Conservation Rooflights In A Period Property

[Jeremy Thompson]

Hi All,

I am currently in the process of looking for some genuine conservation rooflights (pitched roof) for my period property and I am seeking some advice.

I am situated near the coast so longevity is one of the most important things for me.

I have had a look at various rooflight companies online and many of the rooflights have small print that basically says that the warranty is subject to maintenance. For reference I cant have a Velux or other alternatives as the frame is deemed to bulky.

Being integral to my house remaining water tight I obviously don't want to take any risks and I don't want a product that will go rusty. In my location it turns out that the external maintenance would need to be done every three months which is just not possible.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

J

 

[Flyfisher]

We have three large conservation rooflights fitted into a kitchen extension built about 12 years ago. I don't recall any specific maintenance requirements and I've not done anything more than an annual clean of the glass ('self-cleaning' glass doesn't live up to the name!) and have not had any problems. But we're nowhere near the coast, so no risk of salt water issues.

Are such rooflights not available in stainless steel to cope with coastal conditions?

 

[Jeremy Thompson]

We have three large conservation rooflights fitted into a kitchen extension built about 12 years ago. I don't recall any specific maintenance requirements and I've not done anything more than an annual clean of the glass ('self-cleaning' glass doesn't live up to the name!) and have not had any problems. But we're nowhere near the coast, so no risk of salt water issues.

Are such rooflights not available in stainless steel to cope with coastal conditions?

Stainless Steel is a good suggestion and potentially the route I will need to take. Seems that most of the manufacturers for conservation rooflights use mild steel with a powder coat for the protection. Thank you for the advice, much appreciated.

 

[ptchimes]

We have three large conservation rooflights fitted into a kitchen extension built about 12 years ago. I don't recall any specific maintenance requirements and I've not done anything more than an annual clean of the glass ('self-cleaning' glass doesn't live up to the name!) and have not had any problems. But we're nowhere near the coast, so no risk of salt water issues.

Are such rooflights not available in stainless steel to cope with coastal conditions?

Have you looked at Stella rooflight, www.stellarooflight.co.uk??

They produce their rooflights in a marine grade stainless steel so should be ideal for coastal locations.

My experience with painting/powder coat is that any warranty is very closely linked to your maintenance schedule and also your ability to prove that you have done the maintenance. There are many factors that will have an impact on the speed and level of deterioration in the paint but as a rule in coastal locations (less than 5km from the coast in a straight line) you will need to clean an external industrial coating at least every 3 months. This can be difficult for rooflights, especially those which do not open.

If you have a stainless steel frame then there is much less emphasis on the paint stopping the product from rusting, which will happen with a standard steel frame if the paint is damaged or wears down due to the high salt content in the atmosphere.

I am sure that you will have to pay more for stainless rooflights but you will have the peace of mind that you won't need to replace them after a few years.

 

[Jeremy Thompson]

Have you looked at Stella rooflight, www.stellarooflight.co.uk??

They produce their rooflights in a marine grade stainless steel so should be ideal for coastal locations.

My experience with painting/powder coat is that any warranty is very closely linked to your maintenance schedule and also your ability to prove that you have done the maintenance. There are many factors that will have an impact on the speed and level of deterioration in the paint but as a rule in coastal locations (less than 5km from the coast in a straight line) you will need to clean an external industrial coating at least every 3 months. This can be difficult for rooflights, especially those which do not open.

If you have a stainless steel frame then there is much less emphasis on the paint stopping the product from rusting, which will happen with a standard steel frame if the paint is damaged or wears down due to the high salt content in the atmosphere.

I am sure that you will have to pay more for stainless rooflights but you will have the peace of mind that you won't need to replace them after a few years.

Thanks for the advice, I'll take a look into Stella.

As you mentioned above in your comment, damage is something that I am especially wary of. My roof space isn't the easiest reach and one small nick on the powder coat would probably cause my rooflight to immediately start rusting. I wouldn't even know about it until it gets so bad that the powder starts to peel

I guess stainless steel would be the most logical option.