How Much Do Roof Lantern Installations Cost in 2025?
Roof lanterns are a stylish, eye-catching way of bringing natural light into your home, and are becoming a popular option for many of us. But how much do roof lanterns cost? What factor can affect the price of a new roof lantern? This blog aims to find out.
What Is a Roof Lantern and Why Choose One?
A roof lantern is a glass opening in a roof, which is deliberately designed to maximise the amount of natural light coming into a room. You may choose to install a new roof lantern to brighten a dark space or simply to add a beautiful eye-catching focal point.
Average Roof Lantern Cost in the UK (2025 Update)
The average cost of a roof lantern in the UK is between £3,600 and £9,000*. However, the price you pay will depend on several factors, such as the size and shape of the roof lantern, labour, finishes such as finials and openers, and the glass you choose. Let's look in more detail at what can affect the final cost of a new roof lantern.
What Affects the Cost of Roof Lantern Installation?
As mentioned above, there are a number of factors that could affect the cost of your new roof lantern. These include:
- The size and shape of the roof lantern – the larger the roof lantern, or the more complicated the installation, the more it will cost.
- Roofing works – the condition of your roof is very important when installing a roof lantern, so you may find that additional work needs to be done before installation can begin.
- The glass you choose – as with any window you can choose the type of glass you have. For example, you can choose between plain, tinted, self-cleaning, and toughened. The choice you make will have an impact on the final price of your roof lantern.
- Adding automatic openers - it is quite tricky to open a roof lantern, particularly one at height, so adding automatic openers is a good idea. However, this can add between £750 and £3,000* per window to your final cost.
- Adding ventilation – to ensure you comply with British Building Regulations you need to ensure the space underneath your new roof lantern is properly ventilated. This can be done by adding trickle vents to your roof lantern. Again, this will incur an additional cost, which can be in the region of £50 per vent.
Additional Installation Costs to Consider
Other costs to consider include:
- Labour – the price you pay on labour will depend on the business you choose and where you live. For example, if you live in the south, you may pay more than someone who lives in the north of the country. Likewise, you may have decided to opt for the cheapest labour option, or you may wish to choose the most expensive.
- Scaffolding – your builder may source scaffolding for you and include it in their overall cost. However, you may have to find a scaffolder yourself and pay directly. This is something to bear in mind when working out your budgets.
Roof Lantern Cost Comparison: Aluminium vs PVCu
Roof lanterns come in a variety of different materials including aluminium, PVC, and timber. The two most popular are aluminium and PVC but how do these compare in terms of cost?
An aluminium roof lantern will cost you anywhere between £2,400 and £13,500*, whilst a PVC roof lantern will cost from £1,500 to £4,000*. These prices will reflect both quality and durability of product and we would recommend researching the various roof lantern materials available, for example their pros and cons, before deciding.
Can You Install a Roof Lantern Yourself?
We would always recommend employing the services of a professional when it comes to installing your new roof lantern. This will ensure that all building regulations are adhered to, and the final fit is professional and seamless.
How to Get an Accurate Roof Lantern Quote
The best way to get an accurate roof lantern quote is to contact several installers in your local area and discuss your needs and wants. This will enable you to gather a number of quotes and compare them. You can then choose the installer and the price that best suits you.
Discover National Plastics Roof Lanterns
Here at National Plastics we offer a range of roof lanterns to suit all styles of home. For further information and a detailed quote call our friendly, expert team today on 0800 22 77 77.
*Prices correct at time of publication.
