For installers and homeowners specifying pitched roof skylights, the decision usually comes down to two names: Velux and Brett Martin. Velux has long been the default choice simply through brand recognition, but on site, the practical differences between the two brands, particularly around flashing kits, tile and slate compatibility, and installation time, often matter far more than the badge on the box.
This guide breaks down how Brett Martin's pitched roof skylights compare to Velux across the criteria that actually affect a job: kit simplicity, flashing reliability on common UK roof coverings, and long-term structural performance. Whether you are a trade installer fitting several units a week or a homeowner briefing a contractor, understanding these differences will help you specify with confidence rather than habit.
What Makes a Pitched Roof Skylight Different from a Flat Rooflight?
Pitched roof skylights are built to sit flush within a sloped roof structure, using the natural angle of the roof to shed water rather than relying on a raised upstand the way a flat rooflight does. This means the flashing kit, rather than the glazing unit itself, is doing much of the structural work, sealing the join between the frame and the surrounding roof covering, whether that is slate, concrete tile, or clay tile.
Both Velux and Brett Martin manufacture to this same basic principle, but the way each brand approaches flashing kit design, glazing tolerances, and compatibility across different tile profiles varies enough to make a genuine difference on installation day, particularly on older or irregular UK roofs.
Flashing Reliability: Where Brett Martin Has the Edge on Slate and Tile
Flashing performance is the single biggest factor in whether a pitched roof skylight stays watertight for its full service life, and this is where Brett Martin's kit design consistently performs well against Velux on typical UK roof coverings. Brett Martin's flashing kits are engineered with adjustable step profiles that accommodate a wider range of slate and tile thicknesses without requiring additional trims or on-site modification, which matters enormously on period properties where tile profiles are rarely uniform.
Velux flashing kits are well established and widely stocked, but they are typically matched to specific tile or slate profile ranges, meaning an installer working on a non-standard or older roof covering may need to source an additional adaptor kit or accept a less precise fit. For trade installers working across a mix of housing stock, a flashing system with broader out-of-the-box compatibility reduces both callback risk and time on the roof.
Installation Kit Simplicity: A Trade Perspective on Pitched Roof Skylights
For any installer, the number of components in a fitting kit directly affects labour time, and it is one of the most practical differentiators between the two brands. Brett Martin's pitched roof skylight kits are generally supplied with fewer separate components, a consolidated flashing collar, integrated drainage channel, and a straightforward frame-to-roof fixing sequence, which reduces the number of steps between unboxing and a weathertight finish.
Velux kits remain a dependable, well-documented system, but the modular nature of some ranges, particularly where ventilation or blind accessories are involved, can mean additional parts and a longer fitting sequence. On a straightforward domestic loft conversion, this difference may be marginal. On a multi-unit commercial or new-build project, it adds up quickly across dozens of installations.
Velux vs Brett Martin: Pitched Roof Skylight Comparison
The table below summarises the key differences installers and homeowners should weigh up when specifying a pitched roof skylight.
|
Feature |
Brett Martin |
Velux |
|
Flashing kit compatibility |
Broad tolerance across slate and tile profiles |
Matched to specific tile ranges, adaptors may be needed |
|
Installation kit components |
Fewer parts, streamlined fixing sequence |
Modular system, more components on accessory-heavy models |
|
Brand recognition |
Growing UK trade reputation |
Long-established market leader |
|
Stock availability |
Strong UK stock and fast turnaround |
Widely available through most merchants |
|
Warranty |
Backed by manufacturer guarantee, terms vary by product |
Backed by manufacturer guarantee, terms vary by product |
|
Typical price positioning |
Competitive across most ranges |
Often positioned at a premium |
Why Trade Installers Are Switching to Brett Martin
A growing number of UK installers now specify Brett Martin over the more familiar Velux name, and the reasons tend to be consistent across the trade.
- Faster fitting times — a simplified flashing kit and fixing sequence reduces labour hours per unit, which matters most on multi-unit projects
- Broader tile and slate compatibility — fewer additional adaptor kits needed, particularly on period roofs with non-standard tile profiles
- Competitive stock availability — consistent UK stock levels help avoid the project delays that come with backordered components
- Comparable thermal performance — double and triple-glazed options match or exceed the U-values expected under current Building Regulations
- Strong manufacturer backing — a robust guarantee structure gives both installers and homeowners confidence in long-term performance
- Trade-friendly pricing — generally positioned more competitively than Velux across equivalent specifications
Choosing Between Fixed, Centre-Pivot and Top-Hung Options
Beyond the brand decision, the style of pitched roof skylight matters just as much for day-to-day usability. Centre-pivot models remain the most common choice for their ease of cleaning and operation from inside the room, while top-hung options suit lower-set windows where a different opening action is more practical. For a full breakdown of how these styles compare, our dedicated guide to centre pivot and top-hung roof window styles is worth reading alongside this comparison, particularly if you are still deciding on the opening mechanism rather than the brand.
Getting the surrounding structure right matters just as much as the unit itself. Our rooflight upstand and flashing guide covers the structural detail behind a watertight installation, and applies equally to pitched and flat roof specifications.
Brett Martin or Velux? A Simple Way to Decide
Choosing between the two brands does not need to be complicated. A few simple questions can help point you in the right direction.
Start with your roof type. If you are working with standard, uniform tiles, either brand will usually perform well. But if your roof is older or uses mixed slate, Brett Martin's flashing kit tends to fit more easily, without the need for extra adaptor parts.
Next, think about the size of the job. If you are fitting several units across one project, a simpler kit can save real time on site, and this is where Brett Martin often has the edge. For a single window on a straightforward roof, the difference matters less.
Familiarity counts for something too. If you already know and trust Velux from past jobs, that experience is worth keeping in mind. A brand you understand well can still be the right choice, even if another option offers small advantages elsewhere.
Finally, consider your budget. Brett Martin is often the more competitively priced option for a similar specification, which can make a noticeable difference across a larger job. In the end, both brands are safe, well tested, and built to last. The right choice simply depends on your roof, your project size, and your budget.
Conclusion:
Both Velux and Brett Martin produce dependable pitched roof skylights, but for trade installers working across varied UK roof coverings, the practical advantages of Brett Martin's flashing tolerance, simplified kit design and competitive stock position make it an increasingly popular specification choice on site, not just on paper.
Browse our full range of roof windows to compare pitched roof skylight specifications, or explore our wider skylights collection to see the full Brett Martin range available for your next project.
