33,000<\/td><\/tr>\n<tr><td>Best for<\/td><td>Single-storey extensions; statement design<\/td><td>Loft conversions; retrofit lofts<\/td><td>Modern flat-roof extensions; minimal aesthetic<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p>Your roof type is the deciding factor. You can&#8217;t put a roof lantern on a pitched roof or a roof window on a flat roof \u2014 match the product to the structure first, then optimise on style and price.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roof lanterns \u2014 cost breakdown<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1m \u00d7 1m uPVC lantern, fitted:<\/strong> \u00a31,500\u2013\u00a32,500<\/li>\n<li><strong>2m \u00d7 1m uPVC lantern, fitted:<\/strong> \u00a32,000\u2013\u00a33,200<\/li>\n<li><strong>2m \u00d7 1m aluminium lantern, fitted:<\/strong> \u00a32,800\u2013\u00a34,200<\/li>\n<li><strong>3m \u00d7 2m premium aluminium (e.g. Korniche, Atlas):<\/strong> \u00a34,000\u2013\u00a36,500<\/li>\n<li><strong>4m \u00d7 2m or larger premium aluminium:<\/strong> \u00a36,000\u2013\u00a310,000+<\/li>\n<li><strong>Self-cleaning glass upgrade:<\/strong> +\u00a3150\u2013\u00a3400<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electric opening vent:<\/strong> +\u00a3600\u2013\u00a31,200<\/li>\n<li><strong>Solar-control glass:<\/strong> +\u00a3200\u2013\u00a3500 (south-facing rooms benefit; reduces overheating)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The price gap between uPVC and aluminium is real on lanterns \u2014 aluminium achieves much slimmer sightlines (15\u201325mm bars vs 40\u201360mm in uPVC), making the lantern look more like a glass roof and less like a structural pyramid. For 2m+ lanterns where the visual matters, aluminium is usually worth the premium.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key brands worth knowing<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Korniche<\/strong> \u2014 UK premium aluminium, slim sightlines, <strong>self-supporting<\/strong> (no internal tie bars). 10-year guarantee.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Atlas Roof Lantern<\/strong> \u2014 Korniche&#8217;s main competitor. Similar spec.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ultraframe Skypod<\/strong> \u2014 sectional uPVC; competitive on price, slightly chunkier sightlines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stratus, Eurocell Skyline<\/strong> \u2014 mass-market uPVC alternatives at the budget end.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roof windows (Velux-style) \u2014 cost breakdown<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Standard 78cm \u00d7 98cm Velux GGL, manual, fitted:<\/strong> \u00a3400\u2013\u00a3700<\/li>\n<li><strong>Standard 114cm \u00d7 118cm Velux GGL, manual, fitted:<\/strong> \u00a3600\u2013\u00a3950<\/li>\n<li><strong>Same size electric (Velux Integra):<\/strong> +\u00a3300\u2013\u00a3500 over manual<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conservation-style (with glazing bar):<\/strong> +\u00a3100\u2013\u00a3250<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sun-tunnel (rigid, ~35cm diameter):<\/strong> \u00a3450\u2013\u00a3800 fitted \u2014 adds light to a windowless room via a reflective tube through the roof void<\/li>\n<li><strong>Roof window blind (built-in or retrofit):<\/strong> \u00a380\u2013\u00a3250 per window<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Velux dominates the UK market but Fakro and Keylite offer near-identical products at 15\u201325% lower cost. The aftermarket for blinds and accessories is broader for Velux, which matters if you want easy replacements down the line.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flat skylights \u2014 cost breakdown<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1m \u00d7 1m fixed flat skylight, fitted:<\/strong> \u00a3800\u2013\u00a31,500<\/li>\n<li><strong>2m \u00d7 1m fixed flat skylight:<\/strong> \u00a31,400\u2013\u00a32,500<\/li>\n<li><strong>3m \u00d7 1m fixed flat skylight:<\/strong> \u00a32,000\u2013\u00a33,500<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electric opening flat skylight (1m \u00d7 1m):<\/strong> \u00a31,600\u2013\u00a32,800<\/li>\n<li><strong>Walk-on glass skylight:<\/strong> \u00a32,500\u2013\u00a35,000 (used as transparent floor in upper-storey extensions)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Self-cleaning glass:<\/strong> +\u00a3200\u2013\u00a3400<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Flat skylights have almost no profile above the roof line \u2014 flush mounted into a flat roof&#8217;s existing membrane. Architectural choice when you don&#8217;t want a lantern&#8217;s structural look but you have flat-roof construction. Brands: Glazing Vision, EOS, Sunsquare.