- Guide price
- £2,750–£4,800
- Survey
- Free for new and replacement roofs
- Quote
- Fixed, in writing
- Coverage
- England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Swansea at a glance
- Largest towns
- Swansea, Gorseinon, Clydach
- Postcode areas
- SA
- Building control
- Swansea Council
- Neighbouring areas
- Neath Port Talbot · Carmarthenshire · Bridgend · Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Guide price region
- Wales (−8% on West Midlands rates)
How much does a rooflight upstand cost in Swansea?
Guide prices including VAT at Wales 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 | £2,750–£4,800 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,600–£4,500 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM with sedum green roof | £4,050–£7,450 |
Which flat roofs are common in Swansea?
Flat roofs in Swansea sit on newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced, 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions and terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms. Wales averages roughly 1,460 mm of rain a year, among the wettest in Britain, so we design for steady run-off: proper falls, clear outlets and upstands well above the finished roof. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.
Building regulations in Wales
Welsh guidance is that most re-roofing needs building control approval, so it's worth checking whenever more than a quarter of a roof is replaced or repaired. Renovated roofs are upgraded to around 0.16 W/m²K where feasible, and new extension roofs are built to 0.13 W/m²K under the Welsh Approved Document L. In Swansea the application goes to Swansea Council. 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.
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 Swansea do we cover?
Rooflights in flat roofs in Swansea: questions
Which towns in Swansea do you cover?
All of Swansea. 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 Swansea?
£2,750–£4,800 for a 20 m² insulated EPDM extension roof with one rooflight upstand, at Wales guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Which council handles building control for a flat roof in Swansea?
It depends on where the roof is: in Swansea that's Swansea Council. Welsh guidance is that most re-roofing needs building control approval, so it's worth checking whenever more than a quarter of a roof is replaced or repaired. We confirm which applies at the survey.
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 a rooflight be added to an existing flat roof?
Yes, if the structure allows it. The opening is cut, the joists are trimmed and an upstand is built and waterproofed into the existing covering. On an older roof, it is often better to do it as part of a replacement.
Can a lantern go on a warm roof?
Yes. The upstand is built and insulated to the full height of the warm roof build-up, so the lantern sits at the right level above the finished surface.
Everything about rooflights in flat roofs → · All flat roofing in Swansea →