For your home to perform to its full potential, every aspect of the property has a key role to play.
However, when investing in their living space, homeowners tend to focus on areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as popular products such as windows and doors.
Whilst upgrading these areas can have a significant impact, one crucial element can often be neglected – roof windows.
Roof windows can often be victims of an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality, but if neglected they can incur several hidden costs that can negatively impact your home’s value, energy efficiency, and general comfort.
If you’re asking yourself ‘why is it worth replacing old roof windows with new ones?’ – This blog will hopefully help you out.
What are the hidden costs of neglecting roof windows?
Roof windows that are either outdated or poorly maintained can lead to several hidden costs, both financially and regarding the comfort of your loved ones.
Reduced energy efficiency
Over time, the insulation capabilities of roof windows can wane, making your whole house far less thermally efficient.
As the seals loosen and the panes weaken, this can lead to increased energy bills as your property will begin to suffer from heat loss, meaning you’ll be more partial to cranking up the radiator or purchasing electric heaters.
We’re sure you’ve heard the saying that hot air rises, which is why having roof windows capable of retaining heat is so vital – something you’ll be thanking yourself for in the colder winter months.
Water damage
As an external product, it’s vital that roof windows protect your home from water damage – something that if not in good condition, they can struggle to achieve.
Worn seals and faulty flashing is a major concern, as water damage can wreak havoc on your ceilings, walls, and even your home’s structure.
Repairing water damage is expensive and inconvenient, far more so than upgrading your roof windows.
A premature roof replacement
A dismissed roof window can force you to undertake a premature roof replacement.
This is because the moisture trapped under the window, caused by leaks, can damage the surrounding roof structure, which can potentially lead to the need for a premature roof replacement.
Roof replacements are a significant financial commitment, and if the damage from outdated roof windows forces you to invest in one, you’re looking at an outlay of anywhere between £3,500 – £18,000.
Impacted air quality
Without natural ventilation offered by modern roof windows, stale air and moisture can build up in your home.
This can lead to poor indoor air quality, which triggers allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Reduced natural light
If your roof window is part of an upstairs living room or cosy loft, the chances are it is relied upon to bring natural light into your home.
It’s scientifically proven that having access to enough daylight can vastly improve your mood, making you happier, more productive, and generally healthier.
Especially with the rise of home working, having an extra well-lit space can work wonders for your performance and workplace mood.
The solution to these issues – Modern Roof Windows
The best way to combat these problems is with a new set of modern roof windows.
By doing so, you’ll enjoy a plethora of modern benefits, with a few listed below.
Increased Thermal Efficiency
As a population, we’re becoming more conscious of energy savings, both for the health of our planet and our wallets.
Thermally efficient houses have notably spiked in popularity in the housing market, making thermally efficient roof windows an excellent long-term investment.
At Dakea, we offer a range of roof windows designed with thermal efficiency prioritised.
An example of this would be our Ultima Energy pitched roof window, which is ideal for both sound and heat insulation. They are constructed with triple glazing, so achieve remarkably low U-values, and are incorporated with exceptional noise block technology, particularly beneficial if you reside in a noisy neighbourhood.
Modern Aesthetics and Functionality
The latest roof windows are designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.
One key facet of modern architecture is expansive glass panes, which not only look great but allow for plenty of natural light to flood into living spaces.
Modern Dakea designs, with their sleek appearance and range of sizes, add elegance and sophistication to your property.
An example of a roof window that achieves this would be our Access Energy side-hung window.
Also available triple-glazed, it’s constructed using toughened timber, so you won’t have to worry about water damage spreading across the roof.
Choosing the right replacement roof windows
When choosing new roof windows, you have several options to consider, including flat roof windows and pitched roof windows depending on your target area.
Here’s an overview of both, helping you to make an informed decision.
Flat Roof Windows
At Dakea, our flat roof windows are specifically designed to bring an abundance of natural light and fresh air into the room below, as well as boasting intelligent home control features.
We have two options on offer, with the first being the Azure Electric. This advanced roof window is made from innovative PVC, and operated with a wall switch, also possible to connect to with a 10-home control system. If you’re concerned about being caught out on a cloudy day, rain sensors close the unattended window automatically in case of rain. The maximum opening of the sash is 20cm.
The Azure Fixed offers a fixed option, as the name suggests. Whilst this particular roof window cannot be opened, it’s designed to let a flood of natural light into your home. It’s constructed with multilayer glazing, and combined with the insulated PVC base, ensures efficient noise reduction, as well as having external toughened glass for hail protection.
Typically, flat roof windows like these two are used in areas where natural light is desired, such as kitchens, living rooms, or offices – eliminating issues like dimness, and water damage.
Pitched Roof Windows
Designed for sloped roofs and offering a more traditional look, pitch roof windows are available in various styles, including top-hung, centre-pivot, and conservation roof windows. They are more commonly found in bedrooms, bathrooms, and attic spaces.
At Dakea, we provide 16 exceptional pitched roof windows. Made with either wood or PVC, they have a huge variety of opening mechanisms, and all have exceptional thermal efficiency and durability.
We have options for a variety of budgets, with an example of this being our ‘Good’ range – which consists of high quality roof windows designed for ‘small budget’ projects.
Manufactured with no compromise on quality, they can be installed in all roofing materials, on a roof pitch between 15 and 90 degrees.
Designed to breathe new life into your living space, they’re a simple way to add light, ventilation, and insulation to your home.
Why Dakea?
At Dakea, our goal is to make high-quality roof windows more affordable. We provide high quality products with professionals in mind, exceeding their expectations by providing great value at a better price.
To give our customers total peace of mind, our roof windows are backed by a 20-Year Guarantee.
Our products are all independently tested to ensure they meet our high standards, and we back up our commitment to sustainability by only using wood sourced from sustainable forests that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
We offer a no-obligation online quote on roof window replacements, which you can obtain for free here.
Alternatively, to get in touch with our friendly customer service team, you can dial (+44)20 39705080.
