We carry out timber roof lantern repairs in Kirkwall and across the KW15 area. Timber roof lanterns are beautiful and repairable, but they need sound paint, sound beads and dry timber.
What you might be seeing
- Flaking or blistered paint on bars or eaves
- Dark staining or black lines along joints
- Leaks at bar joints
Common causes we find
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.
Covering Kirkwall and nearby
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.
Guide prices for timber roof lantern repairs in Kirkwall
Typical range: £395–£1,995 ex VAT, which is £474–£2,394 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 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.
Timber roof lantern repairs 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.
Do you need to visit to price timber roof lantern repairs?
Not always. Clear photos are often enough for a guide price. Where the cause isn't obvious, a visit to inspect and water-test is charged from £145 ex VAT, confirmed before we come.
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.
Other lantern repairs in Kirkwall
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- Ridge and hip repairs in Kirkwall
- Solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades in Kirkwall
- Roof lantern respraying in Kirkwall
- Flat rooflight and skylight repairs in Kirkwall
- Urgent leak make-safe in Kirkwall
More about timber roof lantern repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Kirkwall