Velux Alternatives

VELUX is one of Australia's best-known skylight brands and has earned a strong reputation among architects, builders and homeowners. For many projects, however, customers are looking for an alternative that better suits Australian roof types, installation requirements and budgets, while supporting Australian manufacturing and local jobs.

At ACOL Skylights & Roof Windows, we have been supplying skylights to Australian homes for decades and now offer a range of premium electric opening skylights under our newly launched Splendid Skylights brand. Designed specifically for Australian conditions, these products provide homeowners and builders with a practical alternative to skylight systems developed primarily for European and North American markets.

Which Skylight Suits Your Project?

Feature	Splendid Skylights	VELUX
Fixed Skylights	✓	✓
Electric Opening Skylights	✓	✓
Standard Glazing Specification	5T / 9A Argon / 6.72Lam Low-E	3T / 9A Argon / 5.36Lam Low-E
Frame Construction	Powder-coated aluminium	Timber core construction
Flashing & Window Trim Colours	Wide range of Colorbond® colours	Monument® only
Corrugated Iron Roof Flashings	✓	—
Deck Roof Flashings (Trimdek® & similar)	✓	—
Concealed-Fix Roof Flashings (Klip-Lok® & Standing Seam)	✓	—
Manual Blind Options	✓	✓
Electric Blind Options	✓	✓
Australian Compliance & Certification	AS 4285:2019 tested, AS 1288:2021 compliant. Test certificates available online.	AS 4285:2019 tested, AS 1288:2021 compliant. CodeMark Verified.
Australian Technical Support	✓	✓

Both brands offer quality skylight solutions and comply with relevant Australian building requirements. The key differences generally relate to glazing configuration, frame construction, flashing flexibility, roof compatibility and overall project cost.

Standard Glazing Specification

Natural light should improve comfort as well as appearance.

Our premium double-glazed roof windows feature:

5mm toughened outer safety glass

9mm argon-filled insulating cavity

6.72mm laminated safety inner pane

Low-Emissivity (Low-E) thermal coating

This substantial glazing configuration is designed to provide excellent thermal performance, safety, acoustic insulation and long-term durability. The laminated inner pane also helps retain the glass in the unlikely event of breakage while blocking up to 99% of harmful UV radiation.

Frame Construction

Unlike traditional timber-framed skylights, Splendid Skylights feature powder-coated aluminium frames designed for long-term durability in Australian conditions.

Aluminium construction eliminates the need for repainting and provides a clean, modern appearance that complements both contemporary and traditional homes.

Flashing & Window Trim Colours

Australian homes are built using a wide range of roofing colours and finishes.

While many imported skylight systems are supplied in a single flashing colour, Splendid Skylights can be supplied with flashings and external window trims finished in a wide range of popular Colorbond® colours.

This allows the skylight installation to blend naturally with the roof rather than appearing as an obvious afterthought. This can be particularly important where the skylight is visible from the street, neighbouring properties or outdoor entertaining areas.

Flexible Flashing Options for Australian Roofs

Australian roofing systems differ significantly from those commonly found overseas. Roof profiles, flashing requirements and installation practices all influence skylight design and installation.

We offer flashing solutions for:

Concrete tile roofs

Most terracotta tile roofs

Corrugated iron roofs

Trimdek® and other deck-style metal roofs

Klip-Lok® roofing systems

Standing seam metal roofs

Custom roofing applications

Purchasing both the skylight and flashing from the same supplier helps ensure proper integration, fit and long-term weatherproof performance.

Electric Opening Skylights

Electric opening skylights are becoming the preferred choice for many Australian homes.

In addition to providing natural daylight, opening skylights allow homeowners to introduce fresh air and natural ventilation into the home. They are particularly popular in kitchens, living areas, stairwells and rooms with high ceilings where airflow and temperature control are important considerations.

Just as electric windows have become the standard in modern cars, electric opening skylights are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. While some imported electric skylights can be expensive, Splendid Skylights offers integrated electric opening packages designed to make this upgrade more accessible for Australian homeowners.

Blinds, Flyscreens and Accessory Options

Modern skylights often require more than daylight alone.

Compatible manual and electric blinds can be supplied to assist with light control, privacy and thermal comfort. These options can often be incorporated into complete skylight packages, helping homeowners achieve premium functionality while maintaining control of overall project costs.

Opening skylights are commonly supplied with flyscreens to help keep insects out while allowing natural ventilation into the home.

For customers requiring additional protection, ACOL also offers an optional heavy-duty mesh upgrade. The mesh functions as an Ember Guard and heavy-duty flyscreen. Unlike standard insect screens, the heavy-duty mesh is resistant to damage from possums and other pests.

Australian Compliance & Certification

Both Splendid Skylights and VELUX products are tested to AS 4285:2019 and comply with AS 1288:2021.

VELUX has elected to obtain CodeMark verification for many of its products. Splendid Skylights makes its test certificates available online for review by homeowners, builders, certifiers and other project stakeholders.

Supporting Australian Manufacturing and Local Jobs

Many homeowners prefer to support Australian businesses wherever possible.

By choosing a locally supported skylight system, customers help support Australian jobs, Australian technical expertise and local supply chains. Local manufacturing and assembly also provide greater flexibility for product development, flashing options, colour matching and ongoing customer support.

For many homeowners, builders and renovators, supporting local industry is an important consideration alongside product performance, appearance and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Splendid Skylights a good alternative to VELUX?

VELUX is a respected international skylight brand with a long history in the market. Splendid Skylightsprovidesan Australian-focused alternative designed around local roof types, installationpracticesand customer requirements.

Do Splendid Skylights suit Colorbond® roofs?

Yes. Splendid Skylights can be supplied with flashing solutions for many common Australian metal roofing profiles, including corrugated iron,Trimdek®, Klip-Lok® and standing seam roofs. Purchasing both the skylight and flashing from the same supplier helps ensure proper integration, fit and long-term weatherproof performance.

Can I colour match the skylight to my roof?

Yes. Flashings and external window trims are available in a wide range of popularColorbond® colours, helping the skylight blend naturally with the roof. This can be particularly important where the skylight is visible from the street, neighbouringpropertiesor outdoor entertaining areas.

Are electric opening skylights worth it?

For many homeowners, yes. Just as electric windows have become the standard in modern cars, electric opening skylights are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. They provide both natural daylight and controllable ventilation at the touch of a button.

Are Splendid Skylights compliant with Australian Standards?

Yes. Splendid Skylights are tested to AS 4285:2019 andcomply withAS 1288:2021. Relevant test certificates are available online.

Choosing the Right Skylight

VELUX remains a respected international skylight brand with a long history and an extensive product range.

For many Australian homeowners, the decision is not whether VELUX is a good product—it clearly is. The decision is whether a skylight designed around Australian roof types, Australian installation practices and Australian customer requirements may be a better fit for their project.

For homeowners and builders seeking a practical Australian alternative, Splendid Skylights offers durable aluminium construction, premium double glazing, flexible flashing options, colour-matched roof integration, electric opening functionality, local support and the backing of an Australian business with decades of industry experience.