Non-opening skylights in kitchen?

jpsid

We are looking at putting three large skylights in our new kitchen exension to add more light and Velux is the obvious choice. However, we are now wondering if there is a fixed (non-opening)option as we don't know if we will open the windows that often. The size we are looking at is 3 x 94cm x 160cm.

Does anyone have skylights in their kitchen who would recommend them or is there a fixed alternative to a Velux window? Thank you.

System

depending on how big the kitchen is, i wouldn't really recommend them, if they are anywhere near a cooker/sink you'll get condensation on them (sometimes drips) - but if the room is big enough and the extract over the cooker good enough they could be ok (i'm pretty sure velux do offer a fixed pane too, might be harder to source and therefore a wee bit more expensive but not 100%)

muskoka

I've had Fakro skylights fitted into my kitchen by my builder. They can open, but I've no intention of ever opening them. They make an amazing difference to the kitchen with a vaulted ceiling. I was a bit concerned as I wanted Velux really, but various threads on here saying no problems with Fakro, so I've run with them. And, I am very, very pleased with them. Can't advise if they do sizes you want though.

jpsid

Thanks for your replies...

the_r_sole - Our kitchen will be 4.2m x 4.7m so I think/hope it will be large enough to take the skylights. The ceiling will be vaulted and together with having a good extractor should prevent any condensation problems. I will check if Velux do fixed alternatives but like you say it will probably work out more cost effective to go for the skylights.

muskoka - I will take a look at Fakro skylights too. Our kitchen ceiling will be vaulted like yours and interesting that you have no intention of opening yours either which is how I am thinking. It would therefore be absolutely pointless paying extra for the remote control ones!

muskoka

I've had them fitted for about 2-3 months now, and have had no issues with them at all. My kitchen is about 15' x 15' now but seems much bigger with skylights & I've also got french doors & two windows in kitchen, so it is mega-bright.

I was expecting to open skylights when I planned them, but have had no need whatsoever to open them.

I was also concerned about them leaking when we had heavy rain (which we have had), but so far...no issues at all. All seems well

Do read other threads about Fakro windows though - the research put my mind at rest

danemi1

May I be cheeky and jump on this thread - we are having 2 veluxes in our new kitchen when its finished being built - the ceiling is going to be semi-vaulted as in the bottom of a capital A - slant up with velux straight across then slant down with velux

WHat type of lighting is what I am thinking - what kind have you lovely peeps gone for??? ANY piccies would be really appreciated too!

nicka99

hi all,
one thing no one has mentioned is ventilation ! depending on the orientation and amount of glazing a room can get very hot in summer so the more means of airing it the better !

we have a new kitchen diner extension with vaulted ceiling with 4 velux. they are high up so I bought a pole off ebay that we use to open & close them which we did a lot during the summer and it really helped keeping it cool as its south-west facing. also to get any insects/bugs out which are more likely in rooms with vaulted roofs. size is 3.7 x 5.8m and never had a condensation problem.

there are some piccies I posted at the bottom of the 1st page on this thread of the velux (covered in snow!) and the lighting

kabayiri

danemi1 wrote: »

...
WHat type of lighting is what I am thinking - what kind have you lovely peeps gone for??? ANY piccies would be really appreciated too!

I've got Halers LED lighting surrounding a large Velux window in the kitchen.

I'll try and take a picture in daylight.

My lights are 50W equivalent but you can get even better output now.

WillowCat

I'd get openable ones - manually openable.

We have a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen with a velux - we use a sash pole end (4 quid on ebay) mounted on an old broom handle to open them with.

Depending on the height of your ceiling you might need a longer handle......but it's not difficult especially if you're only opening occasionally.

The other good thing about openable ones is that you can swing them right around to clean the outside from the inside (though you'll need your step ladders!) You might have no other way of getting to the outside of the window to clean.

jpsid

We have now fitted 3 x 140cmx98cm Velux openable windows and have no blinds. We are really pleased with them - They let in so much light and, as you say, in the summer we have the option to open them.

michaels

One point is minimum pitch for roof windows is 15 degrees and even then you need to make sure they are properly installed to avoid water being blown back up the sides of the flushing.