Velux Roof Windows for Loft Conversions

Velux roof windows are essential components of successful loft conversions, bringing natural light and fresh air into spaces that would otherwise be dark and stuffy. As the market leader in roof windows, Velux offers a comprehensive range of products suitable for different loft types, budgets, and design preferences. Understanding the options available, sizing requirements, and installation considerations will help you maximise light and create a beautiful, functional loft space. This guide covers everything you need to know about Velux windows for North London loft conversions.

Why Velux Windows are Essential for Loft Conversions

Loft conversions by definition involve creating habitable rooms within roof spaces. Without adequate natural light, these rooms feel cramped, dark, and uninviting. Velux roof windows solve this by:

• Providing Abundant Natural Light: Roof windows positioned in sloping ceilings deliver up to twice as much light as vertical windows of the same size
• Creating Visual Space: Views of sky make rooms feel larger and more connected to the outdoors
• Enabling Ventilation: Opening windows provide essential fresh air and cooling
• Meeting Building Regulations: Adequate glazing is required for habitable rooms
• Adding Property Value: Bright, well-lit lofts are more desirable and valuable
• Providing Emergency Escape: Specific windows can serve as fire escape routes

Types of Velux Windows

Centre-Pivot Windows: The classic design where the window pivots from the centre, allowing it to rotate 180 degrees:

• Easy to operate from inside
• Simple cleaning—rotation allows access to outer glass from inside
• Suitable for most room types and roof pitches (15-90 degrees)
• Good ventilation when open
• Most economical option
• Handle positioned at top of window

Top-Hung Windows: Hinged at the top, opening outward:

• Creates unobstructed views when open
• Ideal for roof terraces or balconies (can walk through when fully open)
• Better for windows installed lower in the roof (handle at bottom is easier to reach)
• Provides shelter from light rain when open
• More expensive than centre-pivot
• Suitable for roof pitches 15-55 degrees

Combination Windows: Multiple windows combined for maximum light:

• Side-by-side installations for wide light spans
• Vertical combinations creating floor-to-ceiling glazing
• Dramatic visual impact
• Ideal for master bedrooms or living spaces
• Requires structural planning

Balcony Windows: Transform into small balconies:

• Top section hinges upward, bottom section projects forward creating standing space
• Adds unique feature to loft bedrooms
• Provides fresh air and outdoor connection without full dormer cost
• Requires planning permission in most cases
• Premium pricing

Fixed (Non-Opening) Windows:

• For additional light where ventilation isn't needed
• Often combined with opening windows
• More economical than opening versions
• Suitable for high positions or decorative purposes

Glazing Options

Standard Double Glazing:

• U-value of 1.3 W/m²K (good thermal performance)
• Suitable for most applications
• Cost-effective option

Triple Glazing:

• U-value of 0.8 W/m²K (excellent thermal performance)
• Better acoustic insulation
• Reduces condensation risk
• Recommended for north-facing windows or noisy areas
• Higher cost but improves energy efficiency

Noise Reduction Glazing:

• Special laminated glass reduces external noise by up to 50%
• Ideal for properties near busy roads or under flight paths (common in parts of North London)
• Provides security benefits

Solar Control Glazing:

• Reduces heat gain in south-facing lofts
• Special coating reflects solar radiation
• Prevents overheating in summer
• Particularly useful for bedrooms

Safety Glass:

• Toughened and laminated for enhanced safety
• Required for certain positions (above circulation areas, escape windows)
• Standard in modern Velux windows

Operation and Control Options

Manual Operation:

• Hand-operated with control bar at top or bottom
• Simple and reliable
• No power required
• Most economical option
• Suitable for easily reachable windows

Electric Operation:

• Motor-operated opening at the touch of a button
• Wall switch or remote control operation
• Ideal for high windows or difficult-to-reach locations
• Can integrate with smart home systems
• Higher initial cost but very convenient

Solar-Powered Operation:

• Electric motor powered by integrated solar panel
• No wiring required—easy retrofit
• Battery backup for cloudy days
• More expensive than wired electric but easier to install
• Environmentally friendly option

Smart Controls:

• Velux Active with HomeKit integration
• Smartphone app control
• Automatic opening based on temperature, humidity, or air quality
• Rain sensors automatically close windows
• Can control multiple windows simultaneously
• Integrates with home automation systems

Blinds and Accessories

Velux offers extensive blind and accessory ranges designed specifically for their windows:

Blackout Blinds:

• Block 100% of light
• Essential for bedrooms
• Available in many colours and patterns
• Manual or electric operation
• Side rails prevent light gaps

