The upstand, or kerb, is the raised frame the lantern sits on. Send photos from Bootle (L20) and we'll tell you which it is — with the price agreed in writing before any work.
What you might be seeing
- Water appearing below the lantern rather than from the glass
- Roof membrane not lapped up the kerb, or peeling off it
- Ponding water against the kerb after rain
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.
About Bootle and the L20 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.
Urban grime and traffic film dull glass and frames quickly; a clean and seal check makes a tired lantern look and perform much better.
Coastal wind drives rain hard against lanterns, so cappings and ridge seals on the seaward face take the most punishment.
We cover Bootle as part of Merseyside, about 4 miles from Liverpool.
Close by, we also cover Litherland (1 mile), Wallasey (4 miles), Liverpool (4 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?
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 Bootle: questions
Can you repair a lantern someone else installed in Bootle?
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.
Which places near Bootle do you cover?
As well as Bootle, we cover nearby Litherland, Wallasey, Liverpool, Maghull and the rest of Merseyside.
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 Bootle
- Ridge and hip repairs in Bootle
- Condensation diagnosis and fixes in Bootle
- Timber roof lantern repairs in Bootle
- Opening vent and actuator repairs in Bootle
- Flat rooflight and skylight repairs in Bootle
- Urgent leak make-safe in Bootle
Upstand and kerb repairs near Bootle
More about upstand and kerb repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Bootle