Both opening styles work well. Which one suits depends on the room, the slope and how you want to use the window. Here are the practical differences for Bromley Heath homes.
VELUX and similar roof windows come in two main opening styles, and choosing between them is a practical decision, not a fashion one. Bromley Heath has later 20th-century houses and bungalows with roof spaces of varied height, plus older cottages, so the best style differs from one home to the next. Here are the practical differences.
The two styles in plain terms
A centre-pivot window turns around the middle of the frame, tipping outwards at the top and inwards at the bottom. A top-hung window is hinged at the top and pushes out from the bottom, a bit like a shop awning. Each has its strengths, and neither is right for every position. Both are well made and widely used. The choice affects comfort every day, so it deserves a little thought.
Where centre-pivot works well
Centre-pivot windows suit rooms where the window sits fairly high in the slope, so the handle at the top is within reach. They rotate fully for cleaning the outside glass from inside. They tend to suit steeper roof pitches, and they fit comfortably in many loft conversions where the sill is above a bed or desk. Reach and headroom decide it more often than looks. Where a desk or bed sits below the window, check that the sash will clear it when open.
- Handle at the top of the sash
- Rotates fully to clean outer glass
- Suits steeper slopes and higher sills
- Works where the sill sits higher up
Where top-hung works well
A top-hung window opens out and up, giving a clear view and a handle at the bottom, within reach. It suits lower positions in the slope, such as bungalow lofts, dormers and sloping ceilings above a desk or a bed. On a shallow pitch it clears the roof surface neatly and opens wide for ventilation. Wide opening helps with airing a room quickly. A shallow pitch lets the sash lift away from the tiles cleanly.
Things that affect the choice
Headroom, furniture, the pitch of the roof and the position of the window in the slope all play a part. In an exposed spot with strong winds, how far the window opens and how it is secured also matter. We take into account how you use the room, and who has to reach the handle. We ask who will use the window, and how.
How the fitting works either way
Whichever style you pick, the window goes in with a flashing kit matched to the roof covering, rafters trimmed and doubled where needed, and a lining, insulation and vapour control around the opening. We talk through the pros and cons honestly, and planning or Building Regulations checks may apply, and we advise before work starts. We also check the lining and the insulation so the room stays comfortable all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type is easier to clean?
A centre-pivot rotates so the outer glass can be cleaned from inside, which is handy at height. Top-hung windows can be cleaned from inside to a degree, though reach varies. Neither needs anyone on the roof. Reaching the outer glass is a real day-to-day factor.
Can I swap one style for the other later?
Possibly, if the opening is the same size and the flashing can be matched. Changes in size or style may affect the rafters. We would check on site and tell you what is involved before any work. The flashing and lining sometimes limit change.
Are both suitable for a bungalow loft?
Yes. The choice depends on where the window sits in the slope and how high the sill is. For lower positions top-hung is often easier to reach. We look at the actual room before advising.
Talk to our team about VELUX and roof window installation in Bromley Heath
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.