Roto or Velux : which roof window to choose ?

It's time to choose a roof window, Velux or Roto. This guide compares quality, durability and performance to help you make an informed decision, whether you are an owner, architect or contractor.

Discover the keys to choosing between Roto and Velux:

• Energy performance: detailed comparison of insulation capacities (Uw), solar factor (Sw) or airtightness for rotation and projection roof windows.
• Material quality: analysis of the materials used by Roto and Velux, such as PVC, solid wood, and polyurethane, and their impact on durability and insulating efficiency.
• Ease of Installation: Rating the ease of installation for both brands' products, focusing on time and tools required.
• Customization options: overview of the customization options available from Roto and Velux, including window ranges, dimensions, and glazing types.
• Warranties: Details of the warranties offered, highlighting the duration and scope of coverage for each brand.
• Price: Price comparison for different types of roof windows, providing perspective on the value for money between Roto and Velux.

8 criteria for comparing a Roto roof window and a Velux roof window

1. Energy performance of the roof window

What are the criteria to analyze to compare energy performance?

• The insulation capacity of the window -> Uw
• Free solar energy recovery capacity in the cold season -> Solar factor Sw
• Airtightness class to limit the entry of parasitic cold air and improve comfort

Energy performance impacts the energy bill, because you will lose or gain more or less energy through the glazing and frames of your window. You will therefore have to heat your room more or less!

Comparison of Uw and Sw between Roto and Velux

Rotating roof window (best-selling)

Projection roof window

These values surprise you, have you not seen these values on other sites, on your quote? Here are the detailed explanations:

1. The impact of glazing on insulation

The insulation capacity of the glazing is defined by the coefficient Ug . The smaller Ug is, the more insulating the glazing is. The solar energy recovery capacity of the glazing is defined by the value g .

The larger g is, the more free solar energy the glazing will be able to collect. Secure glazing or smoked glazing will automatically have a smaller g .

Velux highlights 3 types of double glazing

• Comfortable glazing
• Thicker exterior glass that improves acoustics

Roto highlights 4 types of double glazing

Observation: Velux does not offer double glazing which is both very insulating (Ug = 1.0 W/m².K) and at the same time lets in as much heat as possible in winter (g > 40%)

We obviously recommend installing the glazing:

• as insulating as possible,
• which recovers the maximum amount of solar energy in winter,
• associated with external protection in summer (sunshade or roller shutter). Please note that solar control glazing is not sufficient in the event of a heatwave.

The same reasoning can be applied to triple glazing.

2. Chassis impact

Velux highlights its patented technology called Velux Thermo Technology, which reduces air passages and improves the insulation of current generation windows. Roto does not have a specific marketing expression to emphasize the insulation of its frames. However, the quality of insulation can be inferred from the overall performance of the window.

• Roto projection roof window type R7 in PVc with Premium glazing without WD insulating block has a Uw = 1.4 W/m².K
• GPU type Velux projection roof window in Polyurethane with similar comfort glazing and without BDX insulating block has a Uw = 1.4 W/m².K

Observation: The impact of the frame on the insulation capacity of Roto and Velux roof windows is negligible on the windows that we were able to compare.

3. The impact of airtightness of the roof window

This parameter is very important for overall energy performance. It highlights the performance of the seals, their longevity... On the windows that we compared, the window sealing is class 4 for the 2 manufacturers. This is the most successful class at the moment.

Observation: Roto and Velux both offer a range of very airtight roof windows.

4. The impact of peripheral accessories

The insulating blocks, WD from Roto and BDX from Velux , are designed to reinforce the insulation of roof windows. At Velux, the BDX block is an available option for all their windows. Roto, for its part, integrates the WD block as standard on Q4 rotation models, and as an option on R7 projection models.

Concerning efficiency, the BDX block from Velux does not provide any notable improvement in the Uw coefficient in standard installation. However, for recessed installations it can reduce the Uw by up to 1.1 W/m².K . At Roto, the WD block contributes significantly to insulation performance, with a Uw of 1.2 W/m².K for rotation models.n standard installation. For the R7 PVC projection model, the Uw reaches 1.3 W/m2.K .

