Guide prices
Small sealed unit
Misted or cracked unit up to about 1 m² measured, made and refitted
Medium sealed unit
Units up to about 2 m², or toughened and laminated
Large or specialist
Triple glazed, solar-control or heavy units needing lifting gear
Guide ranges. The first visit is charged and priced before booking; any new glass is priced in writing before work starts. Scaffold, access towers or a crane are priced separately if the job needs them, and building warrant fees, where a job needs them, are shown as their own line.
Coverage by arrangement
Lerwick is covered by arrangement. Tell us the address and we will confirm travel, dates and any ferry or accommodation costs before quoting. Many island and remote jobs can be priced from photos first, so nobody travels until the scope is clear.
What the job includes
- New unit set on packers, then beaded, capped or bonded as designed
- Sealed unit ordered to match or improve on the original glass
- Old glass taken out safely and removed from site
- Condition of the frame — We look at the frame closely before committing to new glass.
- Can the glass come out? — We check whether your rooflight has removable glass or a bonded unit before booking a fitting visit.
How the glass is replaced
On the fitting visit, the room below is protected first. The beads or cappings come off, the old unit is lifted out with suction lifters, and the rebate is cleaned and checked for damage or blocked drainage. The new sealed unit goes in on fresh packers and gaskets, the cappings are refitted and sealed, and the glass is cleaned. Most glass swaps take half a day once the new glass is made.
Do you need permission in Lerwick?
In Scotland, forming a new rooflight opening needs a building warrant from the council, because the roof is being altered. Replacing an existing rooflight complete with its frame doesn't need a warrant, but the new unit still has to meet the building standards, including the 1.6 W/m²K energy figure for windows and rooflights in alterations. Planning depends on the house and where it is: householder permitted development rights don't apply in conservation areas, and listed buildings need consent. We confirm this with you before quoting.
What to send us
To price the measuring visit, send a photo of the rooflight from inside showing the misting or crack, one from outside if you can reach a safe viewpoint, and the rough size of the glass. If you know the make or have the original paperwork, include that too, along with the postcode.
Common questions in Lerwick
Can you replace just the glass in my rooflight?
Often, yes. If the frame, gaskets and drainage are sound, a new sealed unit can go into the existing frame. If the frame has failed, is distorted or leaks around the edge, replacing the whole rooflight is usually the better answer, and we tell you that.
Is the measuring visit charged?
Yes. The first visit measures the existing glass and checks the frame, and it is charged. We confirm that price before you book. The fitting of the new glass is then priced in writing, so you see the full cost before anything is ordered.
Is new glass or a new rooflight better value?
If the frame, gaskets and drainage are sound, new glass is usually the cheaper fix. If the frame is cracked, distorted or leaking at the kerb, a full replacement is better value. After the measuring visit we price both so you can compare.
Got a leak or a misted unit in Lerwick? Send photos first and we will tell you what the visit costs before booking.
