Signs Your Skylight or Roof Window Needs Attention
A skylight or roof window should bring in natural light and fresh air, not leaks, condensation, or increased energy bills. Like any fixture on your roof, skylights degrade over time. When this happens, you may need to decide between repair or replacement.
If your skylight is more than 10 years old or you notice any of the following issues, it could be time to upgrade:
- Leaks due to worn seals or cracked flashings
- Foggy or cloudy glass from broken seals
- Drafts or poor roof ventilation
- Warped or cracked frames, especially on flat and pitched roofs
- Outdated models lacking energy-efficient features
Modern skylight solutions offer better insulation, advanced sealing, and smarter ventilation to suit all homes.
Why Roof Ventilation Is Crucial for Skylight Performance
Proper ventilation is essential to prevent excess heat, humidity, or stale air—especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Ventilating skylights or openable roof windows let fresh air circulate through the roof space.
New Velux roof windows are built to enhance airflow and manage internal temperatures efficiently. This reduces both heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.
Fixed Skylight vs Ventilating Skylights: What’s Right for You?
The two main skylight types are:
- Fixed skylights: provide daylight only, no ventilation
- Ventilating skylights: open to promote airflow and roof ventilation
A fixed skylight suits open-plan rooms or stairwells, while ventilating options are best for moisture-prone areas. Both come in small skylights and larger formats, making them ideal for residential and commercial settings.
How Velux Skylights Improve Daylighting and Energy Efficiency
Velux skylights combine smart skylight design with strong energy performance. They feature durable glazing, high insulation values, and optional blinds for precise light control.
These skylights are designed to deliver:
- More daylighting in dark spaces
- Better insulation against unwanted heat
- Blinds to control the amount of light
- Maximum ventilation when needed
- The ability to brighten your home without extra energy use
Understanding the Velux FCM, Velux VSS, and Velux VCM Models
Each Velux model serves different needs:
- Velux FCM: a fixed skylight for flat roof homes
- Velux VSS: a solar powered skylight with remote control and automatic rain sensors
- Velux VCM: a manual ventilating skylight, great for laundry rooms or kitchens
Choosing the right skylight depends on your pitch, space, and ventilation needs.
Tubular Skylights and Solatube Skylight Systems Explained
Tubular skylights are compact solutions that use reflective tubing to deliver natural daylight into small or enclosed areas.
Popular options include:
- Solatube skylight: premium clarity and reflectivity
- Solatube tubular: engineered for tight installations
- Econotube: a cost-effective tubular skylight
- Tubular daylighting devices: high-performance daylight solutions
These are perfect for hallways, bathrooms, wardrobes, and anywhere small skylights are needed for bringing natural light into dark areas.
Daylighting and Ventilation Benefits for Flat Roof and Pitched Roofs
Today’s skylights and roof windows are compatible with both flat and pitched roofs. Whether you’re renovating or building new, modern units improve roof ventilation and thermal performance while reducing heat transfer.
Combined with blinds, they offer better daylighting and flexible light control across all roof types.
What Skylight Design Is Best for Your Roof Pitch?
Your roof pitch determines the skylight design that works best. On low-pitch or flat roof surfaces, raised frames or flashing kits may be required. On steep pitched roofs, flush-fitting models reduce exposure and improve energy performance.
Skylight experts can help match your roof type with the correct product, ensuring better insulation and ventilation.
How to Choose the Right Skylight Size to brighten Living Areas and Large Spaces
Choosing the right skylight size is essential. Too small, and you reduce the amount of light. Too large, and you risk unwanted solar heat gain.
Your installer will consider:
- Ceiling angle and room shape
- Roof slope and pitch
- The skylight range best suited to the area
- How to optimise natural light into your home
With professional installation, you’ll get a balanced result that enhances comfort and efficiency.
Do Skylights and Velux Products Help Reduce Energy Bills?
Yes, modern Velux skylights and Velux roof windows can significantly reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems.
Their benefits include:
- Multi-layer glazing to reduce heat loss
- Low-E coatings that minimise heat gain
- Energy efficient components that reduce consumption
With the right blinds and proper orientation, you’ll notice a clear drop in energy bills.
Exploring the Econotube: A Budget-Friendly Tubular Option
The Econotube is an affordable choice in the tubular skylight market. It’s designed for rooms with low light use, such as:
- Closets
- Guest bathrooms
- Utility areas
While it lacks advanced features of a Solatube skylight, it’s a solid solution for daylighting on a budget.
Skylight Experts Recommend These Professional Installation Steps
Correct installation is just as important as the skylight itself. Professional installation ensures a watertight fit, proper insulation, and optimal performance.
Recommended steps include:
- Assessing roof type, pitch, and material
- Selecting from a trusted skylight range
- Securing the flashings and weather seals
- Testing airflow and insulation values
- Installing optional blinds or automated controls
Impact of Skylights on Heat Gain and Heat Loss in the Winter
Poorly fitted or outdated skylights can contribute to heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Replacing conventional skylights with an energy-efficient skylight can solve both problems.
Skylights work best when paired with proper insulation and ventilation strategies that suit your home’s needs.
Skylights and Roof Windows Available Across Australia
We supply and install skylights and Velux systems for all building types. Whether for a flat roof or pitched roof, you can choose from:
- Skylights for sale in all shapes and sizes
- Smart skylights with solar powered controls
- Blinds for better light control
- Flashings designed for every type of roof pitch
- Residential and commercial installations
Our products are available across Australia and suitable for every home or business.
Final Thoughts: Repair or Replace?
If your current skylight is damaged, foggy, leaking, or underperforming, now is the right time to explore your options.
Modern skylights are designed to last longer, work smarter, and adapt to the changing climate. Whether you choose a tubular skylight, a fixed skylight, or a solar powered Velux model, you’ll enjoy better lighting, insulation, and ventilation.
Skylights are designed to brighten your home and lower your long-term costs while providing comfort throughout the year.
Ready to find the right fit?
We’ll help you choose the best option, manage the professional installation, and deliver results that transform your living space. Reach out today to explore our full range of skylight offers, discover energy-efficient upgrades, and start bringing natural light into your life.