Velux Windows - Repair v Replace

justmyself · 20-09-2016 01:55PM #1

Folks.

I have a set of old VELUX windows in the upstairs attic.

There's nothing much wrong with them from what i can gather... other than the wood has gotten damp over the years... making them look off/ aged.

I believe you can buy individual parts for Velux windows?

In that case maybe i could get away with simply replacing the FRAME & SASH? The Idea being to avoid ripping out the flashing etc...

A neighbour told me he got the Glass Replaced in his four for 100euro per window.

That said, i think an entire window is -/+ 300euro ... so maybe take out the old window, and replace with a new?

What would your advice be?

Thanks in advance.

B-D-P-- · 20-09-2016 01:58PM

Would be much cheaper to sand down the mould look, and revarnish?

Dudda · 20-09-2016 02:02PM

Would be more money but you could use the opportunity to upgrade to new triple glazed velux rooflights. How cold is the attic room in winter and is it used much to justify the expense?

JimmyMW · 20-09-2016 02:04PM

justmyself wrote: »

Folks.

I have a set of old VELUX windows in the upstairs attic.

There's nothing much wrong with them from what i can gather... other than the wood has gotten damp over the years... making them look off/ aged.

I believe you can buy individual parts for Velux windows?

In that case maybe i could get away with simply replacing the FRAME & SASH? The Idea being to avoid ripping out the flashing etc...

A neighbour told me he got the Glass Replaced in his four for 100euro per window.

That said, i think an entire window is -/+ 300euro ... so maybe take out the old window, and replace with a new?

What would your advice be?

Thanks in advance.

It very much depends if the roof is slate or tile, if its slate its a pain of a job to get a new window installed.

Dardania · 20-09-2016 02:06PM

Dudda wrote: »

Would be more money but you could use the opportunity to upgrade to new triple glazed velux rooflights. How cold is the attic room in winter and is it used much to justify the expense?

It does look like the attic space is cold, and condensation is forming,.. also I see the nail is going rusty on the plasterboard below...

Does the attic space get heated? Otherwise any repair will probably result in the same issue appearing.

My personal suggestion on the info shown would be to spend some money on addressing the heat in the space - be that better insulation or a rad with a TRV to keep the space above a dew point temperature.,..,

BryanF · 20-09-2016 07:17PM

Replace.
Insulation overlap with roof/ceiling + air-tight/vapour barrier taped & sealed is essential, as is proper house ventilation.

justmyself · 21-09-2016 08:18AM

BryanF wrote: »

Replace.
Insulation overlap with roof/ceiling + air-tight/vapour barrier taped & sealed is essential, as is proper house ventilation.

Thanks for the feedback BryanF.

I'm thinking new full replacements (New Windows/ New Flashing) will be best also.
I've been quoted 2,500 - for the 4 new Skylights, labour included in that price also. Does it seem fair?

It's an old Townhouse. No central heating at present, only fireplaces.
Planing a lot of new work: Electrics, Heating, Plumbing, Insulation etc...

However, the VENTILATION issue is giving me some concern. Some say drill air vents, others say don't ... etc...
What would your advice be with regards VENTILATION?

Thanks.

justmyself · 21-09-2016 08:24AM

Dardania wrote: »

Dudda wrote: »

Would be more money but you could use the opportunity to upgrade to new triple glazed velux rooflights. How cold is the attic room in winter and is it used much to justify the expense?

It does look like the attic space is cold, and condensation is forming,.. also I see the nail is going rusty on the plasterboard below...

Does the attic space get heated? Otherwise any repair will probably result in the same issue appearing.

My personal suggestion on the info shown would be to spend some money on addressing the heat in the space - be that better insulation or a rad with a TRV to keep the space above a dew point temperature.,..,

Dardania.
That's exactly our plan... install central heating... as all that's in the old house at present are fireplaces and electric heaters.
Now that i have you. Regarding insulation. I'm guessing insulating the Ceiling will suffice in the attic? The house is very old, maybe for 1850's, could be earlier... I've been advised by others not to insulate the walls, as they need to breath... as you don't want mold/ damp forming behind the insulated walls. Would you be of the same thinking?
It's an end of terrace townhouse. So exposed at one side, and attached to another house the other side.
Any input greatly appreciated. Thanks.

justmyself · 21-09-2016 08:25AM

JimmyMW wrote: »

justmyself wrote: »

Folks.

I have a set of old VELUX windows in the upstairs attic.

There's nothing much wrong with them from what i can gather... other than the wood has gotten damp over the years... making them look off/ aged.

I believe you can buy individual parts for Velux windows?

In that case maybe i could get away with simply replacing the FRAME & SASH? The Idea being to avoid ripping out the flashing etc...

A neighbour told me he got the Glass Replaced in his four for 100euro per window.

That said, i think an entire window is -/+ 300euro ... so maybe take out the old window, and replace with a new?

What would your advice be?

Thanks in advance.

It very much depends if the roof is slate or tile, if its slate its a pain of a job to get a new window installed.

Yes JimmyMW, it's slate alright.

justmyself · 21-09-2016 08:26AM

B-D-P-- wrote: »

Would be much cheaper to sand down the mould look, and revarnish?

The thought had crossed my mind B-D-P--, however for the sake of a couple of grand i might as well invest i'm thinking. Thanks for the reply.

justmyself · 21-09-2016 08:32AM

Dudda wrote: »

Would be more money but you could use the opportunity to upgrade to new triple glazed velux rooflights. How cold is the attic room in winter and is it used much to justify the expense?

Hi Dudda.

Pretty cold at the moment as there's no Central Heating. Although there will be soon enough. Quotes coming in as we speak :-)

Yes, the attic will be well used... as it's regular height to the ceiling, so no way pokey... and it can house at least 2 bedrooms/ offices etc...

Your average window costs about 300 euro i believe. Are triple Glazed much more expensive? And really worth the price difference?

And do any of you know... do VELUX come with air-vents in the frame now? Thought i heard something about that?

Thanks for your assistance.

justmyself · 21-09-2016 08:33AM

Dudda wrote: »

Would be more money but you could use the opportunity to upgrade to new triple glazed velux rooflights. How cold is the attic room in winter and is it used much to justify the expense?

Hi Dudda.

Pretty cold at the moment as there's no Central Heating. Although there will be soon enough. Quotes coming in as we speak :-)

Yes, the attic will be well used... as it's regular height to the ceiling, so no way pokey... and it can house at least 2 bedrooms/ offices etc...

Your average window costs about 300 euro i believe. Are triple Glazed much more expensive? And really worth the price difference?

And do any of you know... do VELUX come with air-vents in the frame now? Thought i heard something about that?

Thanks for your assistance.

BryanF · 21-09-2016 02:41PM

I haven't seen the sizes quoted?

Velux's can be priced from the web, there is a price list from Irish distributors. Look for the 1.1wm2k, a small one will run you around 6/700€ unit price only.

As for wall breathability, have you considers external wall insulation ? There are breathable systems on the market.

As regards ventilation, you need some form of mechanical vents in bathrooms and kitchen with habitable rooms requiring natural wall/Window vents as a minimum.

Dudda · 21-09-2016 10:10PM

Hang on. It sounds like you're doing a larger refurbishment, installing insulation, new heating system, etc. How are you installing the insulation to that roof area? Are you pulling down the plasterboard? It's a no brainer to replace them if you are and do a right job. What exactly is the full scope of works for the whole building?

BryanF · 22-09-2016 07:44AM

justmyself wrote: »

VENTILATION issue is giving me some concern. Some say drill air vents, others say don't ... etc...
What would your advice be with regards VENTILATION?

Thanks.

Have considered hiring a professional to specify all works and ensure you are compliant with building regulations.

Research mould in buildings and the causes starting with: inappropriate/lack of insulation & ventilation.

Dardania · 22-09-2016 08:08AM

Dudda wrote: »

Hang on. It sounds like you're doing a larger refurbishment, installing insulation, new heating system, etc. How are you installing the insulation to that roof area? Are you pulling down the plasterboard? It's a no brainer to replace them if you are and do a right job. What exactly is the full scope of works for the whole building?

BryanF wrote: »

justmyself wrote: »

VENTILATION issue is giving me some concern. Some say drill air vents, others say don't ... etc...
What would your advice be with regards VENTILATION?

Thanks.

Have considered hiring a professional to specify all works and ensure you are compliant with building regulations.

Research mould in buildings and the causes starting with: inappropriate/lack of insulation & ventilation.

To add to both these points being spot on, SEAI offer good guidance and a strucutre towards achieving good specification through their Better Energy Homes scheme which sounds like ti would be perfect for you to use:

http://www.seai.ie/Grants/Better_energy_homes/homeowner/Step_1_Decide_on_work_to_be_done/

spec: http://www.seai.ie/Grants/Better_energy_homes/contractor/Code-of-Practice-Rev-7-1-2016.pdf

Velux Windows - Repair v Replace

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