Alternatives to Velux?

[maldivemoment]

We’re currently doing our own loft conversion.
Husband quite keen to install Fakro as they are coming in substantially cheaper than Velux.

I’d appreciate your thoughts/advice before I spend 8 hours down a rabbit hole googling Fakro!

Many thanks

I would think carefully. We had an extension done and had all Velux at the behest of the architect and then the builder. The roofer at the time explained why Velux were so much better than others in that they have three lines of defence against leaks. We later had a leak from another roof light in the original house which wasn't Velux and he showed us how flimsy the seals are when he removed it and replaced with Velux. Velux give a 10 year warranty.

He also pointed out that the new housing estate near us were all installing non Velux roof lights and he had already been out to some which were under two years old!

Leaks are more common now because rain is more frequently coming in torrential downpours and in fact this was catered for by our architect who designed in additional downpipes from the new roofs to discharge rainwater

Paying extra for Velux is a lot cheaper than repairing damage from leaks. Our old one that leaked resulted in new plasterboard and plastering, redecorating and carpet cleaning. Over £1000 in addition to replacing the roof light

Yes there are alternatives but Velux still the best option! I had this same discussion with a glazing company and they pulled all sorts of faces as they sold a few ranges but the upshot was stick to velux. They knew it was just a chat and I wasn't going to buy anything from them by the way

Thanks for your replies. Always good to hear others experiences.

We went falcro - they leak and are getting replaced with velux. It's also easier and cheaper to get blinds that fit velux

Anyone else got experience of either?

We've had endless problems with rooflite so don't go near them. We were told we were getting velux and the arse home builder put rooflites in

So sorry to hear of folks bad experiences but also very grateful.

Hi, Ive a mix of Fakro that we put in, for an extension and Velux that the previous owners put in a couple of years before... I actually prefer the Fakro ones - this maybe because they are a couple of years newer, but we are moving soon and i want to put some into the new house - and definitely won't mind if the builder suggests Fakro.