What's involved in a VELUX roof window replacement?

On cost and sustainability grounds, no one wants to replace a perfectly fine roof window, but most roof windows have a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years. If you have an old or outdated roof window, you may find that it leaks and contributes to your home’s heat loss. These problems will disappear when you upgrade and you will see other significant improvements too, including:

Old and out-of-date roof windows will likely no longer insulate or ventilate your home effectively. They may leak heat from your home in winter or cold spells, which means your home will require more energy to heat it. The latest VELUX roof windows will make your home more energy efficient and help to reduce its carbon footprint. They have up to three times better thermal performance than models over ten-years-old. That translates to energy savings of up to 24%.

Find out how VELUX roof windows improve your home's energy efficiency

The latest VELUX roof windows have very slim frames, so their enlarged glazed area brings more natural light into your home when compared to older versions. Every room should have a glazed area that’s equivalent to at least 20% of its floor space. If your room doesn’t meet this, you could switch your old roof window for a larger version or add more roof windows to really brighten your space and make it more welcoming.

When you replace your old roof windows with the latest slim-framed VELUX roof windows, which integrate seamlessly into your roof line, you improve the look of your home from the inside and the outside. This together, with the improvements in energy efficiency VELUX roof windows bring to your home, can increase the value of your property.

The cost of a roof or loft window replacement depends on the size and features you want in your new roof window. Depending on the size and complexity of your installation, the costs can vary. 

For a standard swap of an old roof window for the latest VELUX roof window, expect to pay around £550-£650 labour costs, plus the price of your roof window. If you’re going for a larger sized window or adding additional roof windows, the price for the roof window and roof window installation will obviously rise.

If you’re replacing a roof window in the same opening, you shouldn’t need to obtain planning or building regulation approval. If you’re adding a larger roof window or additional roof windows, you will need to see that they comply with the latest building regulations and planning permission may be required. Check with architect or your local planning office. 

If your home is listed or in a conversation area, check to see whether you need to obtain further approvals.

When you enlist a VELUX Certified Installer for installing your roof window, you can rest assured that your roof window replacement will be carried out by a professional  installer who knows everything there is to know about VELUX products and will take care of the installation process from start to finish.

Trusted, vetted, and thoroughly trained in the VELUX product range. What’s more, your VELUX installation will be guaranteed for 10 years for complete peace of mind.

A like-for-like roof window replacement can be done within four hours. If you’re upgrading to a larger roof window or installing additional roof windows expect it to take a day or two.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what to expect when installing a roof window:

• Step 1

  
  The roof window installers remove the flashing and roofing material surrounding your old roof window.

• Step 2

  
  The roof window installers remove your old roof window.

• Step 3

  
  The roof window installers make any necessary adjustments to your roof opening. If a larger roof window is replacing your old roof window or further roof windows are being added, if necessary, the installers add supporting crossbeams to hold the larger or additional roof windows.

• Step 4

  
  The roof window installer secures your new roof windows to the rafters of your roof and then installs the flashing and replaces the roofing material along the edge of the flashing.

• Step 5

  
  Any internal cosmetic fixes, or new plasterboard, are applied. This step typically won’t be required for a simple like-for-like replacement.

• Step 6

  
  The installer adds your chosen VELUX roof window accessories, such as blinds or shutters. 

• Step 7

  
  Your installers clean up and take the packaging and your old roof window away with them.