Skylight Installation in Essex
A properly fitted skylight brings natural light into a room and adds real value to a property. Get it wrong and you have a leak in your roof. We supply and fit skylights and roof windows on pitched and flat roofs across Essex, with the flashing done properly so they stay watertight.
Based in Stock, covering all of Essex. Free written quotes, no obligation, fully insured.
Skylight installation in Essex
A well-positioned skylight makes a real difference to a room, particularly in a loft conversion, a back extension, or a bedroom with a north-facing window. It brings in natural light that a wall window cannot provide and, on the right property, adds genuine value. Done badly, it is a leak waiting to happen.
The difference between a skylight that stays dry and one that leaks is almost always the flashing. Getting the flashing detail right, dressed correctly into the surrounding tile or felt layer, is what we have spent 40 years learning on Essex roofs. We work on pitched roofs in Chelmsford, Brentwood, and Billericay, and on flat roof extensions across Basildon, Wickford, and throughout the county.
This work often sits alongside a new roof installation or a full roof replacement, when fitting or replacing a skylight at the same time saves on access costs. If the skylight is on a flat roof extension, our flat roofing team handles both together.
We come out and assess the roof before we recommend a size or type. What works on a 45-degree plain tile roof in Chelmsford is not necessarily right for a 15-degree concrete tile roof in Basildon or a flat rubber roof in Brentwood.
- Rafter spacing and structural trimming requirements
- Roof pitch and the type of covering (tile, slate, felt, EPDM)
- Whether the room below needs ventilation as well as light
- Planning constraints if the property is listed or in a conservation area
- Access requirements and scaffolding if needed
- Condensation risk where roof insulation meets the new kerb
Skylight work we carry out
Pitched roof skylights
Standard and centre-pivot roof windows fitted into pitched tile or slate roofs, correctly flashed and sealed.
Flat roof skylights
Kerb-mounted fixed or opening units for flat roofs covered in EPDM, felt, or fibreglass.
Skylight replacement
Removal of old failing units and fitting of new, with all flashing renewed and the roof covering made good.
Leaking skylight repair
Assessment and repair of leaking flashings, failed seals, and deteriorating frames on existing skylights.
Velux and roof windows
Supply and fit of Velux and equivalent roof window units in a range of sizes and opening configurations.
Loft conversion skylights
Skylight installation as part of loft conversion work, coordinated with our roof installation team.
How we handle your skylight job
Site visit and written quote
We come out and look at the roof and the room below. We check rafter spacing, pitch, and the existing covering, and advise on the right size and type of unit. The quote is written, with no call-out fee and no obligation.
Supply and structural prep
We supply the skylight unit and any flashings needed. If trimming is needed between rafters to create the opening, we carry that out carefully so the surrounding structure is not weakened.
Opening cut and frame fitted
The opening is cut to the size of the frame with proper tolerance. The frame is fixed at the correct pitch with all manufacturer fixings torqued correctly. We do not rush this stage.
Flashing integrated with the roof covering
The flashing kit is dressed correctly into the surrounding tile or felt layer so water cannot find a path around the frame. This is the detail that determines whether a skylight leaks or stays dry.
Internal reveal and finish
The internal reveal around the opening is finished neatly so the inside of the installation looks as good as the outside. We can advise on plastering and painting if that is needed.
Check and clear up
We test the unit opens and closes correctly if it is an opening type, check the flashing is sitting as it should, and clear up all waste before leaving.
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Why Essex homeowners choose M.W Beal & Son
The flashing is done properly
Most skylight leaks are not a fault with the unit itself. They are a flashing problem. We dress the flashing correctly into the surrounding tile or felt layer on every installation. It takes longer to do it right, but it is the only way to guarantee the roof stays watertight.
40+ years on Essex roofs
We have fitted skylights on pitched tile roofs across Chelmsford and Brentwood, on concrete tile roofs across Basildon and Wickford, on flat rubber extensions throughout the county, and on older properties with clay and slate coverings. We know what each roof type needs.
We look at the whole roof, not just the opening
When we come out to quote a skylight job, we check the condition of the surrounding felt and battens while we are up there. If there is something that is going to cause a problem in the next couple of years, we would rather tell you now than come back to sort it out after the skylight is in.
Correct structural trimming
Creating an opening in a roof affects the structure. We cut carefully and trim the rafters properly so the surrounding structure is not weakened. This matters particularly in older properties where the rafter sizes are smaller than modern standards.
Fully insured, written quotes
All our work is fully insured. Every job gets a written quote beforehand with a clear price. We do not add costs after the fact unless something unexpected comes up, and if it does, we agree the additional cost with you before proceeding.
5.0 stars · 58 Google reviews
All from real Essex homeowners. We have been doing this for 40 years and most of our work comes from recommendations. That is what happens when you do straightforward work properly and charge a fair price for it.
Skylight installation across Essex
We are based in Stock, which puts us within easy reach of most of Essex. We carry out skylight installation and replacement across the towns below and most of the villages and rural areas in between. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call.
What our customers say
5.0 stars from 58 verified Google reviews
“We wanted a skylight in the back bedroom of our Victorian terrace in Chelmsford — the room had always been dark. Matt came out, measured up properly, and was honest that the rafter spacing meant some trimming work was needed. He quoted for everything together. The installation was clean, the flashing looks right, and the room is completely different now.”
Rachel & Tom H.
Chelmsford
Pitched roof skylight installation in Victorian terrace
“We had a flat roof skylight on a rear extension that had been leaking around the kerb since it was fitted by someone else. Joe came out, had a look, and was straight with us — the flashing had never been done correctly. He reflashed the whole kerb and made it good. No leaks since. Straightforward job, done properly.”
Gary & Sarah L.
Brentwood
Flat roof skylight reflashing and weatherproofing
“Had a Velux fitted in our loft conversion in Billericay. The old one had been there since the conversion was done in the 90s and was starting to let water in at the frame. Matt replaced the whole unit and redressed the flashing around it. He was up there for a couple of hours, did it properly, and the roof has been dry ever since.”
David K.
Billericay
Velux replacement with full flashing renewal
Skylight installation FAQs
Thinking about a skylight in Essex?
We'll come out, look at the roof and the room below, and give you a written quote at no charge. Whether it is a new installation or a leaking existing unit, we'll tell you honestly what the right approach is.
40+ years experienceFamily-runFully insuredFree no-obligation quotes5.0★ Google rating