Q: Are rooflights supplied with a flashing kit?

A: The range of conservation style rooflights require a traditional installation by a professional roofing contractor.

Q: I have both slate and pantiles on my property. Will the rooflight be suitable for both?

A: Yes. The range of rooflights sit as well in slate as they would in a pantile finish. In addition to our range of steel framed conservation rooflights, we are the only company to also offer a traditional cast conservation rooflight. We can supply installation details for many different roof types so please call our team to discuss your project.

Q: We will be installing Conservation style rooflights into our Georgian farmhouse and wondered how we would ventilate the rooms.

A: Our stock range of  rooflights have opening casements. Each rooflight is supplied with a beautifully crafted winder mechanism that is available in either brass or chrome. These winders will push the opening section out to a maximum of 300mm. As you are able to control exactly how far the rooflight opens you can have as little or as much ventillation as you like.

Q: Can a top hung rooflight be used as a fire escape?

A: Yes, providing your required size complies with the necessary fire regulations (for details speak with your local building control officer). Please call us for details on cost and delivery.

Q: Yes you can

A: Our range of blinds has been specifically designed for our rooflights

A: When choosing your rooflight you should always make sure that the product is not only right for the application but is supplied with the correct documentation to back up any claims made about performance.

We make both the rooflights and winding mechanisms in Devon and work with leading suppliers such as Pilkington and Akzo Nobel. Our conservation rooflights have been tested by the BRE at Watford and results are readily available to view.

Q: How long is the guarantee?

A: We are commited to providing excellent rooflights to our customers and we are confident about the quality of the materials used and the products that we produce. As such our roof windows are supplied with the following guarantee:

• Framework and powder coating – 7 years
• Interior liner – 5 years
• Double glazed units – Lifetime
• Tapes – Lifetime
• Rubbers – Lifetime
• Winding mechanism – Lifetime
• Gas struts (on escape rooflights) – Lifetime
• Stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers – Lifetime

Full details can be downloaded from this website or are available from our office.

Q: We are an architectural practice who has a client who requires some large glazed areas on a roof extension on a listed building. The sizes required fall outside of your normal rooflight sizes. Are you able to manufacture special sized roof lights

A: In addition to our range of standard size conservation rooflights, we do offer bespoke sizes. Rooflights can be made from a single outer frame with multiple opening or fixed sections. We can also offer a linking system to allow our standard sizes to be joined side by side.

Q: Does having a genuine glazing bar reduce thermal performance?

A: As we use a slender steel section for our glazing bar, the reduction in thermal performance is minimal. We believe that traditional rooflights should be as close to the original design as possible even though modern building regulations mean that some changes are required. Retaining an original glazing bar is one way to keep the appearance of the roof light as it should be.

Not only does it look more authentic than those which are stuck on or put inside the glass unit, it offers greater strength to the opening leaf, something which helped the rooflight achieve a deflection of less than 1mm during the performance testing of BS6375

Q: Do your range of conservation sky lights have a centre bar like my original ones have?

A: All of our traditional conservation skylights have a genuine glazing bar. This particular design feature is integral to the rooflight and not only provides a more authentic look but offers increased strength for the opening section.

Q: Do you manufacture frameless rooflights?

A: Our range includes the low profile conservation rooflights, the more contemporary EVO and our bespoke range.

Although all our roof windows offer a superb glass to frame ratio they do have an outer framework or silicone coating. This is to protect the double glazed units from possible failure.

Double glazed units are manufacture from two pieces of glass which are separated by a spacer bar running around the four sides. Our rooflight units are also filled with argon gas. Glass require the spacer bar to be covered and protected from UV light. If left unprotected the spacer bar will fail and moisture will get between the two pieces of glass which is when a unit starts to mist up.

Q: Are the rooflights prone to condensation?

A: Condensation is the water that results from the conversion of water vapour in the atmosphere. The air in our homes always contains water vapour, which is usually invisible. The warmer the air, the more water vapour it can hold, but there is a limit to the amount it can hold for a given temperature. Should you require additional information, please ask for a copy of our fact sheet

Q: Is it true that the original style of conservation rooflights originate from the Victorians?

A: Yes; the rooflight is not a new concept. During the 18th Century, rooflights were commonly used to allow light in agricultural buildings that were frequently dark and dingy areas. The rooflight is an ingenious concept that introduces natural light into a building discretely but effectively. They provide an even distribution of light to large low-level structures and can illuminate the dark areas in a room that windows could never reach. It’s uncanny that rooflights now provide an ideal design solution for introducing light into a building, as this was the Victorians original intention.

Q: We are going to be installing new skylights into a listed barn, it has a fairly shallow catslide roof on one elevation. Would the Conservation Rooflight be suitable for this application.

A: Conservation stock sized rooflights can be used from a minimum pitch of 17 degrees to a maximium of 70 degrees.
Installation into lower than 17 degrees may cause issues with removing water from the outer frame area, particularly in a pantile roof. Although it is unlikely that water will enter through the casement, there is a risk that water will pool at the foot of the rooflight where the frame and lead meet.

