Super-narrow roof windows (Velux style)

[Nimster]

Hi
We have permission to fit a window in the pantiled roof of our cottage. I've looked at the Velux conservation windows but they are minimum 55cm wide. The gap between our beams is around 30cm, and I would prefer not to have to hack a chunk out of an original beam and make a reinforced box around the window if possible (even though we have permission to do it). Does anyone know if you can buy really narrow roof windows? I'm not bothered about pivot style - just something that opens, closes and doesn't let in rain. It's into a bathroom, so will need to meet building regs (so we can't use a skylight). I have googled, but have not produced anything sensible. Any advice welcome!
Thanks
Nim

 

[davidbrac]

Not an expert on this but have installed a couple. 30cm seems quite small and you may have to ask for a custom built unit. I would guess that it would be cheaper to get a standard unit and "hack away" but there are custom places out there. I would start by talking to these people http://www.therooflightcompany.co.uk

 

[Flyfisher]

We used the rooflight company for our 'conservation' rooflights and dealt with their 'special projects' department because they were non-standard. They were very helpful and we are pleased with the end result.

We also dealt with Lumen Rooflights, who were equally helpful for bespoke sizes but in the end could not manufacture as large as we required.

 

[Nimster]

Thanks. My search pulled up some rooflights but they all seemed to be for uninhabited rooms/loft spaces. I've emailed the Rooflight Company to see if they can help.
Nim

 

[malcolm]

Do you have other windows in the room? If not building regs will want minimum 45cm for fire egress. Or at least I assume that applies to roof lights. Worth checking if you don't have windows suitable for jumping to your death elsewhere.

 

[Nimster]

We do have other windows, but I wouldn't fancy my chances at getting out of them in a fire. One is a horizontal sliding sash that probably has an opening about 300 x 500, the other is a similar sized UPVC (don't blame me, already in) with a limiter which means I can just about squeeze my chest through for cleaning them. How does this work in terms of old cottages? Surely BR can't insist you stick a massive fire escape style window into a grade 2 listed roof?

 

[malcolm]

Don't know. It's Part B that applies to windows for fire egress. I had a read through but it seems vague on the matter. You might get away with just not making anything worse. Might be worth asking the window manufacturer if it might be an issue as they ought to know.

Wouldn't put much past building regs. I'll be spending a good £35k adding insulation to rooms I don't heat, replacing windows for fire egress, and adding a bunch of of fire doors etc. Mine is triggered by change of use, but I'd not be surprised if adding a new window triggers something.

 

[Flyfisher]

So, let me get this right. There is currently no window in the roof so there is no possibility of escaping a fire through the roof, but BC is happy with that. A rooflight is then installed that is too small to get through so there is still no possibility of escaping through the roof, but because this small patch of inescapable roof is now transparent BC is no longer happy with it. Right, got it. :roll:

 

[LadyArowana]

So, let me get this right. There is currently no window in the roof so there is no possibility of escaping a fire through the roof, but BC is happy with that. A rooflight is then installed that is too small to get through so there is still no possibility of escaping through the roof, but because this small patch of inescapable roof is now transparent BC is no longer happy with it. Right, got it. :roll:

Do the people from building regs come and weigh and measure you? I saw some very very hefty bunnies trundling their overflowing baskets around Primark in London and frankly you would be needing bifold doors not a 45cm window to get them out. :shock:

 

[Nimster]

So, let me get this right. There is currently no window in the roof so there is no possibility of escaping a fire through the roof, but BC is happy with that. A rooflight is then installed that is too small to get through so there is still no possibility of escaping through the roof, but because this small patch of inescapable roof is now transparent BC is no longer happy with it. Right, got it. :roll:

This is what I don't get either. They haven't actually mentioned the spec/size/accessibilty of the new rooflight so I am presuming it doesn't have to meet any kind of regs. I suspect the sliding sashes are the fire escapes as you could get out if you had to - depending how fat you are