It is important to note that the airtightness sleeve does not directly influence the Uw and Sw values of the windows. However, standards such as BBC , passiv house , RT2012 and RE2020 have highlighted the importance of airtightness for comfort and energy savings. Roto windows are fitted with an airtightness sleeve as standard, while at Velux this sleeve is available as an option and must be installed by the user.

To remember :

• The ranges of roof windows offered by Velux and Roto have generally high energy performances.

• The Uw insulation capacity of Roto roof windows is 10-15% better than Velux roof windows with equal installation option and configuration.

• The choice of glazing is important to optimize the insulation and free solar gains of your roof windows. This choice is currently more interesting at Roto.

• Peripheral accessories such as the insulating block or the sealing sleeve will have a very significant impact on the performance of the window.

• It is overall easier to achieve high energy performance with a ROTO roof window.

2. Other technical performance criteria for roof windows

Energy performance is not the only criterion to study. Here are the other points of comparison not to forget:

• sound insulation,
• Security.

1. Acoustic insulation

Acoustic insulation depends on:

• mostly glazing
• the presence of a ventilation grille in the living rooms for single-flow VMC installations.

Double glazing from the Roto and Velux range has similar acoustic damping performance Rw of 35 dB (comfort range) to 37 dB (comfort or premium range). This performance is sufficient in the majority of cases. If acoustics are important to you, avoid entry-level windows.

In areas with more impactful noise, the two manufacturers offer triple glazing with acoustic insulation allowing damping of up to 42 dB. The presence of a ventilation air inlet on the window reduces the acoustic damping Rw to 31/32 dB regardless of the type of glazing.

Observation: On the criterion of sound insulation, consider that the two brands offer similar performances.

2. Security

“ Child ” safety: roof windows often have a high handle to limit their opening by children who would like to climb on the roof.

In some cases, however, if the roof window is high it is not necessarily practical to open and close them.

Roof windows with low handles are available in the Roto catalog, as are keyed handles.

To maintain all of the glass in the event of breakage, both manufacturers have laminated interior glazing except on entry-level windows.

Same thing for the exterior glazing of the 2 manufacturers which are made of tempered glass.é and which give more resistance to the window in the event of hail, strong wind or snow. Again except on entry-level windows.

Observation: Provided that we exclude the entry-level windows from each of the 2 manufacturers and opt for low handles with keys on the Roto roof windows concerned, the 2 manufacturers offer roof windows offering very good security .

Comparative summary between a ROTO Q4 rotating roof window and a Velux GGL rotating roof window

Comparative summary between a ROTO R7 projection roof window and a Velux GPU panoramic roof window

Observation: Roto stands out thanks to more interesting thermal and acoustic qualities. On the Velux side, the roof windows are lighter.

3. Quality of materials used

Roto mainly uses PVC, recycled PVC and 3-ply solid wood in the manufacture of its roof windows:

• The wood is FCS certified (international label to guarantee the use of wood compliant with sustainable forest management procedures).

The wood, often treated Scots pine, has an estimated lifespan of 40 years and provides very good thermal insulation and a warm interior atmosphere.

• PVC also has an estimated lifespan of around forty years. It is known for its UV resistance, making it ideal for harsh climates.

PVC windows help reduce the maintenance required on wooden roof windows. PVC is easily recyclable.

Roto also stands out for the quality of its hardware. Historically a manufacturer of hardware, it is the world leader in the field.

Velux manufactures its windows with wood and polyurethane :

• The wood used by Velux is generally pine, FCS certified. The estimated lifespan is obviously the same as for Roto and around forty years.

Sectional view of a wooden GGL

• The choice of polyurethane and the manufacturing concept seem less relevant from a quality point of view than that of PVC.

Polyurethane is less UV resistant than PVC . Its estimated lifespan is approximately 35 years.

The lifespan can also be more easily impacted by misuse of the product due to the manufacturing method.