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Regs and planning<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Building Regs always apply<\/strong> \u2014 installation must comply with Part L (energy \/ U-value), Part B (fire safety, escape), Part F (ventilation), Part K (glass safety at low level). Self-certifying installers via FENSA \/ CertAss \/ Glass and Glazing Federation handle the notification.<\/li>\n<li><strong>U-value:<\/strong> 1.4 W\/m\u00b2K is the Building Regs ceiling for replacement; 1.2 for new-build. Most modern roof lanterns\/skylights achieve 1.2\u20131.6.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning permission<\/strong> isn&#8217;t usually required for a roof window, lantern or skylight that doesn&#8217;t extend more than 150mm above the existing roof slope. <strong>But:<\/strong> Conservation areas, listed buildings, Article 4 directions all override permitted development \u2014 always check with the local planning office.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loft conversion roof windows<\/strong> often qualify under permitted development \u2014 but the planning rules are nuanced (single side-facing rear-facing only in some cases). Check before ordering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What affects the price most<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Size<\/strong> \u2014 surface area drives both glass cost and structural complexity. 4m \u00d7 2m is roughly 4\u00d7 the cost of 1m \u00d7 1m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Material<\/strong> \u2014 aluminium frames cost 50\u201380% more than uPVC for the same opening.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brand<\/strong> \u2014 Korniche and Atlas premium-priced; mass-market uPVC alternatives much cheaper for similar performance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Glass spec<\/strong> \u2014 standard A-rated double glazing is included; solar control adds 15\u201325%; self-cleaning adds \u00a3150\u2013\u00a3400; triple glazing adds 25\u201335%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Opening mechanism<\/strong> \u2014 fixed cheapest; manual openable adds \u00a3150\u2013\u00a3400; electric openable with rain sensor adds \u00a3600\u2013\u00a31,200.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Structural alterations<\/strong> \u2014 cutting through a flat roof and creating a new opening (with timber kerb upstand) is \u00a3300\u2013\u00a3800 of fitter time. Not always quoted clearly upfront.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scaffolding<\/strong> \u2014 roof access for ground-floor extensions usually doesn&#8217;t need scaffold; first-floor and above does (\u00a3400\u2013\u00a31,200).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Existing roof type<\/strong> \u2014 installing into an EPDM rubber flat roof is straightforward; into a felt roof or older built-up roof is messier and often costs more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common mistakes to avoid<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Going for the largest lantern that fits<\/strong> \u2014 bigger lantern means more solar gain and more glare in summer. Add solar-control glass or a powered blind unless your room is north-facing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forgetting ventilation<\/strong> \u2014 a fixed lantern in a south-facing kitchen can push room temperatures to 35\u00b0C in summer. An electric opening vent is worth the \u00a3600\u2013\u00a31,200.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ignoring U-value<\/strong> \u2014 cheap lanterns with single-glazed dome plastic still exist. Always confirm Uw \u22641.4. See our <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/window-u-values-wer-explained\/\">U-values &#038; WER guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cutting an opening yourself<\/strong> \u2014 DIY roof openings into a habitable room are a Building Regs nightmare. Always use a competent person scheme installer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Skipping the timber kerb upstand<\/strong> on a flat roof skylight \u2014 water pools at the base of the unit and leaks within 2 winters. Kerb is non-negotiable on flat-roof installs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choosing a &#8220;lifetime&#8221; guarantee<\/strong> over a real <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/insurance-backed-guarantees-installsure-decoded\/\">insurance-backed guarantee<\/a> \u2014 same risk as with windows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need planning permission for a Velux roof window?