FAKRO to VELUX Window Replacement in Knutsford, Cheshire
We recently completed a roof window replacement project at a property in Knutsford, Cheshire, replacing two existing wooden FAKRO roof windows with new white polyurethane VELUX GGU roof windows.
The homeowners wanted to replace the older timber windows with a modern, low-maintenance alternative while also upgrading both windows to solar-powered operation and VELUX solar blinds.
The installation was completed by our fitters Stuart, Steven and Adam. Due to the height of the windows internally, an access tower was required. The project also presented several challenges caused by the way the original FAKRO windows and plasterboard reveals had been installed.
Replacing the Existing Wooden FAKRO Windows
The property had two existing wooden FAKRO roof windows installed side by side within the pitched tiled roof.
The homeowners chose to replace these with VELUX GGU CK02 0070 white polyurethane roof windows. The white, moisture-resistant internal finish provides a durable and low-maintenance alternative to the older timber windows and complements the existing white interior.
Although the replacement VELUX windows corresponded closely with the existing openings, changing from one roof-window manufacturer to another isn't necessarily a straightforward frame-for-frame replacement. This became particularly apparent once our team started removing the original FAKRO windows.
Safe Internal Access
Because the two roof windows were positioned high above the living area, safe internal access was an important part of the project.
Stuart, Steven and Adam erected an internal scaffolding tower beneath the windows and protected the surrounding working area before starting the replacement.
The tower provided a secure working platform for removing the existing windows and completing the internal elements of the installation.
Carefully Removing the Existing FAKRO Windows
One of the main challenges appeared when the existing windows were being removed. The previous installers had screwed through the internal plasterboard reveal directly into the FAKRO window frames. This made removing the old frames considerably more difficult.
Simply pulling the frames away risked cracking or breaking sections of the surrounding plasterboard, potentially leaving the homeowners with additional plastering and decorating work. Our team therefore carefully dismantled and removed the existing frames while protecting as much of the original internal finish as possible.
Installing the New VELUX GGU CK02 Windows
Once the original windows had been safely removed, we installed two VELUX GGU CK02 0070 roof windows.
These white polyurethane VELUX windows provide a modern, low-maintenance internal finish while retaining the natural light provided by the original roof-window openings. The windows were installed using VELUX EDW CK02 2000 flashing kits, suitable for installation with the property's profiled roof tiles.
Correct installation of the flashing system is particularly important because it integrates the window with the surrounding roof covering and allows rainwater to drain correctly around the window.
Upgrading the VELUX Windows to Solar Operation
Because the windows are positioned high above the living space, convenient operation was an important part of the specification. Rather than requiring new mains electrical supplies to be run to the roof windows, both units were fitted with VELUX KSX 100K solar upgrade kits.
These upgrade kits allow compatible VELUX windows to be operated electrically using solar power, making them particularly useful for windows installed in high or difficult-to-reach positions.
Solving a Problem with the Existing Plasterboard Reveals
The second major challenge appeared once the replacement windows were in position. Although the replacement VELUX frames corresponded closely with the size of the original FAKRO windows, the existing plasterboard reveals had been formed with excessive gaps around the previous frames.
This meant that the existing plasterboard didn't meet the new VELUX frames neatly at the top and bottom. Leaving these gaps would have meant additional filling, plastering and decorating for the homeowner.
Instead, our team installed neatly finished white PVC trim at the top and bottom of the windows. The trim created a clean transition between the existing plasterboard reveals and the new VELUX frames, producing a finished appearance without requiring additional plastering or decorating.
This is also a good example of why replacing a roof window made by another manufacturer isn't determined solely by the external frame dimensions. The construction and condition of the existing internal reveal can also affect how the replacement needs to be finished.
Installing VELUX Solar Blinds
To complete the upgrade, both windows were fitted with VELUX DSL CK02 1025 solar-powered blinds. Solar operation is particularly useful on this installation because of the height of the windows.
The homeowners can operate the blinds without needing to physically reach the roof windows, complementing the solar operation already added to the windows themselves.
The Finished FAKRO-to-VELUX Conversion
The completed installation replaced the two older wooden FAKRO units with modern VELUX GGU white polyurethane roof windows, while retaining the existing roof openings and as much of the existing internal finish as possible.
Despite the difficulties caused by the previous installation, Stuart, Steven and Adam were able to complete the replacement while minimising disruption to the surrounding plasterboard.
The finished installation combines:
- 2 × VELUX GGU CK02 0070 roof windows
- 2 × VELUX EDW CK02 2000 flashing kits
- 2 × VELUX KSX 100K solar upgrade kits
- 2 × VELUX DSL CK02 1025 solar blinds
The result is a considerably updated roof-window system with a clean white internal finish, solar-powered operation and remotely operated solar blinds.
VELUX Window Replacement in Knutsford
Skylight Fitters carries out VELUX window replacements in Knutsford and across Cheshire, including replacement of older VELUX windows and suitable roof windows manufactured by other brands such as FAKRO.
Our services include new VELUX installations and replacements, VELUX repairs, VELUX glass replacement, flashing systems, solar upgrades and VELUX blinds.
When replacing an existing roof window, we can assess the existing frame, roof covering, opening and internal reveal to determine an appropriate replacement solution.