Velux roof window installation
A roof window turns a dark loft into a usable room, and it is one of the few jobs on this site people ring about because they want something rather than because something has broken.
We supply and fit Velux roof windows across East Lancashire and Craven, on slate and tile, on new conversions and into existing roofs.
- Covering
- East Lancashire & Craven
- Quotes
- Free, no pressure
- Ring or text
- 07840 031508
What we do
- New roof windows cut into an existing roof
- Windows fitted as part of a loft conversion
- Replacing old, draughty or leaking roof windows
- Replacing failed flashing kits on existing windows
- Flat roof windows on extensions and dormers
The flashing is the whole job
Anyone can cut a hole in a roof. What separates a roof window that is still dry in fifteen years from one that stains the plasterboard in three is the flashing kit and how it is fitted.
The kit has to match your roof covering. There are different kits for slate, for low-profile tile and for deep-profile tile, and they are not interchangeable. Fitting a slate kit onto a profiled concrete tile leaves gaps that no amount of mastic will close permanently.
Signs of a window that was fitted badly:
- Staining on the plasterboard at the corners of the reveal
- Damp appearing only in driving rain from one direction
- Visible mastic or sealant round the outside, which means the flashing was not doing its job
- Draughts, which usually mean the insulation collar was left out
What is involved
- Checking the rafters. Window sizes are chosen to fit between rafters where possible, because cutting a rafter means forming a structural trimmer around the opening.
- Setting the height. There are rules of thumb for sill height, and it affects both the view and whether it meets escape requirements if the room needs one.
- Cutting and framing the opening.
- Fitting the window and the correct flashing kit for your covering.
- Insulation collar and vapour barrier, which is what stops condensation round the frame.
Building regulations
Putting a window into an existing roof is usually permitted development, but building regulations still apply to the structural opening, the insulation and, where the room is a bedroom, to escape. A loft being converted to a habitable room is a different matter and needs full building control approval.
In a conservation area there may be restrictions on roof windows on a front elevation.
What a Velux costs
- The size and model, from a basic centre-pivot up to electric opening and triple glazing
- Whether a rafter has to be cut and trimmed, which adds cost
- Access and scaffold
- Whether the internal reveal is included
- How many, since a second window in the same roof costs much less than the first
The things people ask us
Not if the right flashing kit is used for your covering and it is fitted properly. Almost every leaking roof window we are called to has the wrong kit or a flashing that was helped along with sealant.
Yes, though it is more involved than on a uniform slate or tile roof, and the kit and the detailing need more care.
Usually a day for a single window in an accessible roof, plus the internal finishing.
Often on a rear elevation, less often on the front. Worth a call to the council's planning department before committing, and we can tell you what is usually accepted locally.
What people said about the work
Read the reviews, then ring us and see if we match up.
Alex replaced our leaking guttering. The guttering was measured, ordered and all replaced within a week! The job was done very professionally and at a great price! Great guys, who left the area spotless, when finished. Fantastic job! Great, honest, genuine tradesman. We would highly recommend to all!!!!!
We met Alex by chance one rainy afternoon on the local canal towpath. We were both sheltering from the rain under the same bridge. My husband and I had, earlier, been discussing our garage roof which was new a few years ago, but which had been leaking for some time. We think our chance meeting with Alex was meant to happen as, for some reason, I mentioned our leaky roof to him. We have always had difficultly finding reliable…
Excellent job, lovely people, very good roofers and sensible prices
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The work was completed to a really high standard they were reliable, professional and tidy throughout. It’s clear they take pride in their work, and the finished roof looks fantastic. Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy, hardworking roofer. Thank you to Alex, Jeff, Ryan & Junior Kath & Eric at Number 6
Great job done by Alex, Jason and Alfie on our chimney stack and roof. They provide a very professional friendly, service and are a pleasure to work with. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services. Thank you so much.
Excellent work done by a superb team. Alex, Geoff and Luke have done an incredible job on my roof and front of house. The roof no longer leaks (when living in Preston that's an important thing!) and the front of the house appearance has been transformed from an old tired look to a clean and more modern feel. They provide great advice, give you a quote detailing what they are going to do and then crack on and do a brilliant job…
Alex replaced our guttering, reset all the ridge tiles on the roof and capped the chimney properly. Alex and Luke were a breathe of fresh air to deal with. Alex was very friendly, he kept us informed of progress and what they were doing. He attended at the specified time and always kept everything clean and tidy. Quotes were accurate and were stuck to. Quality work throughout so if you want half a job doing don't call him. Personally I…
Alex and Geoff took great care inspecting the roof and deciding on a plan of action. Geoff and Luke worked seamlessly together to repair the numerous faults they discovered. They were cheerful and courteous at all times and were always ready to explain how the work was progressing and the issues they were dealing with as they arose. Jason and Alfie did a good job with the rendering. Photographs were provided, documenting their…
Alex and Luke have pointed our chimney and replaced pots. All the ridge tiles have been removed and replaced. Nothing has been too much trouble for these guys. We are more than happy with the end result. Totally reliable and trustworthy. Very friendly lads. I would 100% recommend their services.
Alex has just repaired chimney (putting right someone else’s bad work mainly) and ridge. Used Alex before after storm in 2022 brought guttering down on my 300 yr old cottage. Measured, made and fitted within about a week thankfully after months of others roofers either not showing or making out how difficult the job was
Very pleased indeed. Alex was responsive, helpful and, as chance would have it, was able to do the repair to the guttering at our daughter's bungalow, promptly. The charge was minimal for two tradesmen. Would certainly use again and have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
Alex and his team did a first class repair job on my roof. Excellent value for my money. Kept me informed at all stages of the job, clean and tidy on completion.
Other things we do
Roof repairs
Leaks, slipped and broken slates, storm damage, failed flashing and cracked cement. Most roofs we look at need a repair rather than a replacement.
Read moreEmergency roof repairs
Water coming in now. We make the roof safe and watertight first, then talk about the permanent fix once it is dry.
Read moreRoof slating
Welsh blue slate and Yorkshire stone slate. Individual slates, patch areas, and full re-slates on the stone terraces round here.
Read more