A couple of ideal factors that come with well-designed windows are their stunning aesthetics and handy functionality, and Velux windows offer both of these. But they also provide a few other benefits.
If you're deciding whether to consider these windows for your roofing project, don't miss their pros and cons, costs and more, in this article, where our roofing professionals will give you all the details you need.
What Are Velux Windows?
You may have heard of Velux windows, and know that they are roof windows. They are one of the optimal ways to enhance the amount of natural light that your attic or home's upper level receives. In fact, when used as part of a Velux rigid sun tunnel, they ensure abundant daylight can enter your home.
The origins of the name Velux are found in the Latin words ventus and lux, which mean wind and light, and this indicates some of their properties, which you will find below.
Structurally, these windows are incorporated into the roof's design, and they work for roofs with a range of pitch structures. For instance, a Velux window can work for roofs with a pitch as low as 15 degrees or as high as 90 degrees.
Velux Window Types
A few Velux window styles are available - for instance the Velux centre pivot roof window and top hung type are a couple of examples. Below are all the other main types.
- Centre pivoting roof windows: Centre pivoting roof window models pivot from the centre of the frame, opening at a perpendicular angle compared with the roof to spread across the interior and exterior.
- Hung windows: Hung windows pivot and open from the top of the frame, opening outward and offering an unobstructed view to the outside of the home.
- VSE electric opening skylight: There is also another model known as the VSE electric opening skylight. This is one of the Velux skylights that has advanced features. For instance, it's the ultimate skylight solution thanks to its convenient remote control and built in rain sensors that add greater ease of use and less manual requirements.
- FS fixed skylight: This is one of the Velux skylights that can be installed on a pitched roof for a room that doesn't require ventilation. They provide stunning sky views and are ideal for visually expanding a room.
Pros of Velux Windows
Our roofing experts with two decades of experience here explain the pros of Velux windows, helping you discover the benefits you can gain with these solutions:
- Increased natural light: A Velux window will increase the natural light in your property, and this has many additional advantages. For instance, there is less need to use artificial light within the home, which greatly reduces your energy bills.
It's with abundant daylight through Velux windows that inhabitants of your home can have an improved mental wellbeing and additional comfort. Thus, there are comfort and energy savings advantages.
- Greater property value: Velux windows can give your home a greater property value, as it contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your home.
- Ensures fresh air enters the property: As well as the increased daylight, Velux windows ensure plenty of fresh air enters the property thanks to one of its features.
For instance, the top control bar makes it easy to control the airflow within the home, ensuring you can have maximum ventilation or lower levels of airflow when required.
- Improved insulation: These windows contribute to enhanced insulation, and they do this with specific features. For instance, with materials and enhanced performing glazing, ThermoTechnology and an airtight seal, heat can remain within the property.
It's thanks to the improved insulation that you can gain energy efficiency. For instance, as it minimises the amount of heat that escapes, the amount of energy you need to use to heat your property lower. The result is lower energy bills.
- Weatherproof roofing: These windows also contribute to weatherproof roofing, and they do this with specific features. For example, as stated, they have airtight seals. These seals prevent any water seepage through to the inside of the roof.
Cons of Velux Windows
Here our roofing professionals explore the cons of Velux windows to ensure you make an informed decision before getting them installed.
- Noise accentuation: When there is rainfall, there is a chance that its noise is accentuated by the window's slant. This may be an issue if your loft space is being used as an office. Yet features are available to minimise this. For instance, the Velux double glazing system works to offer high grade sound insulation.
- Low sun and blinding light: When the sun is low, it could be the case that its rays might be blinding - and this can happen if the Velux window does not feature a blind.
- Difficult to access: If the Velux window is positioned near the peak of the slanted roof, this can be difficult to open and close. This is only an issue if the window doesn't require a remote control.
Costs of Velux Windows
Costs of Velux windows vary. For instance, a larger skylight can cost more than a smaller skylight and with additional advanced features, the cost can be greater than those with fewer features.
Thus, a fixed Velux skylight can cost anywhere between $1,200 and $5,000. Yet for options that offer features such as motorized shades, you can expect to pay more than $5,000, and VSE electric opening skylights can cost between $2,000 and $8,000.
Final Thoughts on Velux Windows & Roofing
Looking at the whole picture, Velux windows installed on roofing are an ideal solution if you want to increase free daylight into your home and the airflow into an attic space.
They can reduce your energy bills significantly with the insulation and abundant daylight they offer. We suggest considering a professional specialising in roofing if you want to get these windows installed.
For more information on Velux windows and roofing, visit the Roofstuf.com.au website and check Evobuild for details on roofing materials.
FAQS
How long to install a Velux window?
It's a simple project in terms of home improvement and even though there can be minor disruptions if you're living in the space where installation is happening, the process is relatively fast. It should take between one and two days for the entire installation process.
Are Velux windows fitted from the outside?
They can be fitted from the interior space of the roof in many cases, and often, you will not need to use scaffolding. But make sure you confirm whether access to the Velux window space is possible from the exterior of the roof just in case a roof tile loosens during the process.
How to fit a Velux window?
It takes a few steps. Unbox the window by laying the packaging flat and laying the window on top of the box. Remove any polystyrene, even those on the control bar, and disconnect the window's sash. Clip the installation collar together at the corners and fit the brackets, paying attention to the guide, then fit the underfelt collar. Install the flashing and complete the tiling process around the window.