Rooflights in flat roofs across East Sussex

Guide price

£3,300–£5,750

Survey

Free for new and replacement roofs

Quote

Fixed, in writing

Coverage

England, Wales, Scotland, NI

How much does a rooflight upstand cost in East Sussex?

Guide prices including VAT at South East rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

Which flat roofs are common in East Sussex?

Flat roofs in East Sussex sit on shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats, 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches and terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms. Much of the South East sits in the drier Thames catchment at roughly 730 mm of rain a year, so the usual failures are at joints, upstands and outlets rather than from sheer volume of rain. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.

Building regulations in England

Replacing more than half of a roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so it is insulated to current standards and notified to building control. Renovated roofs over heated rooms are insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's feasible, and new extension roofs are built to 0.15 W/m²K. In East Sussex the application goes to Brighton & Hove City Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council and 3 other councils. More on the rules.

Why is my flat rooflight leaking, and should it be repaired or replaced?

Most rooflight leaks come from the upstand detail rather than the glass: the membrane has split or pulled away at a corner, the upstand is too low, or the flashing at the top has failed. Repair the detail if the unit and the roof around it are sound.

Drips on the inside of the upstand in cold weather may be condensation rather than a leak, especially on older, uninsulated kerbs or single-glazed domes. Warm, moist air from a kitchen or bathroom meets the cold surface and condenses.

If the roof covering is near the end of its life, it is usually better to rebuild the upstand properly as part of a replacement, ideally with a new insulated kerb, rather than patching the old detail. Our repair or replace guide and flat roof repairs page cover the options.

Do rooflights in flat roofs need building regulations approval?

Usually, yes, for a new opening, because cutting through the roof and trimming joists is a structural alteration. Approval may also be needed because the roof itself is being re-covered.

New rooflights need to meet the energy efficiency standards for glazing, so that the unit doesn't become a weak point in an insulated roof. Many rooflights have a laminated inner pane, so that if the glass breaks it stays in place rather than falling into the room, which is worth asking for over kitchens, living spaces and stairs. Close to a boundary, the fire performance of the roof, including any rooflights, can matter under the fire safety rules.

Whether you need planning permission depends on the property and the unit. A raised lantern changes the roofline more than a flat rooflight, and listed buildings and conservation areas have stricter rules, which also differ between the four nations. We handle building control or building standards where it is needed. The building regulations page and the planning guide explain more.

Which towns in East Sussex do we cover?

• Brighton
• Eastbourne
• Hastings
• Bexhill-on-Sea
• Hailsham
• Seaford
• Rottingdean
• Crowborough
• Portslade
• Peacehaven
• Uckfield
• Lewes

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