Overhead light changes a room in a way that wall glazing simply cannot

The light quality they deliver is identical — both provide overhead natural light that distributes across the room below. The differences are structural and visual. A roof lantern sits on a raised aluminium frame above the roofline, which adds interior height and a more prominent external presence. A flat rooflight sits at or just above the roof surface with a minimal external profile. Roof lanterns suit situations where a statement architectural feature is part of the brief, where the height of the frame adds useful volume to the room, or where the structural budget allows for the fuller specification. Flat rooflights suit situations where visual discretion is a priority, where planning or structural constraints limit the height of any roof addition, or where multiple smaller units are more appropriate than a single large lantern. We advise on the right choice for your specific roof and room during the home visit.

A modern aluminium rooflight or roof lantern, manufactured to a high standard and installed correctly, will not leak. The causes of leaks are almost always installation errors — flashing not properly integrated into the roof waterproofing, a kerb that is not level, or sealant applied without adequate surface preparation. Product quality matters too: cheaper systems with thinner profiles and lower-quality seals are more likely to develop problems over time. We assess the existing or proposed roof structure before installing any overhead glazing, address issues with the kerb or membrane before the unit is fitted, and use flashing and sealant products designed specifically for glazed roof applications. If we are not confident the installation can be done correctly, we say so.

This is a legitimate concern for south and west-facing roof surfaces, and it is best addressed at the specification stage rather than after installation. Solar control glass — which allows light through while reducing the proportion of solar heat that passes with it — is recommended as standard for exposed aspects. A ventilation opening within the lantern structure or an opening rooflight unit allows warm air to escape from the top of the room when temperatures rise. Blinds can also be fitted to the internal face of a lantern for additional shading control. For north-facing or heavily shaded roof surfaces, summer overheating is rarely a concern. We advise on the appropriate specification for your specific aspect during the home visit.

All flat rooflights are manufactured with a slight fall built into the frame — even a nominally flat rooflight is not perfectly horizontal, and the frame profile is designed to direct water toward the roof drainage rather than allowing it to pool. What matters is that the surrounding roof surface also falls correctly toward its drainage point and that the rooflight is not positioned in a low spot on the roof where water would collect regardless of the rooflight's own profile. We assess the existing or proposed drainage geometry during the survey.

Yes, but it is more straightforward to plan for it during construction. Adding a roof lantern or flat rooflight to an existing extension requires forming an opening in the existing roof structure, installing a properly formed and flashed kerb, and making good the surrounding roof membrane and internal ceiling. Whether this is practical and proportionate depends on the construction method of the existing roof, its current condition, and the size of the unit being considered. We assess all of this during a home visit and will say clearly if a retrofit is impractical rather than proceeding on the assumption that it is straightforward.

In most cases, adding a flat rooflight or roof lantern to a single-storey extension falls within permitted development rights and does not require a planning application. A flat rooflight must not protrude more than 150mm above the existing roof plane to remain within permitted development. Listed buildings require listed building consent for any external alteration. Conservation areas — including parts of Windsor and Beaconsfield Old Town — may have specific restrictions on rooflight installations where the roof is visible from a public area. We identify what applies to your property during the home visit and advise accordingly before any work is agreed.

A flat rooflight installation is typically completed within a day, including forming or adjusting the kerb if required. A roof lantern installation typically takes one to two days. If preparatory work is required — adjusting the kerb, addressing the roof membrane, or making good the structural opening — this adds time and is quoted separately before any work is agreed. Lead time from order to installation is typically two to four weeks for flat rooflights and three to five weeks for roof lanterns, depending on size and colour specified.

For most window and door replacements, no. Like-for-like replacements fall under permitted development rights and require no planning permission. If your property is in a conservation area — parts of Windsor and Beaconsfield Old Town, for example — or if it's listed, there may be restrictions on colour, style, or material. We know the local areas well and will flag anything relevant during your visit.

Yes. FENSA registration means every installation we complete is certified to meet current building regulations, and the work is registered with your local authority automatically. This is important if you ever sell your home — solicitors will ask for it. You don't need to do anything; we handle the registration on your behalf.

Our installations come with a 10-year guarantee as standard, covering both frames and sealed glazing units. Combined with FENSA registration and our full public liability insurance, you're protected throughout the installation and long after completion.

Yes. We remove all old frames and glass and dispose of them responsibly. We also leave your home clean and tidy at the end of every job — it's part of how we work, not an optional extra.

We don't consider a job complete until you're satisfied. If something isn't right, tell us and we'll fix it. Our reputation in South Bucks has been built over 20 years — we have every reason to make sure you're happy.