Two roof windows side by side is a common request. It is possible on many Eastville roofs, as long as the structure, the flashing and the room all agree.
Fitting two roof windows next to each other gives a loft far more light than one. It can be done on most pitched roofs, including the terraces and later infill houses around Eastville, provided the rafters can be altered safely and the pair is flashed together properly. The layout inside the room matters as much as the roof.
What the rafters allow
Each opening interrupts the rafters. For two windows, we may have to trim and double up several timbers so the load is carried round the openings. We measure the spacing from the loft and plan the layout so as few cuts as possible are needed. Sometimes a slight shift in the position of a window avoids unnecessary structural work. We never cut a rafter before the structural plan is agreed.
Flashing the pair together
VELUX and similar roof windows come with flashing kits matched to the roof covering, and there are kits for fitting windows in groups. The join between two frames is where water would get in, so it has to be shaped with care. We use the correct kit for your tiles or slates and set the windows level with each other. Slate and tile roofs take different grouping kits, so the covering is identified first.
- Kit chosen to match the roof covering
- Frames set level and square together
- Join between the two sealed and lapped properly
- Covering around the pair re-laid neatly
Planning the room
Position the windows to suit the room: where the bed, desk or stairs go and what you want to see. Sill height matters for reaching handles and for the view. Two windows high up give light but little outlook, while lower ones give both. We talk this through before anything is ordered or cut. Think about how the room will look at night as well as in daylight.
Lining, insulation and vapour control
Around the openings the lining has to be neat and well insulated, with vapour control so that damp room air does not reach cold timber. Two openings mean twice the reveals to get right. Done well, they keep the room warm and free of condensation. Done badly, they stain and drip in the first cold season. Skipping the vapour layer is the commonest cause of damp reveals later.
Protecting the house and neighbours
Roofing in a dense row of houses needs planning: access equipment, protection for the room below and a tidy site. Adding openings may need planning or Building Regulations checks — we advise before work starts. We cover the opening between stages so the room is not left exposed to the weather. Pets, gardens and parked cars below are protected before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the windows touch each other?
In many cases yes, using the right grouping kit. Sometimes a small gap suits the rafters better. We choose based on your structure and covering, and confirm the plan before ordering. We explain it plainly and put it in writing.
Will two windows suit a rear extension roof?
Only if the extension has a pitched roof with suitable timbers. Flat roofs use different rooflights. We check what you have and recommend the right product for it. We explain it plainly and put it in writing.
How long will the room be open?
We plan to keep the exposure short. The windows are ready on site, the weather is checked and the opening is covered between stages. We talk through the timing with you before starting.
Talk to our team about VELUX and roof window installation in Eastville
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.