- Guide price
- £3,150–£5,500
- Survey
- Free for new and replacement roofs
- Quote
- Fixed, in writing
- Coverage
- England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Essex at a glance
- Largest towns
- Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester, Chelmsford
- Postcode areas
- CB, CM, CO, EN, RM, SS
- Building control
- Southend-on-Sea City Council, Basildon Council, Colchester City Council and 11 other councils
- Neighbouring areas
- Kent · London · Hertfordshire · Suffolk
- Guide price region
- East of England (+5% on West Midlands rates)
How much does a rooflight upstand cost in Essex?
Guide prices including VAT at East of England rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, insulation + 1 rooflight upstand | £3,150–£5,500 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,950–£5,150 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM with sedum green roof | £4,650–£8,500 |
Which flat roofs are common in Essex?
Flat roofs in Essex sit on low-rise post-war blocks of flats, newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced and shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats. The East of England is the driest part of Britain, with parts of the Anglian region around 630 mm a year, so summer heat and UV, not rainfall, do most of the ageing on a felt roof. 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 Essex the application goes to Southend-on-Sea City Council, Basildon Council, Colchester City Council and 11 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.
How long does a rooflight upstand last?
A properly built, insulated upstand with waterproofing dressed to the maker's details should last as long as the roof covering around it. The rooflight's own seals and opening parts may need attention sooner.
Upstands fail early when they are too low, poorly insulated or built on a deck that moves. Keeping the area around the rooflight clear of leaves and debris, checking the corners after storms from a safe position and cleaning the glazing gently all help. Never lean on or stand on a rooflight: most are fragile, and the roof around them should be treated as fragile too. The maintenance guide covers routine checks.
Which towns in Essex do we cover?
- Southend-on-Sea
- Basildon
- Colchester
- Chelmsford
- Harlow
- Grays
- Braintree
- Brentwood
- Clacton-on-Sea
- South Benfleet
- Canvey Island
- Billericay
- Rayleigh
- Stanford-le-Hope
- Wickford
- Witham
- Pitsea
- Maldon
- Waltham Abbey
- South Ockendon
- Harwich
- Hadleigh
- Walton-on-the-Naze
- Frinton-on-Sea
- Rochford
- Saffron Walden
Rooflights in flat roofs in Essex: questions
Which towns in Essex do you cover?
All of Essex. The main towns have their own pages below, and if yours isn't listed we still cover it: send your postcode and we'll confirm.
How much does a rooflight upstand cost in Essex?
£3,150–£5,500 for a 20 m² insulated EPDM extension roof with one rooflight upstand, at East of England guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Which postcode areas do you cover in Essex?
All of Essex, including the CB, CM, CO, EN, RM, SS postcode areas. Send your full postcode and we'll confirm.
How high should a flat rooflight upstand be?
Usually at least 150 mm from the finished roof surface to the top of the waterproofing, so the joint stays above standing water. Some rooflight makers specify more.
Why does my rooflight drip in winter?
If it only drips in cold weather and not when it rains, it is probably condensation on a cold, poorly insulated upstand or older glazing. Better ventilation helps, and an insulated kerb and modern unit usually fix it.
Can I walk on a flat rooflight?
No, unless it is a unit specifically designed and rated for foot traffic. Treat standard rooflights and the roof around them as fragile.
Everything about rooflights in flat roofs → · All flat roofing in Essex →