When a lantern is letting in a lot of water or the glass is broken, the first job is to stop more damage. Send photos from Barnes (SW13) and we'll tell you which it is — with the price agreed in writing before any work.

Is it time for urgent leak make-safe?
- Water pouring in during a storm
- Broken or missing glass
- Water near light fittings or sockets
Why it happens
Impact
Falling branches or debris can break glass.
Sudden seal failure
A failing joint can let go in heavy rain.
Roof lanterns in Barnes
Drier, sunnier parts of the UK are kinder to seals than the wet west, but strong sun ages sealant, gaskets and plastic end caps, and south- or west-facing lanterns can make rooms very warm. Solar control glass and an opening vent help.
Across London, many lanterns sit on rear extensions with access only through the house, so we protect floors and plan the work to keep time indoors to a minimum. Parking and any permits are factored into the quote.
From Westminster to Barnes is roughly 5 miles — all part of the Greater London area we cover.
If you're just outside Barnes, we also cover Chiswick (1 mile), Putney (2 miles), Fulham (2 miles).
How much should it cost?
Most urgent leak make-safe jobs come in between £195 and £395 ex VAT (£234–£474 including VAT), per visit. 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.
Urgent leak make-safe in Barnes: questions
Do you need to visit to price urgent leak make-safe?
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 Barnes?
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 quickly can you come?
We arrange make-safe visits as soon as we can, depending on weather, access and where you are. We'll give you an honest time when you call.
What does a make-safe cost?
Usually £195–£395 ex VAT, confirmed before we attend. The permanent repair is quoted separately.
Other lantern repairs in Barnes
- Glazing bar and capping repairs in Barnes
- Flat roof junction and flashing repairs in Barnes
- Misted glass unit replacement in Barnes
- Condensation diagnosis and fixes in Barnes
- Flat rooflight and skylight repairs in Barnes
- Roof lantern replacement in Barnes
Urgent leak make-safe near Barnes
More about urgent leak make-safe · All roof lantern repairs in Barnes