Rooflights
with rainwater on a regular basis is
eventually going to rust without regular
maintenance. Furthermore, if you are
fortunate enough to live within 5km of
the coast, then the risk of the corrosion
will be both fast and significant, due
to the elevated salt content in the
atmosphere.
It is advisable to check the
manufacturer’s warranty when it comes
to your responsibilities concerning
maintenance, as you could be expected
to clean and maintain your rooflight
as often as 4 times a year in order to
keep your guarantee valid! Which is
obviously not ideal for anyone who has
neither the ability nor inclination to
climb up their roof every few months!
Rooflights and
environmental
performance
product; in which case it is highly
recommended that you opt for a 316
stainless steel frame. Not only is this a
significantly stronger material that can
withstand greater stress and tolerance
levels, but more importantly it is much
less susceptible to rust.
It is widely accepted that mild/carbon
steel will start to rust the moment
that it comes into contact with the
atmosphere. While steel rooflight
manufacturers will protect steel with
a paint application, the quality and
level of maintenance provided by the
homeowner will still determine the
lifespan of the product. Now in the
UK, where it rains (a lot!), a mild steel
rooflight which is in direct contact
Consideration must be given to thermal
performance and improving carbon and
energy reduction in buildings. Part L of
the building regulations is one of the
tools used by the government to achieve
these objectives. These regulations are
subject to continual change and are
set to change again in 2020, as the UK
Government continues its drive towards
greater thermal efficiency in house
building.
Rooflights can have a major impact
on the overall energy consumption
of a building, cutting energy costs by
reducing need for use of the electric
lights. However, there are some
products that perform well above the
minimum recommended environmental
standards that could bring about even
93
greater benefits in terms of thermal
performance. So deciding on the
right materials, of which the choice is
plentiful, will be key.
Whatever your choice of material it is
important that you check the energy
rating performance and U Values of
the glazing. It is worth asking exactly
how each product performed under test
conditions as there are many variables
within the test that will differentiate
between an average performing
rooflight and an excellent one.
Make sure you are
comparing like-for-like
As with most things in life, you tend
to get what you pay for, and this is
particularly true when comparing the
rooflight market. Prices often reflect the
quality of manufacturing and materials
used to produce roof windows. While
prices may vary considerably, there is
good reason for this and the difference
in quality between the bottom and high
end of th rooflight market can be night
and day.
The rooflight may be one of the last
things that you budget for, but it is also
one of the most important finishing
touches to your home. Opting for the
cheapest product may come back to
haunt you in the long run.
If you would like to speak to an
expert about the right rooflight for
your home contact Paul on 01794
745445, [email protected]
or visit www.stellarooflight.co.uk