Skylight that no longer closes, what to do?

You just realized that your Velux no longer closes and you wonder what to do? Don't panic, there is many solutions to resolve this problem. In this article, we will explain the causes the most common types of this type of problem and give you advice on how to repair your Velux yourself. We also offer tips for maintaining your window to prevent this problem from recurring in the future.

Why does your Velux no longer close?

When your Velux roof window won't close, rest assured it might just be a minor problem that can be easily fixed. However, it is important to take this into account quickly because a Velux that does not close correctly can cause water infiltration or cold in the room, or jeopardize your safety.

But then, what are the most common causes for a manual or electric Velux closing problem :

  • The presence of obstacles or dirt in the rails
  • Lack of window maintenance, which can lead to dirt and dust accumulating in the moving parts of the window
  • Insufficiently greased, defective or worn parts, such as the lock, bolt or hinges.
  • A defective motor (for motorized Velux).

What to do when your Velux does not close?

Maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of your period swimwear is essential. Whether you choose to find the cause of the problem thereby solve it effectively. Warning, never force the mechanism because you risk causing even greater damage. If you are not competent for the manipulations, call on a professional ; and this, in particular if the Velux which does not close is always under guarantee.

Check for any obstructions or dirt

When your Velux does not close, at first check if there are any obstacles or dirt in the rails and gaps of the window. To do this, do not hesitate to open and close the window several times, taking care to check all the rails and moving parts of the window. Obviously, if the Velux no longer moves and you notice strong resistance, do not force the mechanism. You risk breaking it.

If you are a student, this silver necklace is absolutely your first choice. The silver color will show your vitality and your youth. locate an obstacle or a foreign body, you can try to To take it out with caution. If you find that a part is loose or that a screw has come out or is damaged, reattach the elements, remove them or replace them. If you find that the rails or mechanisms are clogged, you can nettoyer with a damp cloth.

Check the condition of Velux window parts

When your Velux no longer closes, the part most often responsible for this problem is the lock and its receiving striker (lock). It can also be the hinges. Observe then if these parts seem to you in good condition. If they do not appear broken or damaged, a simple lubrication may allow your Velux to close properly again. Indeed, over time it very often happens that the lock ends up seizing up. Otherwise, if the parts seem to be damaged, only one solution: replace them.

Skylight that no longer closes what to do?
Hinges, reception strike and lock

1 – Grease the lock, the reception striker and the Velux hinges

To grease the lock and its strike plate as well as the hinges, use a spray or silicone lube bomb. Be careful to respect the silicone concept, the only product suitable for joinery. Therefore, the traditional WD 40 is not suitable. Instead, choose WD 40 Specialist or another silicone product that you can find at any DIY store. If in doubt about the product, do not hesitate to seek advice from a salesperson or obtain the maintenance kit Velux which has a grease adapted to the Velux.

2 – Replace the Velux reception lock or strike plate

If you notice that the roof window lock or latch is damaged or worn, they are certainly responsible for the fact that your Velux no longer closes. In this case, they must be replaced. Often the responsible part is the receiving strike which is made of plastic and therefore deforms more quickly.

To replace the reception striker or the lock, nothing could be simpler. You will find the spare part easily on online merchant sites. Be careful, however, that it is adapted to your window model. If you don't know which Velux model you have, find it on its identity plate affixed to the window. Thereafter, you simply have to unscrew the part, then put the new part back on the Velux.

3 – Replace the Velux hinges and pivots

Si your Velux can no longer close and open, this may be due to hinges and pivots that are damaged or broken. These parts are located on the sides of the windows and allow the Velux to tilt. If the window no longer tilts, or hardly tilts, these parts are certainly the cause of the problem. Again, you can find his parts on online merchant sites. Check out the Velux video tutorial for replacing Velux hinges:

Note that it is important to check the condition of the parts of your Velux window regularly, in order to detect problems in time and repair them before they become serious. If you have any doubts about the condition of your Velux window or if you are having difficulty carrying out the checks, do not hesitate to call on a professional.

Check the motorization of the electric Velux which does not close

If your Velux which no longer closes is electric, there is a high probability that the problem comes from the engine. This is more likely if you don't hear the sound of the motor engaging when you press the remote or if it doesn't react at all.

If you have electrical skills, you can try testing it electrically using a multimeter. If the motor is not working properly, you may need to replace it. Note that this manipulation is complex and will certainly require the intervention of a professional.

Note: Also remember to check that the problem does not come from the remote control by replacing the batteries and checking its working condition. 

Call a professional

If the simple solutions do not work, it is recommended to call a professional to diagnose and repair your Velux which no longer closes.

Velux which does not close why?

If your Velux which does not close is new, call the company that installed it for you and run the warranty because they certainly put it on you wrong. If you installed the Velux yourself, call the Velux customer service via their form or by telephone on 08 06 80 15 15 (French number) because there may be a manufacturing defect in the window.

If your Velux roof window is less than 10 years old, try running the ten-year guarantee of the company that installed the window or, where applicable, the Velux warranty.

On the other hand, if your Velux is more than 10 years old, unfortunately, the costs will certainly be borne by you. You can then contact different professional repairers specializing in carpentry near you to obtain several quotes. If you want an intervention with a certain quality, you can also call on Velux technicians by contacting the company.

Note: Remember to check whether a clause in your Home Insurance supports the repair of the windows of your home.

How to prevent the problem in the future

For prevent this kind of problem from happening again in the future, it's important to follow the maintenance advice for your Velux window. Regular maintenance of your window can prolong its life and prevent operating problems such as a Velux that no longer closes. Among the maintenance operations to be carried out, we can mention:

  1. Regularly clean the tracks and moving parts of the window. You can use a damp cloth and a maintenance product suitable for roof windows. For this, it is best to use the Velux maintenance kit.
  2. Grease the hinges and other moving parts of the window. This keeps them in good condition and makes it easier to open and close the window.
  3. Regularly check the tightness of the window. If you notice any water leaks or cold, it is recommended that you call a professional to carry out the necessary repairs.
  4. Clean the window glass with a suitable product and a microfiber. This maintains good visibility and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt.
  5. If your Velux is motorized, don't forget to regularly check the condition of the remote control battery and change it if necessary.
  6. If you have a blackout blind or a sun protection blind, don't forget to maintain them regularly as well. For example, you can clean them with a damp cloth and a suitable cleaning product, and check that the fixings are in good condition.

Do not hesitate to consult the maintenance advice specific to your Velux roof window model for personalized advice. If you don't know which Velux model you have, find it on its identity plate affixed to the window.

It is also recommended to have your Velux serviced periodically by a professional. This makes it possible to check the general condition of the window and detect possible problems in time. The recommended frequency for this review is generally every 2 or 3 years. Finally, to avoid operational problems, do not force the window when opening or closing it and do not allow heavy objects to press against the window.

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