The upstand, or kerb, is the raised frame the lantern sits on. Send photos from Smethwick (B66) 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
- Roof membrane not lapped up the kerb, or peeling off it
- Cold, damp or mouldy lining around the opening
Common causes we find
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.
Roof lanterns in Smethwick
Lanterns in central England see a bit of everything — summer sun that ages seals and end caps, autumn leaf fall that blocks eaves, and frosty mornings that bring condensation. A yearly check covers all three.
In built-up areas, access is often the hardest part of the job — through the house, over a neighbour's roof, or with parking restrictions. We plan access in advance and price any tower or scaffold into the quote.
Smethwick is around 3 miles from Birmingham, and both are within our West Midlands coverage.
If you're just outside Smethwick, we also cover West Bromwich (2 miles), Birmingham (3 miles), Halesowen (5 miles).
How much should it cost?
Guide price for upstand and kerb repairs: £395–£1,295 ex VAT (£474–£1,554 inc 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 Smethwick: 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 Smethwick?
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 Smethwick
- Roof lantern leak repairs in Smethwick
- Flat roof junction and flashing repairs in Smethwick
- Slipped glass panel repairs in Smethwick
- Roof lantern respraying in Smethwick
- Leak investigation and inspection in Smethwick
- Commercial roof lantern repairs in Smethwick
Upstand and kerb repairs near Smethwick
More about upstand and kerb repairs · All roof lantern repairs in Smethwick