The upstand, or kerb, is the raised frame the lantern sits on. Send photos from Acton (W3) and we'll tell you which it is — with the price agreed in writing before any work.

Signs you need upstand and kerb repairs
- 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 Acton and the W3 area
Even in drier areas, one heavy downpour with blocked eaves is enough to overflow a lantern indoors. Clearing the eaves channel is the simplest prevention there is.
London's extensions are often tight to neighbouring walls and roofs. Where a repair needs access over a neighbour's property, we'll tell you in advance so you can arrange it.
From Westminster to Acton is roughly 6 miles — all part of the Greater London area we cover.
If you're just outside Acton, we also cover Chiswick (1 mile), Shepherds Bush (2 miles), Willesden (2 miles).
How much should it cost?
Typical range: £395–£1,295 ex VAT, which is £474–£1,554 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 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 Acton: questions
Do you cover Acton?
Yes. We cover Acton, including the W3 postcode area, as part of Greater London. 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 upstand and kerb 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.
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 Acton
- Roof lantern resealing in Acton
- Eaves beam and gutter repairs in Acton
- Misted glass unit replacement in Acton
- Slipped glass panel repairs in Acton
- Leak investigation and inspection in Acton
- Roof lantern replacement in Acton
Upstand and kerb repairs near Acton
More about upstand and kerb repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Acton