Let the Light In — Without the Hidden Costs
Skylights are one of the best upgrades for any home. They can bring in up to three times more light than vertical windows of the same size. But not all skylights are created equal—and if you’re shopping for one, you’ve probably noticed a big industry shake-up.
Velux, the top name in skylights, recently announced that all new skylights will include solar-powered room-darkening blinds. This will happen even if you don’t want them. That means homeowners are being forced to pay for features they’ll never use.
This change is turning heads and wallets toward a smarter alternative: FAKRO. And for good reason.
🌟 Who Is FAKRO?
FAKRO is a world leader in skylight innovation. They are known for their high-quality products. These products feature smart design, top materials, and great energy efficiency. FAKRO is based in Poland. It has a strong reputation in Europe and North America. The brand is known for pros who want quick and durable installations. Homeowners also trust FAKRO for real value.
🛠️ Built for Builders, Loved by Homeowners
FAKRO understands that skylights should do more than look good. Their products are designed to meet the real demands of contractors and homeowners:
Fast, one-person installation
Leak-proof performance
Premium wood or PVC interiors
Energy Star® rated Low-E glass
No unnecessary or forced upgrades
FAKRO skylights come in deck-mounted and curb-mounted styles. They are great for new buildings, retrofits, and remodels.
🔍 A Closer Look: Why FAKRO Skylights Stand Out
Let’s break down what makes FAKRO skylights a top-tier choice for light, ventilation, and energy performance.
🪵 1. Premium Materials from Frame to Glass
🔨 Pressure-Treated Pine Frames
FAKRO uses beautifully hand-selected pine, vacuum-treated and sealed with water-based acrylic lacquer for lasting performance. Prefer a modern look? Their white PVC interior frames offer a sleek, easy-to-clean finish.
🪟 Low-E Glass with Argon Gas
All FAKRO skylights use double glazing with argon gas, reducing heat transfer and filtering UV rays. Options include:
Tempered glass
Laminated safety glass
Tinted coatings for thermal control
🌧️ 2. Leak-Proof by Design
Nobody wants a leaky skylight. FAKRO takes this seriously:
No metal brackets = no condensation-causing cold bridges
Self-sealing perimeter gaskets = instant deck protection
Hidden internal drainage channels collect moisture and send it outside
Even the installation screws go through pre-drilled holes in the frame—not brackets on the outside. That means fewer leak points and a tighter seal.
🔧 3. One-Person, Bracket-Free Installation
FAKRO skylights are a roofer’s dream. Every unit comes with:
A cutting template
All installation hardware
Positioning pins to hold the skylight square over the rough opening
Bracket-free frame that screws directly into the joists
Less hardware. Less time on the roof. More satisfied customers.
🌬️ 4. Options for Fixed or Venting Skylights
Whether you want light, airflow, or both—FAKRO’s got a skylight for that.
🔹 Deck-Mounted Options:
FX – Fixed skylight (no ventilation)
FV – Manual venting with crank or rod
FVE – Electric venting with remote control
FVS – Solar-powered venting, no wiring needed, includes rain sensors & Z-Wave control
🔹 Curb-Mounted Options:
FXC – Fixed skylight with PVC frame, blind-ready
FXR – Budget-friendly standard fixed skylight, 360° install
🧠 5. Smart Home Integration with Z-Wave
FAKRO is ahead of the curve with its Z-Wave smart home compatibility. Their electric and solar venting skylights can be controlled via:
Remote
Wall-mounted switch
Smart home systems like Samsung SmartThings, Ring, or Google Home
Add rain sensors that automatically close the skylight at the first sign of moisture, and you’ve got peace of mind built right in.
💡 6. No Forced Upgrades or Hidden Costs
Here’s where FAKRO really shines: They don’t make you buy features you don’t want.
Velux now includes solar-powered blinds with every skylight. Many homeowners end up paying hundreds more for a feature they might not use.
FAKRO gives you the power to choose:
Want a blind? Add it.
Don’t want a blind? Skip it.
Prefer to install it later? No problem.
That flexibility is winning over contractors and homeowners tired of one-size-fits-all pricing.
🧾 7. Limited Lifetime Warranty
FAKRO backs every residential skylight with a limited lifetime warranty, as long as it’s installed correctly. Their commitment to performance and durability shows in the details—and the guarantee.
🆚 Velux vs. FAKRO: The Real Story
Feature | FAKRO | Velux (2025 update) |
---|---|---|
Solar Blinds Included | Optional | Mandatory |
One-Person Installation | Yes | Not standard |
Smart Home Compatible | Z-Wave, remote control | Yes (limited) |
Materials | Premium wood, PVC | Mostly wood |
Leak Protection | No metal brackets, triple seal | Step flashing, brackets needed |
Skylight Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited |
Skylight Price Flexibility | Yes | No |
📈 Why the Market Is Moving Toward FAKRO
Contractors love how quickly they can install FAKRO skylights—and how few callbacks they get later. Homeowners love the sleek look, smart controls, and energy savings. And both love that they aren’t being pushed into buying bundled upgrades.
As Velux raises its prices with added features, FAKRO is quietly gaining market share. They offer simple, customizable, and high-performance solutions.
🏡 Final Thoughts: Brighten Your Home Without the Bloat
FAKRO skylights offer the best of both worlds:
Durable, beautiful construction
Smart features when you want them
Practical, leak-proof design
True energy efficiency
And the freedom to choose what works for you
If you are planning to renovate your home, build a new one, or want more natural light, consider FAKRO skylights. They should be a top choice for you.
🔗 Learn More
Visit www.fakro.com to see their full product line. You can also download installation guides. If you need help, contact Pro Home Services for a free consultation.