=> The polyurethane is molded on a wooden frame, so it is a covering. It is more fragile in the corners and can cause swelling of the wood linked to the entry of humidity (for example: drilling of the hull when installing a concealment).

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Sectional view of a polyurethane GGU

Observation: On wooden windows, we did not note any significant differences between the two manufacturers. However, Roto makes the difference on better quality on its PVC roof windows and hardware.

4. Ease of installation: an often overlooked criterion

Roto: Fast and efficient installation

The average installation time for a Roto roof window is approximately 2 to 3 hours , depending on the complexity of the project and the experience of the installer.

The tools needed are pretty basic: a hammer, a drill, a spirit level and a screwdriver. This makes installation accessible even for amateur DIYers.

Roto has chosen to integrate as standard in the factory to facilitate installation during construction:

• Factory pre-assembled insulating block,
• Factory pre-fitted air seal sleeve,
• Mortises + ventilation air inlet pre-assembled from the factory when necessary,
• On the new Q4 generations, the aluminum cover on the window clicks into place and does not need screws,
• The brackets are pre-assembled from the factory on a large number of window references.

Velux: A quick but more complex installation on ambitious projects in terms of energy performance

The average installation time for a Velux roof window can also be 2-4 hours depending on the complexity of the project and the experience of the installer.

The tools needed are similar to Roto.

Unlike Roto, Velux has chosen to offer a basic window coupled with options.

It is the implementation of these options that wastes the window installer's time. The loss of time can range from a few minutes per window to several tens of minutes depending on the options chosen:

• BDX insulating block sold separately
• BBX vapor barrier collar sold separately
• ZOH air inlet to be installed behind the Velux operating bar

Observation: Factory pre-assembly at ROTO is a real plus for installation.

5. Customization options: make your choice for the ideal roof window

Here is a comparison table of the customization options between the manufacturer Roto and the manufacturer Velux:

Observation: if you have a specific need, the ROTO catalog will undoubtedly be able to offer you what you cannot find in the Velux catalog.

6. Velux and Roto guarantee

Velux warranty period

• 10-year warranty: covers parts, shipping, laborwork, movement and means of protection if necessary (such as a tarpaulin). It applies to windows, glazing, fittings and light pipes.
• Contractual guarantee: also applies to electric and solar roller shutters, manual, solar and electric blinds, as well as other electrical products and motorization kits.
• Product Guarantee: Velux claims that even a window installed for 20 years can benefit from spare parts solutions if necessary. Source Velux

Roto warranty period

• 15-year guarantee: against glass breakage caused by hail, breakage of fittings and breakage of the frame for compliant loads.
• 10-year warranty: covers hidden defects (materials and manufacturing), roof connections and condensation inside the glazing.
• 2-year warranty (excluding installation): applies to blinds and roller shutters, electrical elements and accessories. Source Roto

Comparison

• Velux offers a ten-year guarantee on a wide range of products, but does not specify the duration of the contractual guarantee.
• Roto offers a longer warranty of 15 years on some aspects, but a shorter warranty of 10 years on others.

Observation :

7. Price: a difference in budget between Velux and Roto?

Price is often a key criterion when choosing a roof window. If Velux offers more affordable windows, due in particular to its drawer offer, it is crucial to emphasize that Roto works on the quality of its products, which justifies their higher cost.

Here is a comparison of the price ranges for Roto and Velux roof windows, as well as the factors that explain these price differences.

* Window sizes ranging from 55 x 78 to 114 x 140 cm in wood or PVC / Polyurethane. Standard colors. Double glazing.

Observation: Velux is very competitive in terms of prices on the most common ranges of roof windows, widely distributed in professional networks and DIY stores. For products that are a little more specific, such as a projection model, this is no longer necessarily the case.

8. Velux and Roto, customer service

• Limited availability of the offer: Roto products are available online or in some local materials stores. The brand is not represented in all distributors and DIY stores.
• Manufactured in France: A wide range of Velux products are manufactured in France.

The Roto France team is very involved with its customers and partners, to ensure quality after-sales service. Roto contacts are generally aware of quality.