Roof windows
Choosing a Roof window or skylight…
Whilst some window manufacturers like Roto have their own definite style, there are many that appear to me to be exactly the same as the Velux windows I was fitting over 10 years ago. To be more specific, sizes and dimensions, finishing and flashings are the same, details like handles and hinges e.t.c. This makes me wonder if another company or a sub division of Velux themselves are manufacturing them using the same tooling machines and rebranding them for suppliers. That said they are normally cheaper and still come fully guaranteed.
Now let’s see some roof windows choices…
Roof window styles and types
Roof windows – Normally finished internally in Pine or white U.P.V.C. The next choice is to pick the type of opener you require – Centre pivot – Top hung – Means of escape (MOE) – Conservation – One third opening – Side hung – Balcony and terrace.
Click to enlarge
Manufacturers and brands roof window comparison
What is the best roof window – I’m afraid there is no simple answer it depends on budget and features, most come guaranteed for a minimum 10 Years, Velux and Roto probably currently have the nicest aesthetics internally for handle detail and finish.
Although at the moment here in the U.K. Velux roof windows seem the be the market leader in terms of popularity, there are many other makes you may wish to consider. Here are a few of the most common and freely available, but more and more window manufacturers seem to pop up every day.
Velux roof windows probably the best know roof window maker in the UK, so to see its own dedicated page please click the Link below or the picture to go to the Velux website.
Also see Our dedicated Velux page
RoofLITE roof windows very common now in the UK, a Scandinavian company that has these windows in their range… Core – Hive – Nito – Duro and Esca
Currently four flashing sets available, Tile, Slate, Universal and Combi.
Keylite roof windows – again a very common window manufacturer these days with a large range of window types… Centre pivot – Top hung – Fire / Means of escape – Conservation – Vertical Bi-Lite – Ridge line – Flat roof and White finish.
Currently four flashing sets available, Tile, Deep tile, Slate and Plain tile
Duratech roof windows, another popular choice amongst my customers available in… Centre pivot – Top hung – Fire / Means of escape and White finish
Currently three flashing sets available, Tile, Slate and Universal
Roto roof windows looking for something a little different? a German manufacturer boasting a 15 Year guarantee and available in… Top third pivot – Top hung – Side hung, White finish and Conservation
Currently three flashing sets available, Tile, Slate and Plain tile
Fakro roof windows, a very big window manufacturer growing in popularity in the UK, definitely worth a look for something a little different, available in… Centre pivot – Top hung – High pivot – Balcony window – Arc window< and Side hung
A large array of flashings available, see website for details.
Forticrete roof windows are relatively new to the market from an established and respected roof tile manufacturer. The main selling feature of these however is the extremely low angle of roof they can frequent without leaking. Usable down to a s little as 10 degrees of pitch.
Tyrem roof windows , these get a mention because there are in Screwfix, and I know how builders love Screwfix. Available in… Centre pivot – Low profile – High pivot – White
Currently three flashing sets available, Tile, Slate and Universal and Combi
Flashing sets
Roof windows break down into two parts, the window itself and the flashing kit that allows you to fix it into your roof and make it water tight. For some window manufacturers now like Velux, there are different options for the Tile or Slate flashings so check carefully before buying. These options could be…
- Standard flashing into normal interlocking roof tiles
- Flashing into large profile roof tiles
- Recessed flashings into tiles
- Conservation style flashings
- Recessed low profile roof window flashings in tiles
- Recessed low profile roof window flashings in slates
- Flashing into Plain tiles (i.e. 6″ Plain Tiles)
IMPORTANT – Please check that the flashing kit you need fits the angle of your roof, lots of people including local planning officials get caught out by looking at the minimum angle stated for the Window but forget the Flashing set has a minimum angle also.
An example of low profile recessed roof windows by using flashing kits
If you live in a conservation area or you would like a more subtle window install consider a low profile flashing kit, pictured below are the Velux examples.
Low Profile – Slate
This is a Velux window fitted with the low profile flashing set – EDN Obviously other makers have other codes and they are subject to change.
Low Profile – Tile
This is a Velux window fitted with the low profile flashing set – EDJ Obviously other makers have other codes and they are subject to change.
Also see…
- Velux roof windows – Velux window types
- Buy Cheap Roof Windows – Top tips for snagging a bargain
- Find a Roof window installer – Tips on finding a reliable installer
- How to Fit a roof window – Or another brand
- Sun tunnel – Have you considered a sun tube instead?
- Old Velux window codes – Cannot find a serial number?
- Roof window blinds – Types & fitting instructions