The rooflight frame must not be submerged for long periods and it is vital that the pitch of the roof allows a suitable run off. We do not recommend installtion below 17 degrees but should you choose to install our product below this pitch, please ensure that you consult your roofing contractor prior to installation. We do offer a range of rooflights for flat roof installation.

Q: I am interested in buying a skylight but I am not familiar with much of the terminology used on the various rooflight websites. Can you help explain what these mean?

A: There are many different ways to describe skylights and the components used in installing and operating them. Not only this but the term skylight is also referred to as many different things such as rooflight, roof window, sky light or occasionally people refer to them as Velux, who are of course is a manufacturer of skylights.

Actuators – are the mechanisms used to electronically open and close the skylights. Our standard product is the Kato and a rain sensor is available for this system. Other systems are available; please speak to one of the team for further details.

Baseplate – this is the part of the rooflight that contains the hinges for the casement to be bolted onto. The fixing lugs are located on the baseplate along with the American oak interior liner. This piece of the skylight sits between the structural support timbers.

Bespoke Skylights- this term is used to describe a rooflight which is custom made to your specification. This can be our range of conservation skylights, our contemporary rooflights or our range of roof windows for flat roof applications. You provide the sizes, we manufacture the rooflight.

Casement – this is the opening piece of the rooflight which contains the Pilkington double glazed glass units. This section is fixed onto the baseplate hinges. The casement is viewable once fitted in the roof

Cill – bottom section of the Rooflight

Coastal Location – We produce the rooflights to the very best of our ability. As such we are proud to offer our customers an exceptional guarantee. Whilst the guarantee gives assurances about our commitment to you and the quality of the product, there are some exemptions.

Firstly the location of your property is very important. Our zintec rooflights are treated with an Interpon APP120 primer before the application of a Cromadex Extra Life coating system for C3 Environment. As well protected as our products are the harsh salty environment of a costal location is likely to result in the faster deterioration of the protective coating and ultimately the metal.

As such we do not recommend installation of our standard range in coastal regions or areas which are subject to a corrosive or polluted environment. If your property is located in one of these areas, please talk to us about our range of paint options or stainless steel rooflights.

As with almost all exterior building materials, you should undertake regular maintenance to ensure that the product continues to work efficiently. We supply a copy of our guidelines with the order but please contact us on 0845 050 8746 should you require additional copies.

Condensation – condensation is the water that results from the conversion of water vapour in the atmosphere. The air in our homes always contains water vapour, which is usually invisible. The warmer the air, the more water vapour it can hold but there is a limit to the amount it can hold for a given temperature. Should you require additional information, please ask our team for a copy of the Glass & Glazing Federation fact sheet.

Conservation Rooflight – during the 18th century rooflights, in their most primitive form, were used to bring light into agricultural buildings. It therefore seems uncanny that todays rooflights are yet again providing an architectural design solution to the increasing trend of converting old or disused industrial buildings into domestic dwellings or business premises. Conservation rooflights are easily recognised by their low profile which means they sit flush and remain unobtrusive to the buildings original architecture. Another characteristic is their slender appearance as conservation requirements stipulate that a minimal amount of framework should be visible. This design feature becomes even more significant when rooflights are placed next to each other.

Contemporary Skylights – A stylish and streamlined roof window for customers who are seeking a more modern look for their roof glazing. The design remains low profile and unobtrusive whilst offering a high specification of energy efficient, self clean glazing.

Escape Rooflights – although some rooflights are hinged on the side, our escape version are top hung to reduce any possible issues with light rain and to retain a matching appearance when installed alongside our standard range. Escape skylights and are fitted with gas struts so the skylight stays open on its own accord. Supplied with a brass winding mechanism for daily use, the gas springs should only be deployed for emergency use.

Gas Struts- are pressurised cylinders that are attached to the rooflights so that they can remain open unaided in a similar way to the boot of your car.

Hand Winder- is the mechanism used to open and close the rooflights when the rooflights are within reach. Manufactured in the UK from solid brass these can also be supplied in a chrome plated finish.

Head Detail- is the top section of the rooflight

Jamb Detail-are the side sections of the rooflight

Linking bars-are the bars used to link skyflights together so that they are in continuous runs. Occasionally specifiers refer to these as Studio-Linked.

Listed building-is a building or other structure officially designated as being of a special architectural, historical or cultural significance. If your property is Listed you will need to work closely with your local authority before making changes to the building fabric. An excellent resource for Listed property owners

Non-Standard Rooflight-is a rooflight from our standard range that has a slight variation from others i.e. a different colour or a different glazing spec. Also see Bespoke.

Overall Sizing-the maximum width and length of the baseplate, much of which is covered by the tiles or slates.

