About Us and Our History
Founded in 1991 in Nowy Sącz, Poland, FAKRO is a family-owned company co-founded by Ryszard Florek, who continues to serve as President. Over the past three decades, FAKRO has grown into one of the world's leading roof window manufacturers, holding an estimated 15% share of the global roof window market and maintaining its position as the market leader in Poland.
Today, the FAKRO Group operates on a global scale, with 12 manufacturing facilities, 17 international subsidiaries, and distribution networks serving customers across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
FAKRO’s product line has expanded significantly over the years to include attic ladders, flat roof windows and hatches, skylights, knee wall access doors and much more.
Nationally Recognized Awards
FAKRO has received numerous nationally and internationally recognized awards over the years, reflecting its commitment to innovation and quality.. Among its notable achievements are the prestigious Teraz Polska award (1996), Distinguished Polish Exporter (2002), and Poland’s Global Presence (2003).In 2014, AIA Housing Awards for Architecture recognized FAKRO for its contribution to Passive House design.
The DXW Walkable Skylight has received several prestigious honors, including the Architects' Darling Award (2017), ICONIC AWARDS 2018: Innovative Architecture – Best of Best, and the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award in both 2019 and 2026.
In 2026, PDX and PDS Skylights won the BIMsmith 2026 due to their genuine technical conviction from triple glazing units, EPS foam filled PVC frame, solar-powered venting, rain sensors and seamless edge to edge glass design. As BIMsmith noted, “For a product category where design and performance have historically pulled in different directions, the PDS is a well-considered step forward.”
The DEF U6 Flat Roof Skylight earned the Red Dot Design Award in 2016 for its outstanding functionality.
From the beginning, FAKRO's growth has been built on long-term partnerships with architects, contractors, distributors, and customers. This collaborative approach has driven continuous innovation and a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction in the construction industry.
What Distinguishes FAKRO Products
FAKRO stands apart through its commitment to innovation, durability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. By combining advanced technology with high-quality materials, FAKRO designs products that enhance comfort, improve thermal performance, and provide long-lasting reliability. A strong focus on sustainable practices and eco-friendly manufacturing ensures that FAKRO solutions not only meet the needs of today’s homeowners but also contribute to a greener future.
Energy loss happens from the smallest variables. While homeowners often focus on wall and roof insulation, gaps around windows, skylights, and attic access points can significantly impact a home's energy performance. High-performance roof windows, thermally insulated flashing systems, and energy-efficient attic ladder hatches help reduce unwanted heat transfer, improve airtightness, and maintain indoor comfort year-round.
Case Study in Vienna, Virginia
A zero-energy home in Vienna, Virginia, showcases how FAKRO roof windows can contribute to high-performance, energy-efficient design. The project incorporated multiple FAKRO roof windows with thermo flashing units to maximize natural daylight, passive solar benefits, and thermal performance.
Architect David Peabody of Peabody Fine Architects described the roof windows as “a game changer in terms of passive house design,” highlighting their impact on comfort and energy efficiency.
The homeowner states that the home's electric bill averages less than $9 per month, demonstrating the remarkable energy efficiency that can be achieved through the combination of innovative skylights and thoughtful architectural design.
FAKRO has been developing innovative, high-quality roof windows, skylights, and attic ladders that set industry standards. The FAKRO’s R&D department has developed more than 100 patent applications and utility models since the 90s New products undergo extensive testing through climate-testing chambers, infared systems and more to achieve the proper certification.
Ongoing laboratory testing of skylight and roof window has led to integration of these key features:
- Thick wooden frame made of selected pine wood
- Seasoned and vacuum preserved wood with a factory lacquered before final assembly
- Frame corners additionally sealed against any moisture penetration
- Internal gasket system to collect and drain to the outside any condensation water
- Heat and UV reducing glazing unit, to decrease undesired influence of those two elements
- External cladding covered with UV resist and paint
FAKRO's attic ladders go through the same rigourous testing procedures. Common attic ladders features include:
- Fully assembled and ready to install
- High-quality insulated door construction helps improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
- Weather-sealed models create an airtight barrier to enhance thermal performance.
- Durable wood and metal ladder options
- ANSI-certified models ensure safety testing, reliability, and performance.
- Non-slip steps and integrated handrail
- Adjustable ladder lengths accommodate a wide range of ceiling heights and opening sizes.
Available in insulated, fire-rated, and scissor-style configurations for versatile applications.
Continous quality control happens from production to development, alongside regulatory bodies like ANSI and Energy Star. New products are always subjected to various testing from wind chambers, rain simulation, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and much more. FAKRO makes sure its testing its products to bring innovative solutions to worldwide market standards.
