Frequently Asked Questions

  • Building Code

    Do VELUX products have CodeMark certification?

    Yes, all VELUX Skylights, Roof Windows and Sun Tunnels have CodeMark certification. CodeMark is a voluntary certification scheme that certifies the products are suitable for use in buildings in Australia. CodeMark is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia and provides legally binding evidence of compliance to the National Construction Code. (NCC)

    Download our CodeMark Certificates here.

    Are VELUX rooflights Bushfire tested?

    VELUX Skylights have been tested and approved for building in bushfire prone areas (AS3959) and meet Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)

    Download our test fire reports here.

     

  • Pitched Roof Skylights (FS, VS, VSE, VSS)

    What Skylight options are available for Pitched Roofs?

    There are four types of skylight for pitched roofs: fixed (non-opening), manual openable, electric openable and solar openable

     

    What is the installation pitch for pitched Skylights?

    Pitched Skylights must be installed between 15 & 90 degrees. If your roof is less than 15 degrees, you can use our range of low pitch skylights.

     

    Why is roof pitch important for Skylight installations?

    Our flashing kits are engineered with a specific pitch requirement of 15-90 degrees. The roof pitch is important because it ensures that the roof has the proper slope to effectively drain water off both the flashing and the Skylight.

     

    What is the frame out size for pitched Skylights?

    The frame out size is the width and the height of the skylight. The clearance between the rafters must be at least the width of the rooflight, battens are then framed at a distance equal to the height of the Skylight.

    Download frame out guide here.

     

    Can Pitched Skylights be turned and installed sideways?

    Pitched skylights can only be installed in a ‘portrait’ orientation, however a “landscape” size is available (S01 size: 1140x700)

     

    What flashing do I use to group multiple Skylights together?

    VELUX COMBI-FLASHING is engineered for this purpose. However, the pitch of the roof must be 15° or greater. 

     

    What glazing do Pitched Skylights come with?

    The Pitched roof skylights come standard with our 'High Performance' Laminated glazing.

    This glazing provides a laminated internal pane to meet Australian Standard AS 1288  - required for skylights installed 3m or more above floor level. This glazing also comes with NEAT™ coating to help water bead off the glass and reduce cleaning frequency.

    Read more about our double glazing.

     

    Can I apply a film or tint to the glass?

    VELUX does not recommend the addition of any after-market film be applied to our skylights. The addition of a film or tint will void the warranty on the glass. However, our insulated glazing units are manufactured with a Low-E coating (for UV reduction) and Argon gas between the panes to make our skylights very energy efficient. In addition, we offer several blind options that can be added to our skylights to further control light and heat.

     

    Are Insect screens available for Pitched Skylights?

    Yes, insect screens are included with openable skylights.

     

    How far do pitched roof skylights open?

    All opening skylights open to approximately 300mm

    For rooms requiring restrictors, please consult with VELUX for more information.

     

    How are openable pitched skylights operated?

    Openable pitched roof skylights have 3 different forms of operation.

    Manual – hand operated by a crank handle or out of reach telescopic rod.

    Solar – powered by solar power, operated by wireless battery-operated keypad. (Supplied with the skylight)

    Electric – 240v electrical power, operated by wireless battery-operated keypad. (Supplied with the skylight)

    Note: for automated operation, openable skylights can be operated via the KLF 200 automation Interface or via the Active phone app. (KLF 200 and Active kit sold separately)

    See our range here.

     

    What Skylights have a rain sensor?

    The solar and electric skylights come with pre-installed rain sensor as standard.

    The rain sensors automatically close the skylight when rain is detected.

     

    Are blinds available for pitch roof skylights?

    Yes, blinds are available for all new pitch roof skylights. If you have an existing older pitch roof skylight (manufactured prior to 2010) please contact VELUX with your product code to see if blinds are still available.

     

     

  • Flat Roof Skylights (FCM, VCM, VCS)

    What Flat Roof Skylight options are available?

