VELUX windows are a popular staple of many houses in the UK. The shape and quality of a VELUX window frame make them ideal for attics, lofts and pitched roof spaces – as they allow large amounts of natural light to enter a room. VELUX windows should not leak, but you may see VELUX windows leaking in certain conditions – such as during heavy rain or windy weather.
Spotting the signs of VELUX windows leaking can be easy. Make sure that you check for leaks in the following important areas:
- In corners, look for signs of water dripping onto the floor as this can easily occur in pitched roofs
- At bottoms, water may also run into the bottom corners from other areas
- On the sides of the frame, they rarely leak at the top
Signs of a leak may be obvious, but sometimes they can be difficult to spot. If you place your hand up to each area of the frame, you may be able to feel slight changes in air temperature – which are signs of an air leak. Water leaks are generally easier to spot, so look for signs of damage and the presence of water during or after wet weather.
We are installers of a variety of windows across the southeast of the UK, so we have an excellent depth of knowledge that will help you to spot the signs of a leak and understand how to fix them. If you require a professional window installation in the southeast of the UK please feel free to get in touch with us.
Causes of VELUX Windows Leaking and How to Fix Them
There is a range of potential causes of VELUX windows leaking, but they are not usually due to the window frame itself. VELUX windows are renowned for their quality and the levels of durability they deliver, which can make it very frustrating when they leak.
The following are some potential causes of VELUX windows leaking and some solutions, which will help you narrow down what is making your windows leak:
- Incorrect installation: As a VELUX window is such a high-quality design the cause may be poor installation practices. Some local roofers are inexperienced in fitting window frames at pitched angles, such as in lofts, or use old tools and sealing techniques. Resealing the window can help stop the leaks.
- Roof felt: Sometimes it is not the installation of the window itself but the felt that provides a weather-tight seal. This may be the result of an ineffective flashing kit, screw holes piercing the felt or other damage. You can open the window to check on the condition of the outer flashing and felt.
- Frame rot: VELUX windows are available in a range of materials, one of which is timber. By choosing timber you open yourself up for higher maintenance or repair, particularly without regular maintenance. Problems that result from frame rot can easily cause leaks. You may need to replace a rotting frame.
- Damaged glass panels: It is possible in rare cases for a pane of glass or the seals in the window frame itself to fail, perhaps due to damage during transit or while installing the windows. It is unlikely to happen on more than one window, which will mean that the causes of leaks are the installation itself.
While the solutions of how to fix a VELUX window can be frustrating, especially when you are unsure of the cause of the leak, many significant problems come from water and air leaks – so that means repair is essential.
Top tip: You will lose out on the energy efficiency of double-glazing if there is any air or water ingress, which can increase your fuel needs and defeats the purpose of their efficient design. Water damage can also cause severe, long term harm to the roof structure.
How to Prevent VELUX Windows Leaking
There are a few helpful prevention strategies that will make it more likely that you avoid leaks. Sometimes it will not be possible to stop VELUX windows from leaking, but some tips include the following:
- Regular maintenance: Cleaning and carrying out regular repairs or maintenance is essential for all windows, and can help prevent a lot of the problems that arise from leaks. Maintenance is particularly important for timber frames where rot may occur.
- Flashing replacement: The felt and outside flashing is important for the seal of your windows, so replacing this if it has any visible signs of damage can prevent leaks before they become an issue. You can check the flashing for any signs of damage from weather and other problems to see if this is necessary.
If you spot a leak in corners, at bottoms of frames or other areas you may not have water coming in from the outside – many times condensation can cause the appearance of a drip. In this case, try to reduce the humidity levels indoors.
VELUX Windows Leaking Explained
You can spot the signs of VELUX windows leaking by checking the window during poor conditions for signs of water, as well as by using your hand to check for air leaks. Keeping your windows in good condition is a way to stop leaks from happening, but the most common causes are faulty installation and poor technique.
If you are unsure of the source of your leak or do not understand how to fix the problem you will require a professional solution. As leading providers in window installations and many other home improvements, we are well-placed to help, feel free to get in touch with us for a project around the south coast of the UK today.
