In Plymouth, as everywhere, each glazing bar on a roof lantern has a top capping that clamps the glass onto gaskets. Send photos and we'll tell you what we think has failed.
What you might be seeing
- A capping visibly higher than its neighbours
- Water running down one glazing bar inside
- End caps missing at the bottom of a bar
Common causes we find
Gasket shrinkage
Rubber gaskets shrink back from the ends over time, leaving a gap at the ridge or eaves.
Fixings working loose
Screws and clips that hold the capping relax with thermal movement, so the clamp on the glass weakens.
Covering Plymouth and nearby
Damp, mild winters keep moss and algae growing on flat roofs and lantern frames, which holds water against seals and blocks weep slots. Regular clearing makes a real difference in wetter areas.
Coastal wind drives rain hard against lanterns, so cappings and ridge seals on the seaward face take the most punishment.
Plymouth is around 36 miles from Exeter, and both are within our Devon coverage.
If you're just outside Plymouth, we also cover Paignton (26 miles), Newton Abbot (26 miles), Bodmin (27 miles).
Guide prices for glazing bar and capping repairs in Plymouth
Typical range: £165–£395 ex VAT, which is £198–£474 with VAT, per lantern. Towers or scaffold, where needed, are priced into the quote. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing before any work starts.
Do you need permission in England?
In England, like-for-like repairs to a roof lantern don't usually involve building control. A full replacement or a bigger opening is controlled under the Building Regulations 2010, so we set out the route in writing first. Listed buildings need listed building consent from the local council for alterations, and conservation areas can have extra controls; like-for-like repairs are treated differently from changes, so check with the council's conservation officer first.
How does it work?
- Send photosWhatsApp or upload a few photos and tell us when it leaks.
- Guide priceWe reply with a guide price and whether a visit is needed.
- Fixed price in writingYou approve the price and the date before anything starts.
- Repair and testWe fix what's failed, water-test where it matters, and send photos.
Glazing bar and capping repairs in Plymouth: questions
Can you repair a lantern someone else installed in Plymouth?
Yes. We repair lanterns whoever fitted them. If yours is still under the installer's warranty, contact them first so you don't affect it.
Which places near Plymouth do you cover?
As well as Plymouth, we cover nearby Paignton, Newton Abbot, Bodmin, St Austell and the rest of Devon.
How much do capping and gasket repairs cost?
Usually £165–£395 ex VAT per lantern depending on how many bars are affected, confirmed in writing before work starts.
Do you repair uPVC and timber lantern bars too?
Yes. Timber lanterns use different beads and cappings, and we repair those as part of timber lantern repairs.
Other lantern repairs in Plymouth
- Roof lantern resealing in Plymouth
- Eaves beam and gutter repairs in Plymouth
- Flat roof junction and flashing repairs in Plymouth
- Flat rooflight and skylight repairs in Plymouth
- Cleaning and maintenance in Plymouth
- Urgent leak make-safe in Plymouth
Glazing bar and capping repairs near Plymouth
More about glazing bar and capping repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Plymouth