RoofWindows,VeluxSkylights&RoofLanternsinPoole&Bournemouth
More light, ventilation or headroom into a loft, landing or extension. Not sure which product you actually need? That's what the next section is for.
Roof window, skylight, rooflight or roof lantern: what's the difference?
The four names get used interchangeably. Here's a quick comparison of what each one typically is.
Roof window
Fits into a pitched roof, usually a loft conversion or existing room that needs more light and air.
Skylight
Often just another name for a roof window, fitted into a loft or landing roof for daylight.
Rooflight
Sits into a flat or low-pitch roof, the typical choice on a single-storey extension.
Roof lantern
A raised, multi-pane glazed structure over a flat extension roof, for the most light of the four.
Why the trade behind it matters
Why the trade behind it matters as much as the product
Roof glazing sits between two trades. A roofer can cut the opening, but the window itself is glazing work, and getting it right comes down to matching the flashing kit to your roof covering, not just fitting the frame. Tile, slate and flat roofs each take a different kit, and it's the flashing, not the window, that actually keeps the water out. That's a big part of why some of the businesses that show up when you search for this locally are roofing firms with no roof-window content on their own site at all. It gets treated as an add-on, not a specialism, and that's where it can go wrong.
- The flashing kit has to match your roof covering: tile, slate and flat roofs each need a different one
- A certified glazing specialist, not a subcontracted roofer, is the safer choice for the window and frame itself
- Fitting genuine Velux? The full comparison against cheaper alternatives is on our Velux page
What actually changes the price of a roof window, skylight or lantern
We don't publish a price list. Here's what a quote is actually built from.
Fixed or opening
An opening light costs more than a fixed pane, because of the extra hardware and mechanism.
Size and number
A single small window costs less than a run of several, or one large unit.
Roof covering and flashing
Tile, slate and flat roofs each need a different flashing kit, and some take more work than others.
Single unit or a run
One window is a simpler job than several openings cut into the same roof.
Planning permission
Will you need permission to fit one?
Most roof windows and rooflights fall under permitted development, so in most cases you won't need to apply for planning permission at all. There are limits though, and they can be removed altogether if your home is listed, sits in a conservation area, or already has a planning condition restricting it. It's always worth checking with your council before you commit to a design, and we're happy to flag anything obvious at survey stage.
- No more than 150mm above the roof slope, and not higher than the highest point of the roof
- Listed buildings, conservation areas and an Article 4 direction can all remove these rights
- Always worth confirming with your council. We'll flag anything obvious when we survey
- 5.0★from 25 Google reviews
- CertifiedAssure Insurance-backed
- 10+ YearsExperience
- GuaranteedFor 10 Years
How it works, survey to finish
No salesman, just the job done properly.
The survey
Josh comes out, has a look at your roof and talks through which product actually suits it.
The fixed quote
You get a written quote with no hidden extras, so you know exactly where you stand.
The fit
We fit the window and make good around it, working properly with your existing roof covering.
What our customers say
Read the reviews for yourself on our Google profile.
5.0
Daniel Hunt
Had two Velux windows installed in our loft conversion. The workmanship is spot on and it's reassuring to know everything is Assure certified with a 10-year warranty. Josh was easy to get hold of whenever I had questions. Very pleased.
AKI 95
Very happy with our skylights installed by Josh, very professional, Polite and very clean and has changed our whole kitchen I very highly recommend if you are from Bournemouth or Surrounding areas
Andy
Josh installed our new windows, triple track doors, roof lights and front door at our house in Bournemouth. A very professional, tidy and efficient service from beginning to end. Would highly recommend Wilshaw Glazing.
How much does a roof window, skylight or lantern cost?
It depends on the product, the size and your roof covering, so we don't publish a fixed price. Tell us roughly what you're after and we'll survey it, then come back with a written quote.
Are roof windows and roof lights worth it, or will they leak or lose heat?
Fitted properly, with the flashing kit matched to your roof covering, they shouldn't leak or lose any more heat than the rest of your roof. Most problems trace back to the wrong flashing for the job, not the window itself.
What causes condensation around a roof window?
Usually it's poor ventilation in the roof void, not a fault with the window. Cool air needs to get in at the eaves and warm, moist air needs to escape near the ridge, so it never has the chance to collect.
Can a roof window be the escape route for a loft conversion?
An opening roof window can count as an escape route for a habitable loft room, but there are size and height limits, and it can't be the only escape route on a third-storey conversion. Building control confirms exactly what your project needs.
How much mess and disruption should I expect?
We work from the roof and keep it as contained as we can. How much disruption there is depends on the job, which we'll talk you through at survey.
Where we fit roof windows, skylights and lanterns
Covering Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding towns.
Not sure which one you need?
Tell us about your loft or extension and we'll help you work out the right fit, then give you a fixed quote.
Get a free quote
Tell us what you need and we'll come back with a price. No pressure, no hard sell.
Prefer to talk, or email? Call Wilshaw Glazing on 01202 156 611 or email Josh.Critchley@wilshawgroup.com