Roller Blinds:

• Filter light while maintaining views
• Semi-transparent or dimming fabrics
• Wide colour range
• More economical than blackout blinds

Pleated Blinds:

• Concertina design allows positioning anywhere on window
• Excellent light control
• Energy-efficient honeycomb designs available

External Shutters and Awnings:

• Fitted outside the window
• Block heat before it enters the room (more effective than internal blinds)
• Security benefit
• Ideal for south-facing windows prone to overheating
• Electric or solar-powered operation

Insect Screens:

• Allow ventilation while keeping insects out
• Particularly useful for summer nights
• Roll away when not needed

Sizing and Positioning Velux Windows

Calculating Required Glazing Area:

Building regulations require habitable rooms to have glazing equivalent to at least 10% of floor area. For a 20 sq m loft bedroom, you need minimum 2 sq m of glazing. However, more is better for bright, comfortable spaces.

Recommended Glazing:

• 15-20% of floor area for well-lit rooms
• Multiple smaller windows often better than single large window
• Spread windows across roof for even light distribution
• Consider views—position windows to frame attractive vistas

Positioning for Optimal Light:

• Height: Lower edge ideally 90-110cm above floor for comfortable views when seated
• Top Height: Higher windows bring light deeper into the room
• Floor-to-Ceiling: Vertical combinations of windows create dramatic light and views
• Spacing: Minimum 10cm between windows in combinations
• Orientation: South-facing windows provide most light but may overheat; north-facing give consistent, cooler light

Standard Velux Sizes:

Velux windows come in standard sizes designated by codes (e.g., MK04, SK06):

• Popular sizes: 78cm x 98cm, 78cm x 118cm, 78cm x 140cm, 114cm x 118cm
• Larger windows (134cm wide) available for maximum light
• Choose size based on rafter spacing—windows typically fit between rafters
• Custom sizes available but more expensive

Installation Considerations

Flashing Systems:

Proper weatherproofing is critical. Velux provides flashing kits designed for different roof coverings:

• Tile flashing for tiled roofs
• Slate flashing for slate roofs
• Profile flashing for corrugated roofs
• Combination flashings for multiple window installations

Professional installation using correct flashings ensures weathertight performance for decades.

Structural Modifications:

• Rafters may need trimming to accommodate windows
• Trimmer rafters added to support cut rafters
• Structural engineer calculations for large or multiple windows
• Building control approval required

Insulation and Finish:

• Insulation packed around window frames
• Vapour barriers properly sealed
• Internal reveals plastered or lined
• Architraves fitted for neat finish
• Consider deep reveals to maximise light distribution

Fire Escape Requirements

Loft bedrooms require emergency escape windows:

• Minimum clear opening of 450mm x 450mm (0.33 sq m)
• Bottom of opening maximum 1100mm above floor
• Must be easily accessible and operable
• Specific Velux sizes meet these requirements (check specifications)
• Usually top-hung windows for easier access in emergencies
• Building control will inspect and approve escape routes

Costs of Velux Windows

Supply and Installation (per window):

• Basic centre-pivot manual: £500-£800
• Top-hung manual: £600-£900
• Electric centre-pivot: £900-£1,400
• Solar-powered: £1,000-£1,500
• Triple-glazed premium: £800-£1,200
• Balcony window: £3,500-£5,500

Prices include window, flashing, installation labour, and basic internal finish. Multiple window installations benefit from economy of scale.

Blinds:

• Roller blind: £80-£150
• Blackout blind: £120-£250
• Electric blind: £300-£500
• External shutter: £400-£700

Maintenance and Longevity

Velux windows are designed for minimal maintenance:

• Clean glass and frames annually
• Check and clear drainage channels (water can collect in frame)
• Lubricate moving parts every few years
• Check seals and flashings for any weathering
• Electric motors are maintenance-free sealed units
• Expect 25-30+ years of trouble-free operation
• Comprehensive warranties (typically 10 years)

Velux vs. Alternatives

Whilst other manufacturers produce roof windows, Velux remains the premium choice:

Advantages of Velux:

• Superior quality and reliability
• Comprehensive accessory range perfectly matched
• Widely available spares and support
• Strong warranties and customer service
• Proven longevity
• Better resale value

Alternatives:

• Fakro, Keylite, Rooflite offer cheaper options
• May save 20-30% on initial costs
• Quality generally lower
• Limited accessory ranges
• Consider for budget projects or rental properties

For North London properties where quality and longevity matter, Velux is the recommended choice.