    There are three types of flat roof skylight: fixed (non-opening), manual openable, and solar openable

     

    What is the installation pitch for flat roof skylights?

    Flat roof skylights must be installed between 0 – 60 degrees.

    VELUX recommends FCM is installed with a slight pitch (e.g. 3°-5°) to help reduce condensation build-up and water ponding on the glass.

     

    Do Flat Roof Skylights suit all roof types? 

    The flat roof skylight is suitable for all types of roofing as the flashing is custom made (to suit) by the installer.

     

    What flashing is used with Flat roof skylights?

    Because the flat roof skylight has no specific orientation, VELUX does not provide a proprietary flashing. All flat roof skylights must be custom flashed so please discuss with your installer.

    Contact VELUX for more information on custom flashing help guides.

     

    What is the frame out sizes for flat roof Skylights?

    When framing out, leave a clearance equal to the overall throat dimension of the flat roof skylight that you are using.

    See our custom flashing suggestion for more information on installation.

     

    Can flat roof skylights be turned and installed sideways?

    The Fixed Flat Roof Skylight (FCM) can be installed in portrait, landscape or even diamond shape orientation. Your builder will need to design the appropriate custom flashing.

    Note: VELUX recommends that the FCM 2270 is not installed in a landscape orientation.

    Openable flat roof skylights cannot be installed sideways, however a “landscape” size is available (VCS 4622: 1275x665)

     

    How far do flat roof skylights open?

    All openable skylights open to approximately 300mm

    For rooms requiring restrictors, please consult with VELUX for more information.

     

    How are openable flat roof skylights operated?

    Openable flat roof skylights have two different forms of operation.

    Manual – hand operated by a crank handle or out of reach telescopic rod.

    Solar – powered by solar power, operated by wireless battery-operated keypad. (Supplied with the skylight)

    Note: for automated operation, openable skylights can be operated via the KLF 200 automation Interface or via the Active phone app. (KLF 200 and Active kit sold separately)

    See our range here.

     

    Are blinds available for flat roof skylights?

    Yes, blinds are available for all new flat roof openable skylights. Call VELUX regarding blinds for FCM

     If you have an existing skylight (manufactured prior to April 2010) please contact VELUX with your product code to see if blinds are still available. 

     

  • Roof Windows (GGL/GPL)

    What is the installation pitch for roof windows?

    Roof Windows must be installed between 15 & 90 degrees.

    GGL: 15-90°

    GPL: 15-55°

    If your roof pitch is less than 15 degrees, you can use our range of low pitch skylights.

     

    Why is roof pitch important for roof window installations?

    Our flashing kits are engineered with specific pitch requirements. The roof pitch is important because it ensures that the roof has the proper slope to effectively drain water off both the flashing and the roof window.

     

    Does the Roof Window suit all roof types?

    The pitched roof flashing is suitable for corrugated and tile roofing. For all other types of roofing the flashing must be custom made (to suit) by the installer.

     

    What is the frame out size for roof windows?

    The spacing between rafters must be the width of the Roof Window plus 40-60mm, battens are then spaced the height of the Skylight plus the 45mm apart

    Download framing out instructions here.

     

    Are insect screens available for Roof Windows?

    Yes, insect screens (ZIL) are available as an optional extra for Roof Windows.

     

    How far do Roof Windows open?

    The GGL Centre pivot roof window sash can be rotated 180 degrees from the central hinge mechanism. The GPL top hung roof window can be opened from the top mechanism.

    Both windows can utilise the entire frame opening. (Depending on roof pitch)

     

  • Sun Tunnels

    What is the installation pitch for the Sun Tunnel?

    The Sun Tunnel must be installed between 15 & 60 degrees. 

    Consider using a VELUX skylight if your roof is not within this range.

     

    Why is roof pitch important for Sun Tunnel installations?

