In Plymouth, as everywhere, the upstand, or kerb, is the raised frame the lantern sits on. Send photos and we'll tell you what we think has failed.
What you might be seeing
- Water appearing below the lantern rather than from the glass
- Soft or spongy timber at the base of the lantern
- Roof membrane not lapped up the kerb, or peeling off it
What usually causes it?
Kerb too low
If the kerb doesn't rise enough above the finished roof, water sits against the joint during heavy rain.
Membrane not dressed up
The flat roof covering should run up the kerb and be trimmed or flashed. If it stops short, water gets behind it.
About Plymouth and the PL2 area
Western and upland parts of the UK get more rain and more wind-driven rain than the east, and that's what finds weak cappings and blocked eaves first. Lanterns here benefit from a check of the bars on the most exposed face and a clear eaves channel before winter.
Coastal wind drives rain hard against lanterns, so cappings and ridge seals on the seaward face take the most punishment.
From Exeter to Plymouth is roughly 36 miles — all part of the Devon area we cover.
Close by, we also cover Paignton (26 miles), Newton Abbot (26 miles), Bodmin (27 miles).
Guide prices for upstand and kerb repairs in Plymouth
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?
In England, like-for-like repairs to a roof lantern don't usually involve building control. A full replacement or a bigger opening is controlled under the Building Regulations 2010, so we set out the route in writing first. 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 Plymouth: questions
Do you cover Plymouth?
Yes. We cover Plymouth, including the PL2 postcode area, as part of Devon. 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 Plymouth?
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 an upstand repair cost?
Typically £395–£1,295 ex VAT depending on size, timber condition and the roof covering. The fixed price is confirmed in writing before work starts.
Can you add insulation to the kerb?
Yes. Insulated kerbs reduce cold bridging and help with condensation around the opening.
Other lantern repairs in Plymouth
- Glazing bar and capping repairs in Plymouth
- Cracked lantern glass replacement in Plymouth
- Condensation diagnosis and fixes in Plymouth
- Leak investigation and inspection in Plymouth
- Urgent leak make-safe in Plymouth
- Roof lantern replacement in Plymouth
Upstand and kerb repairs near Plymouth
More about upstand and kerb repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Plymouth