Timber Roof Lantern Repair and Restoration

Timber roof lanterns are beautiful and repairable, but they need sound paint, sound beads and dry timber. We cut out rot, splice in new timber or use resin repairs, reseal the glazing and redecorate — keeping the original lantern wherever it's sensibly possible.

Weathered painted timber roof lantern on an orangery being sanded before repainting

What are the signs you need timber roof lantern repairs?

Flaking or blistered paint on bars or eaves
Soft timber when pressed
Dark staining or black lines along joints
Putty or beads cracking and lifting
Leaks at bar joints

What usually causes it?

Paint failure

Once the paint film breaks, water gets into the end grain and joints.

Water trapped by beads

Glazing beads and putty can trap water against the timber if their seals fail.

No maintenance

Timber needs redecorating on a cycle; skipped cycles turn small repairs into big ones.

How do we fix it?

Probe and assessWe test the timber, identify rot, and agree what is repaired and what is replaced.
RepairSplice repairs with matched timber or resin repairs for smaller areas.
Reseal and redecorateGlazing reseal, then primer, undercoat and topcoat in your colour.

Is it worth repairing a timber lantern?

Usually, if the main bars and ridge are sound. Localised rot at the eaves and bar ends is common and very repairable. If the ridge or several main bars are rotten through, we'll compare repair and replacement prices honestly. For listed or period buildings, like-for-like timber repair is often the only acceptable route.

What should you expect to pay for timber roof lantern repairs?

Guide price, per lantern£395–£1,995 ex VAT£474–£2,394 inc VAT · splice repairs, resin repairs and redecoration

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.

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 timber roof lantern repairs

How much do timber lantern repairs cost?

From about £395 ex VAT for localised repairs up to around £1,995 for extensive restoration of a standard lantern, confirmed in writing before work starts.

Do you work on listed buildings?

Yes. Listed building consent may be needed for changes; like-for-like repair is generally treated differently from alteration, but check with your council's conservation officer before work.

How often does a timber lantern need painting?

It depends on exposure and paint system; many need redecorating every five to eight years.

Where do we carry out timber roof lantern repairs?

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

Timber roof lantern repair and restoration