Pitched Roof- is a roof structure where the roof is set at a slant. Our conservation skylights can be used between 17 and 70 degrees in slate and tile or 30 and 60 degrees in a pantile roof.

Pole Winder-is the mechanism used to open and close the rooflights when the rooflights are out of reach. Manufactured in the UK from solid brass these can also be supplied in a chrome plated finish.

Roof Window- is an architectural term for the frameset with glass which is fitted to an opening in the roof to admit daylight.

Rooflight- is another way of describing the frameset with glass in that is fitted to an opening in the roof to admit daylight

Self-Cleaning Glass- An important technological breakthrough was introduced to the UK in 2002, in the form of the worlds first self-cleaning glass, Pilkington Activ, considered by many to be an impossible dream. Pilkington Activ is effectively the same as conventional glass, but with a specially developed coating on the outside, that once exposed to daylight, reacts in two ways. Firstly, it breaks down any organic dirt deposits through a photocatalytic process, and secondly, when it rains, instead of forming droplets, the water spreads evenly over the surface and takes the dirt off with it. It is kinder to the environment than ordinary glass and it is the ideal choice for situations where cleaning will be costly or difficult.

Skylight-is another word to describe the frameset with glass in that’s fitted to an opening in the roof to admit daylight.

Special Rooflight-is a sky light that is specifically designed according to the customers exact specification, see bespoke rooflight.

U-Value- often called the overall heat transfer coefficient and describes how well a building element conducts heat. Our standard Pilkington units have a U-Value of 1.2.

Viewable Sizing-is the unobstructed viewable area most notable the area of glass inside looking out. For rooflights this is the measurement between the internal faces on the American oak liner.

Winding Crank-is used with the pole winder to open and close the rooflights when the rooflights are out of reach.

Q: What do the rooflight sizes mean?

A: Clear Viewable – The finished size of the rooflight defined by the internal size of the rooflight liner. This is the dimension you look through once the installation is completed.

Internal Rafter – The most commonly used size for installation is the ‘Internal Rafter’ dimension. The width dimensions are critical as the fixing lugs are located on the sides of the rooflight. Quite often the installation involves the plasterboard being boxed around the rooflight. However in certain applications the winder may snag on the plasterboard at the bottom of the rooflight thus reducing the distance the winder can open the casement.

If your rafters are particularly deep and this is likely to happen, it might be necessary to fit the bottom section of plasterboard at an angle. A tolerance for this should be allowed prior to the internal works being completed.

Overall Size – This is the size of the complete rooflight. Please remember that much of the outer frame is covered by your slates or tiles, leaving an unobtrusive low profile rooflight in your roof.

Q: In your brochure you quote a clear viewable area, an internal rafter and an overalll size. Please can you explain how I size the rooflight required.

A: As the rooflight is fixed into the sides of the rafter, this is normally the most critical size. The clear viewable size is the glazed area that is viewable from the inside. This measurement takes into account the fitted interior liner that is positioned inside the opening section. The overall size is given to inform the installation team just how much space is required on the outside of the roof. However, much of the outer section will be covered by the tiles or slates so this is not to be taken as the viewable size from outside.

Q: How do I maintain my roof light winders?

A: Manufactured in the UK our winders are produced using CZ121 brass as this offers excellent corrosion resistance. Over time the colour may start to dull and so it is advisable that winders are checked and cleaned on a fairly regular basis to ensure smooth operation. Before cleaning, examine the item for damage. Surface dirt can often be removed using a very soft toothbrush or artist’s brush. There are two ways to remove accumulated surface grime. The first is to use lukewarm distilled water with a mild liquid detergent and a soft cloth. Be careful to avoid scrubbing too hard because this may scratch the surface if there are particles of grit in the cloth.

Rinse with distilled water and allow to air dry on paper towels. If this is not sufficient, greasy residues can be removed with a mixture of equal parts distilled water and alcohol. This can be applied with a stencil brush, cotton swabs or a soft cotton cloth. Rinse in distilled water and let dry. Polishing will remove tarnish. Because all metal polishes contain abrasives, they will also remove some of the metal.

Over-polishing can, therefore, result in the loss of surface detail. If excess metal polish has been used in the past, there may be a build-up of residue in detailed areas. This is usually greyish-white or greenish-white in colour. Such residues should be removed. This can be done by using a wooden toothpick moistened in the water and alcohol solution mentioned above. If lacquer or varnish is present, remove it before polishing (but only if adequate facilities are available because the process requires toxic and flammable solvents).

A mild polish, such as jeweller’s cloth, is recommended for most mildly tarnished copper, brass and bronze pieces. The cloth contains a fine abrasive, but even so excess metal can be removed by rubbing too hard. Use a more abrasive polish, such as liquid metal polish, only if using the cloth is ineffective. Most polishes leave a blackish residue, which can be removed by softly polishing with a plain piece of flannelette. Polishing should be done only if the surface can be protected from tarnishing again. There is no point in polishing away material from the surface if tarnish is allowed to reform.