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Rooflights in flat roofs across Merseyside

Across Merseyside, as everywhere, most rooflight leaks start at a low or poorly finished upstand rather than at the glazing. When we fit a rooflight or lantern as part of a flat roof job, the opening, the kerb, the membrane and the joint with the frame are all done together and checked before we leave.

Rubber membrane being dressed up the timber upstand of a new flat rooflightComputer-generated example image
Guide price
£2,850–£4,950
Survey
Free for new and replacement roofs
Quote
Fixed, in writing
Coverage
England, Wales, Scotland, NI

Merseyside at a glance

Largest towns
Liverpool, Birkenhead, St Helens, Southport
Postcode areas
CH, L, PR, WA
Building control
Liverpool City Council, Wirral Council, St Helens Borough Council and 2 other councils
Neighbouring areas
Cheshire · Greater Manchester · Lancashire · Shropshire
Guide price region
North West (−5% on West Midlands rates)

How much does a rooflight upstand cost in Merseyside?

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

JobGuide price inc VAT
Extension (20 m²), EPDM, insulation + 1 rooflight upstand£2,850–£4,950
Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation£2,650–£4,650
Extension (20 m²), EPDM with sedum green roof£4,200–£7,700

Which flat roofs are common in Merseyside?

Flat roofs in Merseyside sit on shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats, bungalows with flat-roofed side extensions and dormers and 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches. The North West is one of England's wetter regions, averaging roughly 1,290 mm of rain a year, so falls, outlets and well-detailed upstands matter more than the membrane colour. 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 Merseyside the application goes to Liverpool City Council, Wirral Council, St Helens Borough Council and 2 other councils. More on the rules.

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.

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.

Which towns in Merseyside do we cover?

Rooflights in flat roofs in Merseyside: questions

Which towns in Merseyside do you cover?

All of Merseyside. 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 Merseyside?

£2,850–£4,950 for a 20 m² insulated EPDM extension roof with one rooflight upstand, at North West guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.

Which postcode areas do you cover in Merseyside?

All of Merseyside, including the CH, L, PR, WA postcode areas. Send your full postcode and we'll confirm.

Will an opening rooflight let rain in if I leave it open?

Many electric opening rooflights include a rain sensor that closes them automatically when it starts raining. With manual units, it's up to you to close them.

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.

Everything about rooflights in flat roofs → · All flat roofing in Merseyside →

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