Replacing Velux windows on my own - possible?

[MartinBraidwood]

Hi,
My house has a few Velux windows that were fitted about 20 years ago and are now in a bad state of repair. I was thinking of replacing them with new units from Velux, and have established which ones I need.

Should it be as simple as tilting the window all the back, lifting it out, and then lifting the new one into place? Would there be any need to replace the frame the window sits in (i.e. the bit fixed into the roof)?

 

[gregers]

obviously it depends on how big the unit is and or wether the frames on the orriginals are in a good state of repair,
but if the frames are ok then yes you can change them yourself.

 

[MartinBraidwood]

The frames are fine - just need painting. The glazing unit itself is not - the seals have gone, leading to condensation and mould appearing. I think the newer units have thicker glazing too, so it may keep more heat in.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[masona]

The frames are fine - just need painting. The glazing unit itself is not - the seals have gone, leading to condensation and mould appearing. I think the newer units have thicker glazing too, so it may keep more heat in.

Thanks for your advice.

Can you not get away with just replacing the glass double glazing unit?

 

[MartinBraidwood]

I figured it would probably make more sense to replace the whole unit as I could then have the more modern, thicker glass and also UPVC coated frames. They aren't too pricey to replace, as long as I can do it myself

 

[masona]

I figured it would probably make more sense to replace the whole unit as I could then have the more modern, thicker glass and also UPVC coated frames. They aren't too pricey to replace, as long as I can do it myself

It's really best to replace the frame as well and they also recommend to change the flashing kits as well, have got 6 velux windows, done 2 replacement to upvc electric so far, 4 more to go when I rob the bank

Shouldn't be too difficult to do, most of the hard work is done, you will have to remove the tiles if you're going to change the flashings

 

[MartinBraidwood]

I figured it would probably make more sense to replace the whole unit as I could then have the more modern, thicker glass and also UPVC coated frames. They aren't too pricey to replace, as long as I can do it myself

It's really best to replace the frame as well and they also recommend to change the flashing kits as well, have got 6 velux windows, done 2 replacement to upvc electric so far, 4 more to go when I rob the bank

Shouldn't be too difficult to do, most of the hard work is done, you will have to remove the tiles if you're going to change the flashings

Thanks for your advice. Changing the frames is probably pushing my DIY ability a bit far, so I may ask the joiner that fitted my other windows to take a look at that for me.