FAQ

General pricing varies by project and size of skylight. We recommend an onsite estimate which in most areas is free! General pricing for replacing an existing skylight with a new model can start around $300 - $2,200 including labor. Putting in a brand new skylight can start at $1,800 - $5,000 including labor.

Here are some examples of skylights:

You can also try using the link below:
veluxusa.com/consumer/service/productid
Or give us a call and we will come out and determine the make and model of your skylights.

VELUX skylights are guaranteed not to leak. When leaking does occur the usual culprit is improper installation. That is why it is so important to have your Skylight or SUN TUNNEL ™ installed by a factory trained installer.

Possible reasons for leaking problems:

Incorrect or improper installation – The skylight was installed incorrectly/improperly and water is leaking in from around the skylight, not through it.

Broken acrylic skylight – The skylight is old and degraded from sun and weather, has either spontaneously broken or it was hit by something and broke. Problems also arise on acrylic skylights when someone decides to apply sealer or caulk at the junction of the skylight and the frame, usually because they have water coming in. This does not allow the skylight to expand and contract with changes in temperature, as it was designed to do. This will definitely shorten the lifespan of an acrylic skylight and make fracture inevitable! Acrylic skylights definitely have a lifespan; it may take 2 years, it may take 10 but at some point it will break and need replacement.

Roof failure – There is a problem with the roof, and water will find its way through any openings in the roof. It may not become evident until the drywall starts to stain or sag.

Curb Mounted Skylight

The skylight is mounted on a wooden frame, known as a curb, that the installer builds around the opening on your roof. Curb mounted skylights are ideal for flat roofs up to a pitch of 60 degrees. For curb mounted applications there are two types of flashing kits: One for both asphalt and shake type roofs and a high profile/tile roof.

Deck Mounted Skylight

The skylight’s deck seal is nailed directly to your roof deck for a low profile, energy-efficient installation. Deck mounted skylights are best for roofs with a pitch between 14 and 85 degrees. Deck mounted skylights offer flashing kits for shingle or shake roofs, tile roofs and metal roofs as well as combi flashing which combines multiple skylights for a seamless look.

Glazing or Lens (Glass/Acrylic) – Generally acrylic, polycarbonate or glass; with either single or multiple layers. Layers are usually sealed together and may be filled with inert gas for additional energy efficiency.

Frame – Supports the glazing or lens. VELUX frames are made of Nordic Pine from new growth forests only.

Sash – The part of a ventilating roof window or skylight that opens out from the frame.

Cladding - Cladding is an exterior aluminum armor that offers protection from the elements and offers a streamlined appearance. The cladding holds the glass to the frame.

Curb – Wooden frame to elevate skylights up off the roof deck (plywood). Used on flat roofs or with certain roofing materials.

Underlayment – Membrane or seal for between the roof deck and skylight or curb; usually rubber. (Fort added protection an ice and water underlayment is wrapped around the skylight frame or curb to dramatically reduce the chance of condensation and protect from extreme weather)

Flashing – A weatherproofing system that connects the skylight with its surrounding roof material. VELUX step flashing is a system that interweaves “L” shaped flashing pieces with the roofing material going up the sides of our units to provide a watertight seal. No sealants that can break down over time are required.

Laminated – an additional layer of glass laminated to the outside of the tempered glass. Laminated glass features a triple-layer of LoE3 coating for increased energy efficiency plus a laminated pane for added safety and protection from fade-causing UV rays. Laminated glass is available for most VELUX skylights including VSS, VSE, VS, FS, VCS, VCE, VCM and FCM.
*Laminated glass is required by Fort Collins city code above 10ft.

White laminated glass – laminated layer is white; constructed as above in laminated. White laminated glass provides diffused daylight and features a triple-layer of LoE3 coating for increased energy efficiency plus a laminated pane for added safety and protection from fade-causing UV rays. White laminated glass can also be combined with other energy efficient options for even greater performance. White laminated glass is available for most Velux skylights including VSE, VS, FS, VCS, VCE, VCM and FCM.

Impact glass – Impact glass is designed to meet the stringent impact test requirements for hurricane prone areas. Impact glass is available in select sizes for most VELUX skylights including VSS, VSE, VS, FS, VCS, VCE, VCM and FCM.

Snowload Glass – Snowload glass is designed for heavy snow areas. It also features a triple-layer of LoE coating for increased energy efficiency plus a laminated pane for added safety and protection from fade-causing UV rays. Snowload glass is available in select sizes for deck mounted Velux skylights including the VSE, VS and FS.

Miami-Dade glass – When installed in the FCM fixed skylight, this specially designed glass meets the stringent requirements for Miami-Dade County and the Florida building code High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). FCM sizes 2222, 2246 and 4646 are standard sizes with Miami-dade glass. These sizes are stocked in VELUX’s central warehouse for fast delivery. FCM sizes 1430, 1446, 2230, 2234, 3030, 3046, 3434 and custom sizes smaller than 4646 are available for special order.

Laminated Glass consists of two layers of tempered glass bonded together by a layer of transparent plastic (PVB). In case of breakage, the plastic interlayer is designed to hold the fragments together. Laminated glass also significantly blocks out UV rays which prevents fading of furnishings.

U-Factor measures the heat transfer through a window and tells you how well the product insulates. The lower the U-Factor, the greater resistance to heat flow (in and out) and the better its insulation value. U-Factor values generally range from 0.25 to 1.25. VELUX products range from 0.3-0.6.

Low-E is a metallic coating that is chemically bonded to the glass and protects against heat gain and fading rays. It reduces the skylight U-factor. VELUX LoE3 is triple coated.

Argon-filled A colorless, odorless, inert gaseous element constituting approximately 1% of the earth’s atmosphere, used in electric lamps, fluorescent tubes, and insulated glass window panes. Argon is denser than air, making it a good insulator. Argon is used in all VELUX skylights and roof windows.

Glass skylights are much more energy efficient and more durable than acrylic (plastic). Glass skylights reduce external noises, won’t discolor, leak or allow drafts.

A flashing kit seals and waterproofs the intersection of the skylight and the roof opening. Proper installation of the flashing kit is the most important factor in achieving watertight installations. Flashing kits are designed to accommodate specific types of roof material and roof pitch. Thus if you have an asphalt shingle roof, you must use a flashing kit designed for an asphalt shingle roof, same with a tile or metal roof the correct flashing must be matched to the skylight.

Light Filtering Blinds – The light filtering blind diffuses direct sunlight to significantly reduce or eliminate glare on your TV or computer screen. Increase energy efficiency up to 16%, reducing your heating and cooling costs due to the better natural climate control in your room. Available in manual or solar.
Blackout Blinds – The blackout blinds have a fabric that has an energy efficient aluminum coating on the exterior side that acts as a heat barrier and increases the energy efficiency up to 20%. This shade blocks 98% of the light and is great for bedrooms, TV/entertainment rooms. Available in manual or solar.
Venetian Blinds – Venetian blinds allow for simple and convenient operation with a control mechanism that allows you to position the blinds at any point on the window. Adjustability gives you control over both the amount and direction of light, perfect for any room where light control is important. Available in manual.
Solar Power – Available on most blind options; qualifies for a 26% Federal Tax Credit through the end of 2020 and a 22% Federal Tax Credit in 2021. Allows for a powered blind option on fixed skylights without having to do any wiring!