How to Rejuvenate Your Dated VELUX Roof Windows

More and more people are choosing to upgrade their old VELUX pitched roof windows with a better quality of product and glazing.

By Larry Bohan, updated

16 June 2023

Three of the main reasons homeowners choose to replace their VELUX windows are because the window has become outdated, been inherited or is not performing as well as it once did.

Updating your VELUX roof window can make a massive difference to the window's appearance and performance, making it more energy efficient and better suited to more modern interiors.

The age of a VELUX window poses no barrier to replacing it, as VELUX sizes have changed very little over the last 40 years. This makes finding a like-for like size replacement straightforward and installing it a quick and mess free job.

What Are The Benefits of Replacing Your Old VELUX Window?

VELUX sizes might not have changed much over the years but the windows themselves have. VELUX windows have been continually improved in line with advances in technology and manufacturing techniques. VELUX windows are now built with a larger glazing area to provide more daylight and 115% better energy efficiency than older models. This makes the windows far better at keeping heat inside a room, helping users save on heating and reducing the chances of condensation.

If you are redesigning a kitchen or bathroom, your old pine windows will almost certainly look a bit dated. Or maybe the wood is looking a bit darker in your loft bedroom and needs a refresh.

In addition to a more contemporary appearance, white paint and, in particular, polyurethane (PU) finishes require far less maintenance than pine. PU windows require a simple wipe down with water every so often and are ideal for humid environments thanks to the moisture resistant nature of polyurethane.

Shop VELUX White Painted Roof Windows

How Easy is it to Replace my VELUX Window?

Very easy. Especially if it's a like for like size replacement. There is minimal disruption to the homeowner with most window replacements done from inside the home within four hours by a professional.

Your VELUX size code will tell you everything you and your installer need to know about your existing window and the replacement you need, such as size, age and glazing type.

Larger replacements are possible although this will mean widening the roof current aperture to accommodate the bigger size. Most of the time, roof window replacements fall under Permitted Development and do not require Planning Permission. If you do not need to take out the entire window and only wish to replace your glass because it's broken, not as clear as it once was or you want to upgrade to a noise reduction or opaque glazing, see our blog 'How to Replace or Upgrade Your VELUX Window Glazing'.

Can I do it Myself or do I Need an Installer?

We strongly recommend that you hire a professional window installer for the job. Remember, should anything go wrong with the window due to it not being installed right, the product's guarantee may be void.

Your install must comply with Building Regulations and the work should be certified to ensure no problems if you ever decide to move home. To find an installer, it’s a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends, contacts and other tradespeople you already know. Alternatively, the VELUX Group has a database of its own installers or you can give us a call and we can recommended one of the installers we work with.

How do I find my VELUX Window Code 

All VELUX roof windows made after 1968 have a data plate giving exact information about the model. You'll find it in the right corner of the top sash, behind the ventilation flap.

This will help you identify the replacement window you need. Watch the video above for help finding your code and use the table below to match your code with a size. Once you find your code, click on the blue box to begin shopping for your new VELUX window.

Height	Width
	55cm	66cm	78cm	94cm	114cm	134cm
55cm
70cm
78cm
98cm
118cm
140cm
160cm
180cm

Do I Need a New Flashing

For replacing older VELUX windows made before April 2001, special EL and EW flashings are essential for maintaining the original installation level of the window without disturbing the interior finish of the room. Using standard flashings requires the internal lining around the window to be re-done.

Replacement Roof Window Flashings For Single Roof Windows Installed Before April 2001.