Turn ageing skylights into upgrade opportunities.
There is an estimated half a million Australian homes containing almost one million dome skylights. Many are decades old, and homeowners may not realise how much skylight technology has evolved.
Most skylights and domes in Australian homes were installed years ago, and the technology has come a long way since. Acrylic domes yellow, go cloudy and become brittle in the sun, and older skylights can let in heat, leak or rattle in a storm.
Whether you’re attending a leaking skylight call-out, quoting a re-roof or inspecting an older roof, it’s worth looking beyond a like-for-like replacement. In many cases, a VELUX skylight can be installed using the existing opening or light shaft, giving customers the option to improve daylight, comfort and ventilation without committing to a major renovation.
When a skylight needs replacing, it’s an opportunity to discuss whether a modern alternative better suits the space and the customer’s needs. Depending on the site and product selected, VELUX skylights offer double glazing, opening options, blinds and solar-powered operation.
Benefits of replacement for your customers:
What are the signs that it’s time for a replacement?
- The acrylic dome has gone yellow, cloudy or brittle.
- Water stains around the skylight.
- The room gets too hot in summer or feels cold in winter.
- The skylight is fixed, and you would like more fresh air.
- The roof is already being replaced, repaired or re-roofed.
- The skylight has no blind, or can’t control the light and heat.
What to look for in a replacement skylight
Glass, not acrylic. VELUX skylights use toughened, laminated, double-glazed glass that stays clear and won’t yellow over time like acrylic.
Built for Australian conditions. Look for products tested to Australian standards and conditions.
Weather-tight design. VELUX skylights are engineered to perform season after season. Each one is installed with a flashing matched to your roof type (metal, concrete tile or terracotta) and pitch, which is key to keeping the weather out.
Ventilation. An opening skylight lets warm, stale air escape from kitchens, bathrooms and living areas, helping create a healthier, more comfortable home.
Light and heat control. A blind lets you control the light in any room, from soft, light-filtering to full blockout for bedrooms and media rooms.
Warranty. VELUX skylights come with a 10-year product warranty.
Explore the ways to upgrade
Pictured: VELUX Fixed Skylights (FCM for flat or low-pitch roofs; FS for pitched roofs).
Pictured: VELUX Manual Opening Skylight (VCM or VS).
Pictured: VELUX Solar Skylight (VCS or VSS).
Pictured: VELUX Translucent Blinds.
Is upgrading a big job?
It can use the same opening. In many cases the new skylight fits the existing opening or light shaft, so there’s no major renovation. Your installer will confirm once they’ve checked the roof, framing and opening.
It can be done in a day. Many replacements are done in under four hours. Your installer will explain the scope and timing before they start.
The cost difference can be smaller than you expect. Your installer can quote a like-for-like replacement next to VELUX upgrade options, so you can compare cost and value side by side.
How to get started
Spot it. Ageing domes, older glass skylights and fixed units are all upgrade opportunities.
Show it. Quote Good, Better and Best options side by side so your customer can compare.
Size it. Measure the curb, not the visible dome, and use the Dome to VELUX size guide as a starting point. FCM flashing is custom-made, so confirm availability and site suitability before ordering.
Sell it. Only recommend technically suitable options, and never talk a homeowner out of a necessary repair.
Ask your VELUX Sales Manager for the replacement toolkit, including the size guide, upgrade planner and homeowner leave-behind.