Velux-America Skylights and Roof Windows: What They Are and How They Work

Velux-America makes skylights and roof windows that bring natural light into attics, upper floors, and interior spaces

Velux-America is a manufacturer of skylights and roof windows—products that sit in your roof opening and let daylight into rooms below. The company is part of the Velux Group, a Danish family business that has made roof windows since 1941. In the United States, Velux-America sells several product lines: traditional skylights (fixed or opening), roof windows that work like regular windows with hinges and screens, and tubular skylights that pipe light through ducts into darker interior spaces. These products are sold through home improvement retailers, roofing contractors, and specialty window dealers across South Carolina and the country.

If you are considering a skylight or roof window installation, understanding what Velux-America offers—and how their products differ from one another—helps you decide whether one fits your space and budget. The company does not install products itself; installation is handled by roofing contractors, window installers, or handymen you hire separately.

Key Takeaways

• Velux-America makes four main product types: fixed skylights, opening skylights, roof windows, and tubular skylights, each suited to different rooms and budgets.
• Velux products come in standard sizes and custom sizes, with prices varying by type, size, and whether the unit opens or includes blinds and controls.
• Installation requires cutting a roof opening and flashing the frame to prevent leaks; this work is done by a contractor you hire, not by Velux-America.
• Velux roof windows and skylights can be motorized or manual, and some models include built-in blinds, screens, or rain sensors.
• Warranty coverage typically spans 10 years for the product itself, though terms vary by product line and where you purchase.

The four main Velux-America product types and what they do

Fixed skylights are sealed units that do not open. They are the simplest and least expensive option. Light comes in, but you cannot use them for ventilation. Fixed skylights work well in hallways, closets, bathrooms, or any room where you want daylight but do not need fresh air flow. Velux-America's fixed models come in various sizes, from small 14-by-14-inch units to larger 46-by-46-inch installations.

Opening skylights (also called venting skylights) have a hinge mechanism that lets you crack them open for ventilation. They cost more than fixed units but less than roof windows. Opening skylights are popular in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms where you might want to let warm air escape on a hot day. Velux-America offers both manual crank-operated models and motorized versions with remote controls or sensors that close automatically if it rains.

Roof windows are the most window-like option. They function like regular double-hung or casement windows but are installed at an angle in the roof. They have screens, operate smoothly, and are designed for rooms where the roof slope is steep enough to accommodate them—typically bedrooms, home offices, or upper-floor living spaces. Roof windows cost more than skylights but provide better control and a more finished appearance.

Tubular skylights are small-diameter units (typically 10 to 14 inches) that pipe light through a reflective duct into rooms below. They work well for interior bathrooms, closets, or hallways where you cannot cut a large roof opening. Tubular skylights are less expensive than traditional skylights and require less structural work, but they deliver less total light and work best in single-story or attic-to-room applications.

Sizing, pricing, and where to buy Velux-America products

Velux-America products come in standard sizes and custom dimensions. Standard sizes are less expensive and ship faster because they are mass-produced. Custom sizes take longer to order and cost more but let you fit a unit into an unusual roof opening. Prices for fixed skylights typically range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on size and glazing options. Opening skylights and roof windows generally cost more, and motorized versions add several hundred dollars to the price. Tubular skylights are usually the least expensive option.

You can purchase Velux-America products through home improvement chains like Lowe's and Home Depot, through roofing supply companies, and through specialty window retailers. Some contractors have preferred suppliers or can order directly from Velux-America. Prices vary by retailer, so comparing quotes across a few sources is worth your time. Installation costs—which include roof opening, flashing, interior finishing, and labor—are separate from the product cost and depend on your roof type, the size of the opening, and local labor rates.

Installation: what the process involves and who does it

Velux-America does not perform installations. You hire a roofing contractor, window installer, or general contractor to do the work. The installer cuts an opening in your roof framing, installs flashing (metal trim that directs water away from the opening), and secures the skylight or roof window frame. Interior finishing—drywall, trim, and any light shaft construction—is also the installer's responsibility.

The installation process typically takes one to three days, depending on the complexity and number of units. Roof openings must be flashed correctly to prevent leaks, so choosing an experienced installer matters. Some contractors are certified Velux installers, which means they have completed Velux training and follow the company's installation standards. When you get quotes from contractors, ask whether they are Velux-certified and whether they warranty their installation work separately from the product warranty.

