We carry out upstand and kerb repairs in Harpenden and across the AL5 area. The upstand, or kerb, is the raised frame the lantern sits on.
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
- Ponding water against the kerb after rain
Common causes we find
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.
Rotten timber
Untreated or wet timber kerbs rot from inside, so the lantern loses support and the seals open.
Roof lanterns in Harpenden
Leaf fall from garden trees is the most common cause of eaves overflow on suburban extensions. If your lantern sits near trees, clearing the eaves channel each autumn prevents a lot of drips.
From St Albans to Harpenden is roughly 5 miles — all part of the Hertfordshire area we cover.
If you're just outside Harpenden, we also cover St Albans (5 miles), Luton (5 miles), Hemel Hempstead (6 miles).
What should you expect to pay in Harpenden?
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 Harpenden: questions
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 repair a lantern someone else installed in Harpenden?
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 Harpenden
- Flat roof junction and flashing repairs in Harpenden
- uPVC roof lantern repairs in Harpenden
- Leak investigation and inspection in Harpenden
- Urgent leak make-safe in Harpenden
- Roof lantern replacement in Harpenden
- Orangery lantern repairs in Harpenden
Upstand and kerb repairs near Harpenden
More about upstand and kerb repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Harpenden