How Much Does a Roof Lantern Cost in 2026 UK?
In 2026 UK, a 1.5×1m PVCu roof lantern costs £1,800–£2,800 fitted; a 2×1.5m aluminium lantern (Korniche, Atlas, Stratus, Skypod) sits at £2,800–£4,800; a 3×2m premium aluminium with self-cleaning solar-control glass reaches £4,800–£7,500. With Future Homes Standard tightening U-values from 2026 and triple-glazed aluminium displacing double-glazed PVCu, the spec calculus has shifted. Here's the 2026 cost breakdown.
Roof lantern cost at a glance — 2026 UK
- 1.5×1m PVCu (entry-level): £1,800–£2,800 fitted
- 2×1.5m aluminium (Korniche, Atlas, Stratus, Skypod): £2,800–£4,800
- 3×2m premium aluminium + solar-control glass: £4,800–£7,500
- Bespoke 4m+ run / pyramid configuration: £6,500–£8,500+
- Self-cleaning glass uplift: +£300–£650
- Solar-control / triple-glazed uplift: +£450–£950
Installation typically takes 1–2 days (above an existing builder's opening) plus 1–2 days for plastering, decoration and electricals if the kerb / upstand is being newly created.
Cost by size and frame, 2026 UK
Premium roof lantern brands compared, 2026 UK
2026 insight: PVCu vs aluminium and Future Homes Standard
From 2026, Future Homes Standard tightens new-build and extension U-value targets. Glass-element U-values for rooflights and roof lanterns are now guided to ≤1.4 W/m²K. Most aluminium systems hit this comfortably; PVCu Skypod-class systems with double-glazed argon achieve it only at the larger sizes — smaller PVCu lanterns increasingly need triple-glazed units to comply.
When PVCu still wins: tight budget, sub-1.5m² opening, replacement of an existing PVCu unit (avoids re-plastering and finishes work).
When aluminium wins: 2m²+ openings (slim sightlines), Building Regs new-build/extension scenarios, kitchen-extensions where the glazing dominates the back of house. The premium has narrowed to roughly 25–35% over PVCu in 2026 — down from 40–50% in 2020.
Frequently asked questions
£2,800–£4,800 for a Korniche or Atlas aluminium with double-glazed solar-control glass, fitted on an existing kerb. Add £650–£950 if a new timber kerb / upstand needs to be built. Add £450–£950 for triple-glazed units where Building Regs require it.
Not banned, but increasingly hard to specify in new-build and extension scenarios where the Future Homes Standard U-value target of ≤1.4 W/m²K applies. Most PVCu lanterns now require a triple-glazed unit to comply at sub-1.5m² sizes, narrowing the cost gap to aluminium.
Usually permitted development on a flat-roof extension, provided the lantern projects no more than 150mm above the existing roof plane and is not on a designated property (listed, conservation area). Always check Building Regs Part L (energy) and Part B (fire) compliance separately from planning.
1–2 days to install onto an existing builder's opening with a pre-built kerb. 3–5 days end-to-end if the kerb / upstand is also being constructed and plastering / electrical first-fix is included.
Worth it for any lantern that's hard to access from a flat roof or upper-floor extension. The titanium-dioxide coating breaks down organic deposits in UV and rinses off in rain — cuts cleaning frequency from 2–3x/year to 0–1. Uplift £300–£650.
Korniche has a slimmer 35mm sightline; Atlas a slightly better U-value floor. For up to 3x2m, Korniche is the popular installer choice on aesthetics; for 4m+ runs Atlas (and bespoke options) lead structurally. Both warranty 10 years.
Sources used in our 2026 figures
- gov.uk — Approved Document L (Part L energy efficiency)
- FENSA — Window & door installer registration
- CERTASS — Competent person scheme
- FMB — Federation of Master Builders
Methodology: Cost figures use representative quote data from BestBuilders' UK FENSA / CERTASS-registered roof-lantern installer network (May 2026, 210+ vetted installers). Brand pricing cross-referenced against trade-counter and direct manufacturer pricing. Last fact-checked: .