Yes, roof windows can usually be added to a tiled roof. The work involves opening the roof, adjusting the rafters, fitting a flashing kit matched to your tiles, and finishing the lining inside.
A roof window brings light into a loft, landing or bedroom, and in Keynsham it is a common request for homes with usable roof space, from Victorian and Edwardian houses to the later estates. It can be done on an existing tiled roof, but it is a structural job rather than just a hole and a frame.
Checking the roof first
We begin in the loft and from the ground. We look at the rafter spacing, the pitch, the tile type and how much headroom there is under the opening. Cotswold stone and tile roofs behave differently, and we check what you have before we say how the window will fit. Headroom matters too, because a window that lands on a rafter or low wall is harder to use and to reach.
Opening the roof and the rafters
To make room, tiles are lifted and set aside, the felt is cut and the roof timbers are trimmed. Where a rafter is cut, the opening is framed with additional timbers, often doubled up, so the load is carried around the hole. That is structural work, and it needs to be done carefully and neatly. Done tidily, the finished opening should look as if it was always part of the roof.
Flashing and weatherproofing
The window is matched to a flashing kit made for the roof covering, so water runs around the frame and not under it. This matters more than the glass, because leaks at roof windows usually come from flashing and sealing, not the pane. The tiles are then cut and fitted back around the kit.
- Flashing kit chosen to suit the tile profile
- Felt dressed up into the frame so water cannot track
- Tiles cut neatly and fixed back around the window
- Seals checked before the work is finished
Inside: lining and insulation
Inside, the opening is lined with insulation, a vapour control layer and a finished splay, so the window does not become a cold spot or a source of condensation. Plastering and decorating are agreed beforehand, so you know where our work stops and what is left for you to finish. Good lining also makes the room feel brighter, since the splayed sides bounce light into the space.
Permission and planning
Roof windows on some homes may need planning or Building Regulations checks, and we advise before work starts. It is worth asking early, particularly for a window on a front slope. We can also talk through the best position for light and headroom before anything is cut. If you are unsure whether you need consent, ask before ordering the window, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a roof window go in any tiled roof?
Most, but not all. The pitch, the rafters and the tile type decide what works, so we check on site. Very shallow pitches or unusual tiles may limit the choice of window or kit. If in doubt, ask us and we will explain what we find.
Will adding a window weaken the roof?
Not if it is done properly. The opening is framed with extra timbers to carry the load around the gap, and the surrounding structure is checked. Poor jobs are the ones that cut a rafter and leave it unsupported.
Will it leak?
A correctly fitted window with the right flashing kit should keep water out. Most leaks come from poor flashing, bad sealing or tiles cut badly around the frame, which is why that part gets the attention.
Talk to our team about VELUX and roof window installation in Keynsham
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.