I know this has been dealt with before, but a quick search didn’t find it. I’m thinking of adding fixed (non-opening)skylights when I re-roof. What brand(s) would you use (or not use) on your own house? Quality is the primary issue, but cost is definitely a factor, too.
Thanks,
Dave
Replies
There is no skylight but Velux!
Long live Velux!
All hail, Velux!
Velux! Velux! Velux!
If there is another brand of skylight other than VELUX, I don't know what it is and more important.. .I don't want to know! My house, my customers house, your house, VELUX is the only one.
Two or three weeks ago I started a thread bemoaning the fact that both Pella skylights I had had installed 12 years ago started leaking last year. The flashing had slipped out of its track and could not be reinserted. And, Pella no longer made that model and had no extra stock left over. Result: two useless, very high priced, windows vented to the heavens in my roof.
So, there's one brand I would definitely recommend you stay away from.
I installed 8 Velux skylights last year in my new roof...nothing but
good things to say.
5 fixed, 3 venting.
Thanks to all. I think I'm seeing a trend here...
Dave
Velux is OK... if you can't get ROTO... hah, hah, hah....
ROTO rules...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I have used both roto and velux. I cant comment as to the longevity of each, but I know i have had more than one wrestling match installing a velux.
Wood Hoon
Mike I finally disagree with you on something.
Dave said, "Quality is the primary issue, but cost is definitely a factor, too."
He never asked about easy to install.
I tried a couple of Rotos back ten or twelve years ago and while they seemed easy to work with, I thought they stunk for put togetheredness. Never have looked at them again. Have they changed?
Anderson makes one that is probably acceptable too, but when Velux is sooooo goooooooooooddddd, why should anyone want to take a chance playing around? Did you like to dance with the new girl in school?
Excellence is its own reward!
don't know about your luck with ROTO, but i use them becuse i've never had a problem with them.. i have had problems with VELUX..that were taken care of.. but who needs the problems in the first place..
i think ROTO has a bettter flashing system..
now, on some of the exotic lines.. with shades & flip over and a lot of bells and whistles.. velux has more options.. but ROTO makes the superior basic units..
but hey, whadda i no ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
non operaable ones...I make my own..Always have and never had one leak...but for operable ones Velux no doubt. Very cool skywindow!
Be well
NAmaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
For fixed units on steel roofs out in Colorado, I always made my own too. Probably did over a thousand, easily.
But I wouldn't recomend that for the DIY. There are other things to be messed up...Excellence is its own reward!
This won't be a DIY job. It will be part of a roof framing/decking/shingle project that is well beyond what I'm prepared to tackle on my own. I'm trying to get estimates for the basic roof job (I've been playing phone tag with contractors for weeks - is there anybody out there available to do a job in the Christiansburg, VA area?) before I commit to skylights, but if I can afford them at all, I will definitely use Velux.
I'm not sure I have ever seen such nearly unanimous agreement on anything here before. Thanks to all who have responded.
Dave
I must of put in 60 skylights in my life, of which, 10 were replacing existing ones; none of which were a Velux. Although, there are some decent custom frabricated ones out there, I would only recommend a Velux. I would also, if they still haven't changed there designed, stay away from Wasco. I've replaced 6 skylights on a house from a guy that actual was a wasco salesman, and, they were on steep pitched roofs. What seems to work against is there poor quality glazing seals,and, there one piece curd flashing.
If you enjoy doing the job alot and think penny wise; get cheap ones. But, if you want to do it once and forever, Go Velux.
Velux.
Mainly because of their excellent flashing and high curb sides.
A friend installed SIX copper clad units with rain sensors to match the copper roof.
Very cool and the sensors do work, triggering the motor at the beginning of even a light sprinkle.
My brother installed a very large one himself for an attic remodel.
Very nice mechanisms and effortless opening with a solid feel.
I'm still intimidated by punching a hole in a roof but Velux would be my choice when the day comes.
Alan