In Kirkwall, as everywhere, we're repair-first, but some lanterns are past it: distorted frames, rot through the main bars, or most of the glass failed. Send photos and we'll tell you what we think has failed.

Is it time for roof lantern replacement?
- Several misted or cracked units
- Rotten timber throughout
- Single-glazed or very poor thermal performance
What usually causes it?
Age
Older lanterns can't be brought up to modern performance with repairs alone.
Structural damage
Impact or movement distorts the frame.
About Kirkwall and the KW15 area
Wind-driven rain is the real test of a roof lantern, and the wetter west sees plenty of it. Leaks that appear only in a storm from one direction usually point to the cappings or eaves on that face — a useful clue when you send us photos.
Near the coast, salt in the air is hard on aluminium finishes and fixings; washing the frame occasionally and touching in chips keeps corrosion away.
We cover Kirkwall by arrangement: island work is planned around ferry access, and any travel or access costs are set out in your written quote before you commit.
What should you expect to pay in Kirkwall?
Guide price for roof lantern replacement: £1,995–£4,995 ex VAT (£2,394–£5,994 inc VAT), supplied and fitted. 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 Scotland?
Most lantern repairs in Scotland need no approval at all. Where a job turns into a replacement, the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 apply and we confirm how the work will be signed off before we start. Listed buildings in Scotland need listed building consent from the planning authority for alterations, with Historic Environment Scotland guidance; check before changing a lantern on a listed property.
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.
Roof lantern replacement in Kirkwall: questions
Do you cover Kirkwall?
Yes, by arrangement. We cover Kirkwall, including the KW15 postcode area, as part of Highlands and Islands. Send photos by WhatsApp or the form for a free guide price, and we'll confirm the fixed price in writing before any work starts.
Can you repair a lantern someone else installed in Kirkwall?
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 replacement roof lantern cost?
Standard sizes typically £1,995–£4,995 ex VAT supplied and fitted; bespoke sizes and kerb rebuilds are priced on survey. You get the fixed price in writing first.
Can the new lantern use the existing opening?
Usually, if the kerb is sound and the size suits a standard or made-to-measure lantern.
Other lantern repairs in Kirkwall
- Roof lantern leak repairs in Kirkwall
- Eaves beam and gutter repairs in Kirkwall
- Upstand and kerb repairs in Kirkwall
- Flat roof junction and flashing repairs in Kirkwall
- Urgent leak make-safe in Kirkwall
- Orangery lantern repairs in Kirkwall
More about roof lantern replacement · All roof lantern repairs in Kirkwall