<\/h3>\n<p>Usually no \u2014 most fall under permitted development if they don&#8217;t project more than 150mm above the existing roof slope and aren&#8217;t on the front of the property. Conservation areas and listed buildings are exceptions. Check with your council&#8217;s duty planning officer (free 5-minute call) before ordering.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will a roof lantern leak?<\/h3>\n<p>Not if installed correctly. Modern aluminium lanterns sit on a timber kerb that&#8217;s flashed into the existing flat roof membrane \u2014 well-detailed installs can outlast the surrounding roof. Cheap installs that skip the kerb or use silicone-only seals start leaking within 2\u20135 winters.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long do roof lanterns and skylights last?<\/h3>\n<p>Frames: 25\u201335 years for aluminium, 20\u201330 for uPVC. Sealed glass units: 10\u201325 years (same as windows \u2014 see our <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/how-long-do-double-glazed-windows-last\/\">window lifespan guide<\/a>). Velux roof windows are guaranteed for 10 years on the unit, separately on the glass.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will a roof lantern overheat my room in summer?<\/h3>\n<p>South-facing yes, unless you specify solar-control glass or fit a powered blind. Solar-control glass blocks ~70% of heat gain while letting in most of the visible light \u2014 non-negotiable for a south-facing kitchen lantern.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I fit a roof lantern myself?<\/h3>\n<p>Technically possible if you&#8217;re competent in roofing and Building Regs notification, but very few homeowners are. Building Regs require either a FENSA \/ CertAss-certified installer (who self-certifies) or a Building Notice + inspection (\u00a3300\u2013\u00a3600 + fitter cost). Almost always cheaper and easier to use a certified installer.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sun tunnel vs roof window \u2014 which is better for a windowless bathroom?<\/h3>\n<p>Sun tunnel (\u00a3450\u2013\u00a3800 fitted) is far cheaper and easier when there&#8217;s loft space between bathroom ceiling and roof. Delivers daylight equivalent to a 60W bulb on a sunny day. Roof window only makes sense if you also want the ventilation and the roof is directly above (no loft void).<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get roof lantern \/ skylight quotes<\/h2>\n<p>Tell us your roof type, opening size and budget \u2014 we&#8217;ll match you with up to 4 vetted FENSA-registered local installers in 24 hours. Free, no obligation, no pressure.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align:center;font-size:1.15em;\"><a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/quote\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2d6a4f;color:#fff;padding:14px 28px;border-radius:10px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:700;\">Get my 4 free quotes \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/conservatory-roof-replacement-cost-uk-2026\/\">Conservatory Roof Replacement Cost<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/orangery-vs-conservatory-vs-extension-uk\/\">Orangery vs Conservatory vs Extension<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"\/glazing\/index.php\/window-u-values-wer-explained\/\">U-Values &#038; WER<\/a><\/p>\n\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#64748b;\"><em>Sources: Korniche \/ Atlas \/ Ultraframe published price ranges 2026, Velux UK product datasheets, Glazing Vision flat skylight pricing, Checkatrade roof lantern installation cost guide (2026), MyJobQuote roof lantern price data, Building Regulations Approved Documents B, F, K, L. Last reviewed: April 2026.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Roof lanterns \u00a31,500\u2013\u00a35,000; Velux roof windows \u00a3400\u2013\u00a31,500; flat skylights \u00a3800\u2013\u00a33,000. Three different products for different roof types. Honest UK 2026 pricing + what to verify before signing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":314,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[19,55,56,57],"class_list":["post-333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-cost-guide","tag-roof-lantern","tag-skylight","tag-velux"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sadiqur.xyz\/glazing\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}