    Our flashing kits are engineered with specific pitch requirements. The roof pitch is important because it ensures that the roof has the proper slope to effectively drain water off both the flashing and the skylight.

    Does the Sun Tunnel suit all roof types?

    The Sun tunnel is suitable for tiled & corrugated iron roofs over 15°. A version is also available for Slate roofs.

    The Sun Tunnel is not suitable for roof pitches below 15°. 

    Use a VELUX skylight if a Sun Tunnel is not suitable for your roof.

     

    Which Sun Tunnel should I use: Flexible or Rigid?

    The Flexible tunnel is suitable for short tunnel lengths (preferable 1 meter or less) or when obstacles in the roof space prevent the use of a Rigid Sun Tunnel.

    The Rigid Sun Tunnel should be used for longer tunnel lengths to maximise light output.

     

    What glazing is used on the roof?

    The outer pane on the roof is a flat 4mm toughened glass pane with an ‘easy clean’ coating.

     

    What width are the VELUX Sun Tunnels?

    Both the Flexible and Rigid Sun Tunnels have a tunnel diameter of 350mm.

     

    How long are the Sun Tunnels?

    The flexible tunnel shaft length is 2200mm (max).

    The Rigid tunnel shaft length 1650mm. Additional 1240mm lengths of Rigid tunnel are available: part number ZTR 0K14.

     

    How much light will a Sun Tunnel transmit?

    A precise answer depends on many factors including the roof orientation, tunnel length, number of angles, time of day, season of the year, etc. However, VELUX Sun tunnels are ideal for small areas such as hallways, walk-in-robes, pantries, toilets, and other small areas without natural light. The same size rigid tunnel will transmit approx. 3 times more light than a flexible tunnel of the same size, length and configuration.

    For other areas, VELUX recommends the use of skylights

  • Blinds

    Can I install a VELUX blind onto an existing skylight?

    In most cases, yes. Shaft size, angle, etc, may impede installation)

    For roof lights installed prior to 2010 please consult VELUX to confirm.

    Obtain your Product ID and contact VELUX for more information.

     

    Do I need an installer to install my VELUX blind?

    Not necessarily. A competent home handy man should be able to install a VELUX blind. For blinds installed at height VELUX recommend contacting a professional handyperson.

    Download an Installation instruction to see if you can do it yourself.

     

    How much light & heat does a VELUX blind reduce?

    A pleated blind will block approximately 30% of the light and will block approximately 27% of heat.

    A honeycomb blind will block approximately 95% of the light and will block approximately 70% of heat.

     

    How do I clean my blind?

    Due to their location, VELUX blinds rarely need cleaning, however you can gently clean the fabric of a blockout blind with a damp cloth & mild soapy water. For a honeycomb blind lightly dust with a feather duster.

     

    How do I operate a blind out of reach?

    Extendable rods (ZXT 200) are available for manually operated blinds. The rod extends between 100 & 180cm.

    Solar powered blinds are also available for a selection of windows which allow you to operate the blinds with a remote keypad. (supplied with the blind)

    For automation, Blinds can be connected to the KLF 200 automation Interface or the Active phone app. (KLF 200 and Active kit sold separately)

     

    How does the Solar Blind work?

    Solar Blinds contain a solar panel which charge the integrated rechargeable battery. This will charge during the day even with minimum sunlight. The keypad provided can be wall mounted and operates the blind with the touch of a button. Uses AAA batteries (2 x provided).


    How do I operate my solar powered blind?
     

    A remote keypad is supplied with each solar powered blind. They can also be operated by the KLR 200 touch remote control.

    For automated operation, blinds can be operated via the KLF 200 automation Interface or via the Active phone app. (KLF 200 and Active kit sold separately)

    How do I link my Solar blind to the KLI 3-- remote keypad?

     

    Download the KLI 310 Instructions or pairing procedure.  

    If you require assistance please call our technical department on 1300 859 856.

     

     

  • Installation