PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

Choosing the right roof window

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Roof windows transform dark rooms into bright, airy spaces, good for health and fresh air.

The Dakea range has a roof window for every type of property and construction.

For comfort and reduced noise, the Ultima has two different low-e coatings and Noise Block technology for 50% less noise.

For energy efficiency, the Ultima Energy and Energy PVC offer triple glazing and improved U-values.

For easy maintenance, the Better Safe PVC has a smooth and sleek reinforced PVC frame that’s resistant to mould, humidity and dirt.

For safety, the Better Safe and Better Safe PVC feature laminated internal panes that won’t shatter into large pieces.

For emergency escape, the Better View has a high pivot and gas spring-assisted opening for easy access to roof space.

For security, the KAQ Secure’ features are specifically designed to prevent break-ins.

For light and fresh air, the Good window range includes high quality wooden construction with ventilation valve at a great price.

Wooden frames have a more traditional look, while PVC gives a white, clean and modern look with less maintenance.

All Dakea roof windows carry a 20-year guarantee once registered, and toughened panes with a lifetime guarantee against hail damage.

Choosing the right flashing

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Flashings are a vital element in roof window installations, to keep them weathertight.

Poorly fitted flashings lead to water sitting in the roof cavity and in time will cause expensive damage.

Choosing the right flashing will depend on the roofing material.

Most flashings are designed for roofs with a pitch of 15-90 degrees.

The correct flashing will make sure rainfall is directed around the window, preventing it being damaged by moisture.

Dakea’s range of flashings is designed for different types of roof, including slate and flat roofing, plain tiles, high profile tiles, tiles & profiled roofing, standing seam metal sheet and interlocking roof tiles.

Combi flashings are for roof windows installed next to or above one another.

Dakea has a range of eight different combi flashing kits, depending on the size of windows, the distance between them and the rafter configuration.

Top roof window tips

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Useful tips for choosing and installing roof windows, whether you’re doing it yourself or using a professional installer.

If installing it yourself, make sure you have all the tools you need to hand.

Choose the best roof window depending on priorities, ease of use, whether children are in the property, and so on.

Have no less than 20% of the floor area in glazing, and consider multiple windows for better ventilation.

If your window’s for an uninhabited room such as a loft or garage, consider a skylight instead.

Avoid condensation, overheating and leakage to extend the life of your roof windows – leave trickle vents open, have a heat source under the window and make sure the insulation foam collar is fitted.

Allow up to two days for fitting, depending on the weather – for help with installation, contact Dakea or watch the videos on Dakea’s YouTube channel.

Check the finished installation has the opening sash sitting squarely within the fixed frame, the right flashing has been used and that the tile clearance is 60-150mm to the head and 30mm down each side.

Check the installer’s allowed for a full tile at the base of the window, look out for tiles or slate kicking up around the window, and make sure the aluminium cover parts are fitted correctly.

10 technical tips for roof window installation (part 1)

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Be prepared – check the structural integrity of your roof, and local regulations.

Safety first – follow Health & safety rules, and take measures to prevent falls and dropping items, as well as cordoning off the area below the roof.

Know your limitations – have an extra pair of hands to help lift the heavy roof window into position.

Minimise cutting – adjust the position of the roof window sideways if possible to minimise the need for adjustment and cutting of roof material.

Check the box for damage, and make sure all the parts are included before you start.

Store correctly – Dakea roof windows need storing in the vertical position so the corner label faces up.

Don’t forget the IFC – the pre-cut Insulation Foam Collar is easy to fit and forms an insulating frame around the window.

Take out the sash – remove the sash before fitting the roof window.

Read the instructions – and refer to the Dakea YouTube channel for more information on installation and types of flashings.

Remember the golden rule – measure twice, cut once.

10 technical tips for roof window installation (part 2)

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Work from the inside – make the hole for the roof window from the inside, checking the tile/slating coursing is correct below the opening.

Cut and clear away – remove the battens, and allow space for insulation around the window frame.

Fit the bracket supports – install them top and bottom of the opening.

Cut the roofing membrane – cut an X and flap each quarter of the membrane outwards, then fold it over the tile/slate battens and staple.

Install the sash – check the frame is square and level by closing fully and checking for even gaps, and adjust accordingly.

Be careful when lifting – the sash is heavy, so wear gloves with good grip and enlist help if necessary.

Fit the underfelt collar – stretch the collar over the frame and secure using staples, trimming as needed.

Fit the flashing – trim tiles or slates as necessary, and always observe the required distance and clearances for the flashing and roofing material Once installed, the sash can be refitted for the final time.

Check the roof window works correctly – make sure it’s a smooth action, with the handle and trickle vents working properly, and double check all fixings and screws are tight.