VELUX Skylights | Upper and Lower Loft

This post is sponsored by VELUX

I’m so excited to share more about my favorite part of our One Room Challenge project. Our skylights from VELUX! Prior to installation, we had one original skylight from VELUX, original to our 1980 home. We are so excited to partner with VELUX because we’ve had zero leaks (pretty impressive for a 40 year old skylight!) and have loved the design and aesthetics of it.

We replaced our original 2×4 skylight with a VELUX No Leak Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylight and we added the same skylight but in 4×4 in our upper loft. Both have been game changers! Our 2×4 replacement skylight lets in the same amount of light, but can now be opened with a remote, the VELUX Active smartphone app or be programed with VELUX Active to function automatically. Our new 4×4 skylight has the same great features, but lets in even MORE light, and completely transformed this dark space.

BEFORE Upper Loft

Before adding the ceiling above the bathroom.

After adding ceiling to the bathroom.

AFTER Upper Loft

Before Lower Loft

We replaced our manual (4o year old) VELUX skylight with an automated one (benefits listed below). Like I mentioned earlier, we had zero leaks and saved it to use in a future playhouse for the kids. So excited about that!

After Lower Loft

Such a difference, right!? Here are some of my favorite features of our skylights.

• They come with a rain sensor, so at the very first sign of rain, they will automatically close. I was actually sitting up there today with the skylights open when it started to rain, and they automatically closed. So cool! Being a mom of two little boys, I love that there is one less thing that I have to think of! More information on the rain sensor HERE.
• They are also solar powered, so ZERO wiring! The small solar panel is integrated in the unit, even on a cloudy day, it will still charge the unit! With our wood ceilings, running wires has been such a pain, I was so happy that we didn’t have to worry about how to get electrical to them. 
• They have low profile blind, which is also solar powered. We have the Single Pleated Solar Powered Light Filtering Blinds in white. They have a variety of colors and patterns (75 to be exact!), which allow more or less light in. They also have a room darkening option, which would be perfect for a bedroom! These also open with a remote, the VELUX Active smartphone app, or can be programed with VELUX Active.

• The skylights have energy efficient dual paned loE3 glass. For anyone replacing an old skylight, this means a major energy efficiency upgrade.
• The skylights have a bug screen (just like you have for regular windows), so when they’re open the bugs can’t get inside the house. (I removed mine for photos. They are very easy to take in and out!)
• Both the skylight and the blind qualify for a 26% federal tax credit (through Dec. 31, 2020) because they are solar powered. The tax credit applies to the product and the installation cost. The tax credit will be 22% in 2021.Yay to adding function and beauty to your home AND a tax credit!
• Every skylight comes with a 10-year No Leak warranty on the product and installation. It is called No Leak, because the installation method, which includes three layers of protection. First. the deck seal of the skylight is nailed to the roof deck. Next, all weather underlayment is installed all around the skylight. Finally, the flashing is installed. Click HERE to watch a video of the process.  All these features are great, but to me, the No Leak warranty is the most important! Love that VELUX stands behind their product to give customers peace of mind!

Let’s talk. more about The VELUX Active system. One less thing that I have to think about is definitely much appreciated! It allows you to automate both the solar powered skylights and solar blinds.

• It consists of an Internet Gateway, an indoor climate sensor and a departure switch and is operated by the VELUX Active smartphone app. The Internet Gateway connects the system to your home wifi, allowing you to use the VELUX Active smartphone app to operate your skylights and blinds, even if you’re not at home. The Internet Gateway also enables the system to gather weather forecasts from an online weather station.
• The indoor climate sensor measures temperature, humidity and CO2 levels inside the home. It compares the indoor climate data with the online weather forecast to determine whether to open your skylights to air out your home or extend the blinds. In addition to automating the skylights and blinds, you can select a program that opens the skylights three times daily to air your home. You can use the app to directly control your skylights and blinds at any time. You can adjust the desired temperature, humidity and CO2 levels via the app.
  The system is compatible with Apple HomeKit and Google Home. The departure switch allows you to close and lock your skylights while you’re away from home.

Learn more about VELUX Active HERE.

Neat, right!? I love that it can monitor levels inside and outside your home and open and close as needed. Right now, our little boys aren’t allowed on the second floor (where the skylights are) alone, but it’s also important to me that I can have them locked as well.

We’ve been slowly adding more windows to our home and it makes all the difference. It helps connect with the outdoors, which enhances my mood. Bringing in an additional layer of light on the ceiling enhances color, texture, and eliminates dark corners. The light is nice, but the fresh air is even better! Interiors often become more polluted than outdoors, from cooking, cleaning, and pets. Having the ability to easily air our home out, using VELUX Active has been a game changer!

VELUX offers virtual consultations (either audio or video) to provide recommendations on skylight placement, skylight selection, local installers, and answer any questions. They can also guide you through replacement options, like they did for our lower loft. Additional information on consultation HERE. Locate an installer near you HERE.

Pricing for skylights vary based on region, skylight quantity, structural needs, ceiling type (vaulted or flat). Interested in learning more about skylight pricing and installation? Click HERE to learn more!

Now that we’ve been spending even more time at home, having a space full of light and fresh air is even more important! Again, we have the VELUX No Leak Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylights, linked HERE. All VELUX skylights linked HERE.

We love our skylights so much that I don’t think I’d be able to have another house without them!

Thanks so much to VELUX for partnering with me on this post. As always, I only share companies and products that I love and have had a good experience with. Thank you!