Roof Lantern Solar Control Glass Upgrades

If the room under your lantern overheats in summer or glares, the glass is usually the problem, not the frame. We replace the units with solar control glass — and self-cleaning outer panes if you want them — and keep the existing lantern.

Bright open-plan living space lit by a large roof lantern with solar control glass

What are the signs you need solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades?

The room is noticeably hotter than the rest of the house in summer
Glare on screens or worktops
Furniture or flooring fading under the lantern
Clear, uncoated glass in an older lantern

What usually causes it?

Clear or standard Low-E glass

Standard units let a lot of solar heat through; solar control coatings reflect more of it.

Orientation

South- and west-facing lanterns gain the most heat in the afternoon.

No ventilation

A lantern without opening vents traps warm air at ceiling level.

How do we fix it?

Review the lanternWe check the frame is sound and worth keeping, and measure each unit.
Choose the glassWe explain the trade-off between heat reduction, light and tint, and include a laminated inner pane.
Swap the unitsUnits are replaced in sequence and the bars resealed.

Does solar control glass make the room darker?

Some solar control coatings reduce visible light slightly and can add a tint, usually blue, grey or neutral. Good modern glass keeps most of the daylight while cutting much of the heat. We show you the options rather than choosing for you. Pairing new glass with an opening vent helps even more on hot days.

What should you expect to pay for solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades?

Guide price, per glass unit£345–£895 ex VAT£414–£1,074 inc VAT · solar control or self-cleaning outer pane

Guide prices assume a standard lantern on a single-storey roof with safe ladder access. Where a tower or scaffold is needed we add it to the quote (typically £245–£895 ex VAT). Diagnostic visits start from £145 ex VAT. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing before any work starts. See all guide prices.

Where is this on the lantern?

Highlighted in amber: sealed glass units.

Do you need permission for this work?

Straightforward repairs don't normally need building regulations approval or planning permission. Replacing a whole lantern, changing its size or working on a listed building is different, and the rules vary by nation:

England

In England, replacing a roof lantern or rooflight is generally treated like replacing a window: the work must meet the Building Regulations (energy efficiency under Approved Document L, and safety glazing), and it's either done by an installer registered with a competent person scheme or notified to building control with an application. Enlarging the opening always needs a building regulations application. Replacing only the sealed glass units in an existing frame is usually treated as a repair rather than notifiable work, but the new glass should be no worse than before — if you're unsure, check with building control. We confirm in writing which route applies before any replacement.

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.

Wales

In Wales, building regulations are devolved and the Welsh Government publishes its own Approved Documents. Installing a new rooflight generally needs approval; for a replacement, the Welsh Government suggests using an installer registered with the relevant competent person scheme, or otherwise involving building control, and the new lantern must meet the Welsh energy-efficiency requirements. We confirm in writing which route applies before any replacement.

Listed buildings in Wales need listed building consent from the local planning authority for alterations, with Cadw guidance on historic buildings; check with the council before changing a lantern on a listed property.

Scotland

In Scotland, the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and the Technical Handbooks apply. Under schedule 3, replacing a rooflight including its frame doesn't need a building warrant but must meet the building standards in full; other work to a rooflight, including reglazing, must leave it no worse than before. New or enlarged openings are different and normally need a warrant. We confirm in writing which applies before any replacement.

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.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and the Technical Booklets apply, administered by your council's Building Control service. Replacement glazing, including rooflights, must meet the energy-efficiency requirements, and an application may be needed depending on the work. We check with Building Control and confirm in writing which route applies before any replacement.

Listed buildings in Northern Ireland need listed building consent from the council for alterations; check with the council's planning service before changing a lantern on a listed property.

Questions about solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades

How much does it cost to upgrade lantern glass?

Usually £345–£895 ex VAT per unit depending on size and specification, confirmed in writing before work starts.

Can you add a film instead?

Films are cheaper but can affect the unit's warranty and may not suit sloped double glazing. We'd rather replace the unit properly.

Does self-cleaning glass mean no cleaning?

It reduces cleaning on the outer face but still needs rain and occasional rinsing, and the inside still needs cleaning.

Where do we carry out solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades?

We cover the whole of the UK. Choose your area for local details and towns we cover.

Roof lantern solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades