VELUX Window Installation in Cambridge & Cambridgeshire

Yes — creating a new VELUX opening in an existing roof is one of the most common jobs we carry out across Cambridge. The structural work involved is straightforward in most cases: a section of roof covering and the existing battens and felt are removed, the rafters are assessed (and noggings or trimmers added if needed), the VELUX frame is fitted and the correct flashing kit for the tile or slate type is installed around it. The key variable is the roof covering — natural slate, concrete interlocking tile, clay plain tile and flat roof membranes all require different flashing systems, and we always specify the correct one. We assess the roof and advise on position and installation method as part of the free quote visit.

Yes — and ventilation is one of the primary reasons Cambridge homeowners install VELUX windows in loft spaces. Unventilated loft rooms accumulate moisture from the living space below, leading to condensation on cold surfaces, mould growth on insulation and structural timbers, and eventually rot. Building Regulations Part F requires habitable loft rooms to have a minimum level of background ventilation — a VELUX window satisfies this requirement through its trickle ventilator slot, which provides background airflow even when the window is closed. For non-habitable but regularly accessed loft storage areas, a VELUX or sun tunnel also reduces the musty, damp character that poorly ventilated Cambridge loft spaces commonly develop.

A straightforward VELUX replacement — removing an existing roof window and fitting a new VELUX unit with the appropriate flashing kit — is typically completed in half a day. Creating a new opening in an existing roof, including structural work, new window fitting and full weatherproofing, is usually a full day's work for one or two people, depending on the roof type and access. We always work to leave the roof fully weatherproof at the end of the working day — we do not leave a new opening unsecured or temporarily covered overnight if it can be avoided. The internal lining and finishing work is typically a separate visit once the external installation is confirmed watertight.

Yes — replacing old, leaking or failed skylights with modern VELUX units is a common job we carry out across Cambridge. Older rooflights and skylights frequently fail at the flashing junction, either because the original installation used mastic or lead that has cracked over time, or because the unit itself has deteriorated. When replacing, we remove the old unit and all existing flashing material, assess the opening and surrounding roof structure, and install the new VELUX with the correct manufacturer flashing kit for the tile or slate type. The result is a significantly better-performing and better-looking window than most older skylight replacements, with full weatherproofing and a manufacturer warranty on the VELUX product itself.

Yes — VELUX flat roof systems are installed on a fixed upstand frame integrated into the flat roof and are available in flat glass (CFP series) and curved glass (CVP series). They are well-suited to the rear kitchen and living room extensions that are common across Cambridge's terraced and semi-detached housing stock, where a flat roof rooflight is often the only way to bring meaningful natural light into a rear room that is otherwise enclosed on three sides. The flat glass option provides a more contemporary appearance and better thermal performance than traditional polycarbonate dome rooflights. We install both systems across Cambridge and Cambridgeshire and advise on which is the better choice for the specific roof and room.

Yes — current VELUX products carry a 10-year manufacturer warranty covering the window unit and glazing. Our installation work carries a separate workmanship guarantee covering the flashing, fixing and weatherproofing for the period confirmed at the time of quote. If any issue arises with the installation — a leak, a sealing failure, a flashing problem — we return and address it under the workmanship guarantee at no additional cost. We are fully insured and all work is covered by public liability insurance. Guarantee terms are confirmed in writing before any work starts.

In most cases, no — installing a VELUX window in an existing roof that does not project beyond the existing roof plane falls within permitted development rights and does not require planning permission. However, there are important exceptions specific to Cambridge: properties in conservation areas may require planning permission, particularly where the new window would be visible from a public highway; listed buildings always require listed building consent; and any new opening on a principal elevation (the front of the house, facing the street) generally requires consent. Cambridge has a significant number of conservation areas covering much of the Victorian and Edwardian residential streets in the city. We check the permitted development position as part of the free quote visit and advise accordingly. For any property where consent may be required, we recommend confirming with Cambridge City Council planning department before proceeding.

The cost of a VELUX installation depends on whether it is a replacement into an existing opening or a new opening cut into the roof, the window size and model, and the roof type and access. As a general guide: replacing an existing roof window with a new VELUX unit typically starts from around £400–£600 including the window, flashing kit and installation; creating a new opening and fitting a VELUX in an existing pitched roof typically starts from around £600–£900; flat roof VELUX systems are priced separately depending on size and type. We supply and fit all VELUX products and provide a fixed written quote covering windows, flashing kit, installation and any minor structural work involved. Call 01223 258 150 or use the contact form to arrange a free site visit and quote.