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Rooflights in flat roofs across West Yorkshire

Across West Yorkshire, 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

West Yorkshire at a glance

Largest towns
Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield
Postcode areas
BD, HD, HX, LS, WF
Building control
Leeds City Council, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Kirklees Council and 2 other councils
Neighbouring areas
South Yorkshire · Greater Manchester · Lancashire · North Yorkshire
Guide price region
Yorkshire and the Humber (−5% on West Midlands rates)

How much does a rooflight upstand cost in West Yorkshire?

Guide prices including VAT at Yorkshire and the Humber 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 West Yorkshire?

Flat roofs in West Yorkshire sit on 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions, terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms and shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats. England averages roughly 870 mm of rain a year; the Pennine side of Yorkshire is wetter and windier than the east, so we specify for the site rather than the county. 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 West Yorkshire the application goes to Leeds City Council, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Kirklees Council and 2 other councils. More on the rules.

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.

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 West Yorkshire do we cover?

Rooflights in flat roofs in West Yorkshire: questions

Which towns in West Yorkshire do you cover?

All of West Yorkshire. 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 West Yorkshire?

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

Which postcode areas do you cover in West Yorkshire?

All of West Yorkshire, including the BD, HD, HX, LS, WF postcode areas. Send your full postcode and we'll confirm.

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.

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.

Everything about rooflights in flat roofs → · All flat roofing in West Yorkshire →

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