VELUX Skylights and Roof Windows: A Maryland Homeowner's Guide

A skylight changes a room. A dark hallway, a windowless bathroom, or an attic bedroom can go from gloomy to bright with the right roof opening. VELUX is one of the best-known names in skylights, and TEO Roofing is a VELUX Certified Installer serving Frederick, Hagerstown, Rockville, and the surrounding region.

This guide walks through the main VELUX product types, what they are good for, and what a proper installation actually involves, because the product is only half of the result.

Skylights vs. Roof Windows: What Is the Difference?

A skylight is installed in the roof to bring in daylight, and many models also open for ventilation. A roof window is generally installed where you can reach it and open it like a regular window, which makes it a natural fit for attic rooms and lofts. VELUX makes both, and its Roof Window Guide explains the options in detail.

If you are replacing standard wall windows instead, see our window replacement page. If you want light from above, a skylight or roof window is the right category.

The Main VELUX Skylight Types

VELUX groups its residential skylights into a few families. Which one is right depends on the room, the roof pitch, and whether you want fresh air as well as light. You can browse the full lineup in the VELUX Residential Skylight Catalog.

  • Fixed skylights: bring in daylight and a view of the sky, and do not open
  • Manual and electric Fresh Air skylights: open to let in fresh air and let warm air out
  • Solar powered Fresh Air skylights: open and close without needing electrical wiring to the unit
  • Sun Tunnels: a reflective tube that carries daylight into hallways, closets, and interior bathrooms
  • Blinds and shades: control glare, heat, and privacy, and can be added to many models

Why Installation Matters More Than the Product

A skylight is a hole in your roof. When one leaks, the cause is almost always installation or an old, worn-out unit, not the idea of a skylight itself. VELUX designs matching flashing kits so water sheds around the skylight, and VELUX notes that its flashing is designed to shed water without relying on sealants that can break down over time.

That only works if the flashing is installed correctly and tied into the surrounding roofing. This is why a roofer should install your skylight. TEO Roofing is a GAF Master Elite roofer, so the opening, the framing, the VELUX flashing, the roofing around it, and the interior finish are one job done by one team.

What Skylight Installation Involves

A typical installation starts with a free estimate and a placement consult, where we look at the roof, the attic, and the ceiling below to find the best location. Then we cut and frame the roof opening, install the skylight and flashing kit, finish the roofing around it, and build out the interior light shaft with drywall and trim. You can see the full process on our skylight installation page.

Replacing an Old Skylight

If your existing skylight leaks, fogs between the panes, or no longer opens properly, it is usually time to replace the whole unit and its flashing rather than caulk around it. VELUX offers a Replacement Skylights Guide, and we inspect the roof around the old unit at the same time so a hidden problem does not get covered by a new skylight. Read more about leak causes in our article on whether skylights leak.

Warranty and Aftercare

VELUX publishes its limited warranty terms and offers aftercare guides for venting skylights and fixed skylights. Read the terms for the model you choose, and ask us any questions before you decide. TEO also backs its installation work with a craftsmanship warranty.

Get a Free Skylight Estimate

Ready to bring more light into your home? Book your free skylight estimate or call (301) 466-3630. You can also visit the official VELUX Resource Center for brochures, size guides, and product details.