Features and options: motorization, blinds, screens, and controls

Many Velux-America roof windows and opening skylights can be motorized. Motorized units open and close at the push of a button or via a remote control, which is convenient for hard-to-reach installations or for people with mobility limitations. Some motorized models include rain sensors that automatically close the window if rain is detected. Motorization adds cost but improves usability, especially in bedrooms or living spaces where you might open and close the unit frequently.

Velux-America also sells optional blinds, shades, and screens that fit their windows and skylights. Blackout blinds block light completely and are popular in bedrooms. Cellular shades provide insulation and light control. Screens keep insects out of opening units. These accessories are sold separately and can be added at installation or later. Some motorized models include motorized blinds that operate on the same remote as the window.

Velux-America offers smart home integration on some models, allowing you to control motorized windows through smartphone apps or voice commands if you have compatible home automation systems. This feature is available on higher-end models and requires compatible controls and a home network setup.

Warranty, maintenance, and long-term care

Velux-America typically warrants its products for 10 years against manufacturing defects, though specific terms vary by product line and retailer. The warranty covers the frame, glass, and mechanical components but usually does not cover damage from improper installation, weather events, or lack of maintenance. Installation labor and contractor workmanship are typically warranted by the contractor, not by Velux-America, so clarify this when you hire your installer.

Maintenance is minimal. Clean the glass and frames periodically with mild soap and water. Check flashing and caulking around the frame every few years to ensure the seal is intact. Motorized units may need occasional lubrication of hinges and tracks. If a motorized window stops operating, contact the installer or a Velux-certified service provider rather than attempting repairs yourself.

Over time, seals can degrade, especially in South Carolina's humid climate. If you notice condensation between the glass panes or water leaking around the frame, contact your installer or a roofing professional to inspect the flashing and seals. Addressing leaks early prevents water damage to framing and insulation.

Velux-America products versus other skylight and roof window brands

Velux-America is one of several manufacturers of skylights and roof windows. Other brands include Fakro, Solatube, and various regional or contractor-specific lines. Velux-America is known for durability, a wide range of sizes and options, and broad availability through retail channels. Fakro products are often comparable in price and features. Solatube specializes in tubular skylights. Regional brands may offer lower prices but fewer options and less availability for replacement parts or accessories.

When comparing brands, look at warranty length, availability of replacement parts in your area, installer familiarity with the product, and long-term support. A well-known brand like Velux-America may cost slightly more upfront but can be easier to service or modify later if you need repairs or want to add motorization or blinds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Velux-America skylights and roof windows reduce energy costs?

Skylights and roof windows let in daylight, which can reduce daytime lighting costs. However, they also allow heat to enter in summer and escape in winter, which can increase heating and cooling costs. Modern Velux-America units use low-emissivity (low-E) glass and insulated frames to minimize heat transfer. In South Carolina's warm climate, a skylight on a south-facing roof may increase cooling costs unless you use blinds or shades to block summer sun. Tubular skylights tend to have less thermal impact than large skylights because they are smaller.

Can I install a Velux-America skylight myself?

Installation requires cutting a roof opening, working at height, and flashing the frame to prevent leaks. Most homeowners should hire a contractor rather than attempt this work themselves. Improper installation can lead to leaks, structural damage, and voided warranties. If you have roofing experience and the right tools, you may be able to handle a simple fixed skylight installation, but opening skylights and roof windows are more complex and best left to professionals.

How long does a Velux-America skylight last?

With proper installation and maintenance, Velux-America skylights and roof windows typically last 20 to 30 years or longer. The glass and frame are durable, but flashing and seals may need attention or replacement after 15 to 20 years, depending on climate and maintenance. South Carolina's humidity and occasional severe weather can shorten the lifespan of seals, so regular inspection is important.

What size skylight do I need for my room?

A common rule of thumb is that the skylight area should be 5 to 15 percent of the room's floor area, depending on how much light you want and how much sun the roof receives. A south-facing roof gets more light than a north-facing one. Your installer or a Velux-America dealer can help you choose the right size based on your room's dimensions, orientation, and how you plan to use the space. Larger skylights provide more light but cost more and may increase cooling costs in summer.

Are motorized Velux-America windows worth the extra cost?

Motorized units cost several hundred dollars more than manual versions but offer convenience, especially for hard-to-reach installations or if you want automated rain sensors. If the skylight or roof window is easily accessible and you do not mind opening and closing it by hand, a manual unit may be sufficient. If the unit is high up, in a bedroom where you want remote control, or if you have mobility limitations, motorization is worth considering.