In winter, poorly insulated roof windows can lead to major heat loss, increasing heating costs and making rooms feel uncomfortably chilly. This heat loss can also encourage condensation, leading to potential mold growth over time.

To maintain a warm, cozy home throughout winter, it’s crucial to winter-proof your roof windows effectively. In this guide, learn which methods work best to keep the cold out and maximize heating efficiency.

Before temperatures drop, inspect your roof windows for any potential vulnerabilities. A little preparation ensures that warmth stays where it belongs — inside your home. Here’s how to winter-proof your roof windows:

• Inspect seals: Check if the window seals are intact. Cracked or damaged seals let in unwanted cold air, so replace them if needed.
• Regular cleaning: Cleaning prolongs window life and helps maintain quality of insulation. Regularly treat seals with products like silicone spray to keep them flexible and prevent deterioration. Roto offers a specialized cleaning and maintenance kit.
• Check fittings: Make sure all moving parts are maintained and well-lubricated for optimal performance.

For effective cold protection, proper equipment is essential. An external roller shutter, for instance, acts as an insulating layer between the window and the outdoors, reducing heat loss and keeping the interior warmer.

To effectively insulate your roof windows, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Mistake 1: Relying only on glazing
  While good glazing is essential, ensuring the seals and fittings are well-maintained helps prevent overall heat loss.
• Mistake 2: Using non-compatible equipment
  For optimal insulation, use original external roller shutters from Roto, designed specifically to fit your roof window model.

Use this checklist to ensure your roof windows are winter-ready:

1. Inspect seals and frames: Are seals flexible and damage-free? Use our maintenance kit for optimal care.
2. Check additional insulation: Ensure roller shutters are fully functional and properly maintained.

Winter-proofing is essential to prevent heat loss and lower heating costs. Since warm air rises, the roof is critical for a home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation, along with suitable glazing and external roller shutters, helps maintain indoor warmth.

External roller shutters offer top insulation by creating a barrier between cold outdoor air and window glass, significantly reducing indoor heat loss.

Yes, replacing old roof windows can be a wise investment. Modern roof windows, such as Roto 100% PVC models with insulated frames, offer superior insulation compared to wood-core frames, improving indoor comfort and reducing heating costs over time.