The upstand, or kerb, is the raised frame the lantern sits on. Send photos from Bedford (MK40) and we'll tell you which it is — with the price agreed in writing before any work.

What you might be seeing
- Soft or spongy timber at the base of the lantern
- Roof membrane not lapped up the kerb, or peeling off it
- Cold, damp or mouldy lining around the opening
Why it happens
Kerb too low
If the kerb doesn't rise enough above the finished roof, water sits against the joint during heavy rain.
Rotten timber
Untreated or wet timber kerbs rot from inside, so the lantern loses support and the seals open.
Covering Bedford and nearby
Lanterns in central England see a bit of everything — summer sun that ages seals and end caps, autumn leaf fall that blocks eaves, and frosty mornings that bring condensation. A yearly check covers all three.
Close by, we also cover Ampthill (8 miles), St Neots (10 miles), Rushden (12 miles).
How much should it cost?
Most upstand and kerb repairs jobs come in between £395 and £1,295 ex VAT (£474–£1,554 including 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 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.
Upstand and kerb repairs in Bedford: questions
Do you cover Bedford?
Yes. We cover Bedford, including the MK40 postcode area, as part of Bedfordshire. 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.
Which places near Bedford do you cover?
As well as Bedford, we cover nearby Ampthill, St Neots, Rushden, Milton Keynes and the rest of Bedfordshire.
Can you add insulation to the kerb?
Yes. Insulated kerbs reduce cold bridging and help with condensation around the opening.
Will my ceiling need repairing?
If water has soaked the lining it may need making good after the leak is fixed; we can advise, but internal decorating isn't included unless quoted.
Other lantern repairs in Bedford
- Misted glass unit replacement in Bedford
- Timber roof lantern repairs in Bedford
- Opening vent and actuator repairs in Bedford
- Cleaning and maintenance in Bedford
- Urgent leak make-safe in Bedford
- Commercial roof lantern repairs in Bedford
Upstand and kerb repairs near Bedford
More about upstand and kerb repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Bedford