New VELUX® Window Installation across Manchester and Cheshire

Planning where the window goes

The best position is a balance between the view, the light, headroom and the roof structure. A window set too high gives sky but no view; one set too low can be awkward to open. We look at how the room will be used, where furniture and beds will sit, and how the window lines up with rafters, before recommending a size and position.

Rafters are usually spaced so that standard window widths fit between them. Where a larger window or a pair of windows is wanted, a rafter may need to be trimmed and supported. We will tell you if that is the case and what it involves.

Choosing the right window

• Centre-pivot windows for most rooms, easy to clean from inside
• Top-hung windows where you want a clear view out or easier access
• Electric or solar-powered windows for high positions, with rain sensors that close them automatically
• Moisture-resistant white finishes for bathrooms and kitchens
• Low-profile windows that sit lower in the roof, often preferred in conservation areas
• Blinds and blackout options for bedrooms and nurseries

Fitting it properly

A roof window is only weatherproof if it is integrated with the roof correctly. We use the right flashing for your roof covering, whether that is slate, plain tile or deep-profile concrete tile, renew the underlay around the opening and fit insulation collars so there is no cold bridge around the frame. Inside, the lining is formed and finished so the window sits neatly in the ceiling.

Planning permission and Building Regulations

Roof windows on houses usually fall under permitted development, provided they do not project more than 150mm from the roof plane and are not higher than the highest part of the roof. Side-facing windows may need to be obscure-glazed and fixed below 1.7m from the floor. Flats, listed buildings and properties covered by an Article 4 direction are different, so check with your council if any of those apply.

Cutting rafters or creating habitable loft space can bring Building Regulations requirements, for example on structure, insulation and fire escape. We will explain what applies to your project when we quote.

Working with builders and loft converters

We are happy to fit windows as part of a larger project, working to your builder's programme, or to add roof windows to an existing room as a stand-alone job.