Velux window install problem

[Rollin]

I've had 2 velux windows installed in an old slate roof.

The bottom edge of one is perfectly level, but the other one isn't. It's about 15mm out along it's width which will cause unequal distances between window pane and future ceiling plasterboard.

Obviously, it's going to look a right mess when I try to finish the inside plasterboard.

I'm thinking that the installer is going to say the rafters are sagging or something and nothing can be done about it, but they're not.

I'm assuming they're going to need to start from scratch to fix this. Is that the case? If so will a new flashing kit be needed?

[wolfracesonic]

Mmmmmmm..... you shouldn't need a new flashing kit in the worst case scenario: the fixing brackets for velux windows are pretty foolproof to be honest. I've fitted them myself on older roofs and had the same result. If the velux frame doesn't sit perfectly flat on the roof you shim it so it doesn't twist out of true when screwed down, indeed there is plastic wedge provided for this purpose. If it's a wide velux, 15mm is not unexpected if the rafters aren't lying in the same plane.

[roofer]

^ That.

[Rollin]

Thanks. It seems they've included one rafter which is not in the same plane as the others when judging the position.
Anyway, what's the best way to proceed?
If I use equal depths of plaster board for the jamb extensions, will the slope be blended into the rest of the ceiling if I shim the plasterboard in places? Sloped ceiling is 380cm wide by 150cm. Windows are 98 by 78 and about 140cm apart.

[twokcc]

Is it an opening velux?
Is bottom isn't horizontal are corners still at 90degrees if not opening light wont sit in frame correctly. Had Keyline fitted in my roof but from memory fitting brackets allow frame to be adjusted so that it fits squarely in roof.
IMO best option would be to get it fitted correctly your'e always going to notice if not right (although no one else will)

Fitting instructions are available online if you want to look at before contacting roofer

[Rollin]

Yes, it's top hinged.

[CorradoTDI]

Guys, what's a good price / going rate to get a couple of the smallest Velux's installed?

I can buy the Window units plus flashing kits for just under £500 for the pair.

I'm thinking another £500 to have both fitted or would that be way off?

[wolfracesonic]

Rollin said:

Thanks. It seems they've included one rafter which is not in the same plane as the others when judging the position.
Anyway, what's the best way to proceed?
If I use equal depths of plaster board for the jamb extensions, will the slope be blended into the rest of the ceiling if I shim the plasterboard in places? Sloped ceiling is 380cm wide by 150cm. Windows are 98 by 78 and about 140cm apart.

If you really want the plasterboard reveals of the velux (i.e the bits that go in the groove of the velux frame) to be all the same depth I would cut them to the depth of the one that needs to be deepest, fix your angle/skim stop beads, then where the plaster depth is excessive on the ceiling slope, apply some thistle bonding coat first to 'dub' it out a little then skim it. Hopefully your eyes won't pick up where the plaster is 'bent' a little. WARNING! INTERESTING VELUX FACT! The name velux derives from the Latin, 'ventus' and 'Lux', wind and light.

[Rollin]

I've just had my first chance to have a look outside in daylight. What's everyone's opinion on this? Should the flashing up the sides be covered?

[Spudler]

Not sure I'd worry about that 15mm.







Re the flashing, yes.

[wolfracesonic]

If by flashing (they are called 'soakers'), you mean the pieces that sit under the slate then turn up the side of the window, there is a bit too much tin visible, especially to the top r/h corner. It doesn't mean the thing will leak but things could be a bit neater: the lower edge of the soakers are usually flush or slightly higher than the bottom edge of the slates. Is it a Velux or a 'velux type' roof window BTW?

[Rollin]

Thanks. It's a new velux window. It doesn't leak but I can't find another example on the web that looks like that when fitted regarding the side flashing. The top cover isn't straight either and the trim on the bottom left is bent as well.

Regarding the 15mm, am I going to end up with the reveal looking like this?..

[Rollin]

Also, looking at the bottom edge, the right hand side sits higher than the left. This corresponds to the lack of level on the inside. Surely if it was the old timbers that were causing the level to be out, then the window wouldn't sit higher than the slates on one side than the other? The bottom edge of the window would be parallel to the slates wouldn't it?

[groucho]

There looks to be something wrong with the top cover flashing. One side seems higher than the other, or is it the light. It is not a tidy job, bottom of soakers showing and the didn't have any slate and halves.

[BigBo]

It's not the tidiest job it looks more like someone leaned to hard on the top cover/flashing and bent it down on the top left, would the bottom really bother you enough to remove and refit?

Edited by BigBo on Thursday 18th December 19:57

[groucho]

To me, the left side looks to be sitting correctly. It just looks odd. The top flashing for a top hung window is different from a centre pivot, a little more tricky to fit. I wonder if it sitting right.

[Little Lofty]

Thats quite a poor installation, I doubt it will leak but I'd imagine it could be a bit noisy in high winds as the flashings and covers aren't sitting correctly.

[Rollin]

Yep. Sent the photo to Velux and got a report back in a few hours detailing all the problems.
Other one looks better/OK?

[shtu]

I may be wrong, but I think instead of those half-slates (ie, the ones they've cut down) at the edges, they should have used new, larger slates. As is the slates don't protect the edge of the flashing.

The first one just looks a mess. If the frame is out of square or twisted, it'll leak like a sieve.

Send loads of photos to Velux, they are incredibly helpful with install problems.

This is also useful, http://www.professional.velux.co.uk/prof-uk/docume...