Roof windows are a common addition to houses. They help provide both light and fresh air to the loft area and help make it feel like another part of the house. However, they also need to be installed properly in order to make sure they do not permit the ingress of rainwater. Part of this process includes installing flashing.
Flashing refers to any sort of protection for joins in the roof. For instance, the gaps created when a chimney penetrates a pitched roof are always flashed over to stop water, usually with lead. The flashing redirects the water away from the join, usually further down the roof so it can eventually end up being drained away by your gutters. In this way the most vulnerable parts of your roof are protected.
Lead is particularly common for flashing. However, since it is toxic, it can’t be used around the window frame itself. There’s too much danger of touching it and getting in contact with lead. In addition, the unusual shape of window frames can make dressing flashing to purpose very difficult.
Velux Window Flashing
However, if you’re installing Velux windows, you can use their range of custom made window flashing. Each is designed for different roof pitches and tiles, so you can make sure that you are getting a waterproof joint covering out of it. They’re also made of corrosion resistant and completely non-toxic aluminium. Additionally, you can get recessed flashing that sits more in line with the house’s profile.
Even more impressively, some of the flashing options are double, meaning if you want to place two windows side by side for a superior view you can. There are also options for both a gap and coupled connection so you have much greater control over what your window arrangement ultimately looks like.
