In Braintree, as everywhere, if a roof lantern pane looks cloudy or wet between the two layers of glass, the sealed unit has failed and moisture has got inside. Send photos and we'll tell you what we think has failed.

Signs you need misted glass unit replacement
- One pane looks hazier than the others
- Misting that comes and goes with the weather
- Water marks or tide lines inside the unit
Why it happens
Edge seal failure
Every sealed unit has an edge seal and desiccant. Once the seal fails, humid air gets in and the desiccant saturates.
Water sitting on the edge
If the unit's edge sits in water because the eaves don't drain, the seal fails sooner.
Covering Braintree and nearby
Drier, sunnier parts of the UK are kinder to seals than the wet west, but strong sun ages sealant, gaskets and plastic end caps, and south- or west-facing lanterns can make rooms very warm. Solar control glass and an opening vent help.
We cover Braintree as part of Essex, about 10 miles from Chelmsford.
Close by, we also cover Witham (7 miles), Chelmsford (10 miles), Maldon (11 miles).
How much should it cost?
Guide price for misted glass unit replacement: £245–£595 ex VAT (£294–£714 inc VAT), per glass unit. 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?
Most lantern repairs in England need no approval at all. Where a job turns into a replacement, the Building Regulations 2010 apply and we confirm how the work will be signed off before we start. 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.
Misted glass unit replacement in Braintree: questions
How do I get a price for misted glass unit replacement in Braintree?
Send a few photos of the lantern and the problem, with your Braintree postcode. We'll reply with a guide price and tell you whether a visit is needed before we can fix the price.
Can you repair a lantern someone else installed in Braintree?
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.
How much does a misted lantern unit cost to replace?
Usually £245–£595 ex VAT per unit depending on size, glass spec and access, confirmed in writing before work starts.
How long does a replacement unit take?
Units are made to measure, so there's a lead time between measuring and fitting. Fitting itself is usually a short visit.
Other lantern repairs in Braintree
- Roof lantern resealing in Braintree
- Eaves beam and gutter repairs in Braintree
- Upstand and kerb repairs in Braintree
- Flat roof junction and flashing repairs in Braintree
- Solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades in Braintree
- Condensation diagnosis and fixes in Braintree
Misted glass unit replacement near Braintree
More about misted glass unit replacement · All roof lantern repairs in Braintree