Things to look for when looking at VELUX replacement jobs

VELUX Replacement Window Issues:

1. On the old VELUX Windows GGL – 1 to GGL – 9
1. Brackets are often too high on the original window (i.e. original installation not perfect)
2. Often between 25mm – 40mm
3. Usually, a consequence of misinterpreting the old VELUX installation instructions depicting lines to follow on the frame
4. Normally easily spotted as the window looks to be sitting higher in the roof than normal
5. Removing part 4 (or is it part 3) the side pieces reveal a gap showing an exposed part of the window frame
6. Essential this is done by installer before quoting as there is extra work involved to re-sit the new window lower into the roof
7. The use of an ELX Flashing is useful here as it helps bridge to gap if lowering the nee roof window is problematic for any reason

2. Installations where the window has been installed on top of sarking (Scotland) which itself is on top of tiling battens OR an old slate roof has been replaced by a new tile roof leaving the old window in situ

3. Tiles have been cut and positioned right up against the sides, top and bottom of the window - they need to be removed and trimmed / cut to leave a bigger gap

4. Where the original roofing material (slate or tile) is in place and the disruption of installing a new replacement window calls for some additional tiles or slates. Sometimes using a tile or slate from elsewhere in the roof (i.e. rear elevation) makes it look better and the less good slates or tiles can be used where the better ones have been taken from

5. Tiles or slates that have been positioned and fixed hard up against the old Flashing apron on the bottom of the window. This requires and adjustment to make the opening slightly longer to accommodate the new flashing which because it site the window lower in the roof space needs a little more space.

6. Never use old brackets and they can be slightly off. This is a particular issue with large square windows like SK08, UK08 which any small movement with a bracket can result in a slightly distorted frame when brackets are tightened resulting in a sash that can be slightly out of line / not parallel with its frame and can cause the sash to stick

7. The old screws on the external cover parts can hide a number of issue and may have caused water ingress over the years – the new push-fit system has solved this.

8. The old GGL 102’s, 104’s, 206’s has plasterboard grooves that are out of line with the new replacement windows. This may be to do with the change in the glass size over the years – note in 2014 with the introduction of the “K” series the glazing is 40mm longer. Best advice is to allow an extra 6mm all the way round.