The upstand, or kerb, is the raised frame the lantern sits on. Send photos from Kirkwall (KW15) and we'll tell you which it is — with the price agreed in writing before any work.
Is it time for upstand and kerb repairs?
- Water appearing below the lantern rather than from the glass
- Ponding water against the kerb after rain
- Cold, damp or mouldy lining around the opening
Why it happens
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.
About Kirkwall and the KW15 area
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.
Coastal wind drives rain hard against lanterns, so cappings and ridge seals on the seaward face take the most punishment.
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 upstand and kerb repairs in Kirkwall
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 Scotland?
Straightforward repairs — resealing, gaskets, cappings, eaves and like-for-like parts — don't normally need building regulations approval in Scotland. Replacing the whole lantern or enlarging the opening is different and falls under the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004; we confirm in writing which route applies before any replacement. 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.
Upstand and kerb repairs in Kirkwall: questions
How do I get a price for upstand and kerb repairs in Kirkwall?
Send a few photos of the lantern and the problem, with your Kirkwall postcode. We'll reply with a guide price and tell you whether a visit is needed before we can fix the price.
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.
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.
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 Kirkwall
- Misted glass unit replacement in Kirkwall
- Cracked lantern glass replacement in Kirkwall
- Solar control and self-cleaning glass upgrades in Kirkwall
- Opening vent and actuator repairs in Kirkwall
- Roof lantern replacement in Kirkwall
- Orangery lantern repairs in Kirkwall
More about upstand and kerb repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Kirkwall