Eastlife Spring 2020

PROPERTY
window openings in the roof will likely need to be rooflights, and
in most instances metal conservation-style rooflights which sit
flush with the line of the roof.
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 to find out more on this topic is the Listed
Property Owners Club; www.lpoc.co.uk.
Maintaining your rooflight
Maintenance of your rooflight is often something that
manufacturers will be uncomfortable discussing with you, as
they are all too aware of the difficulty in achieving this. However,
the fact is that, like most any other part of your home, it will
require a degree of care to maximise its lifespan.
Proper maintenance is particularly important if you are specifying
a metal 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 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
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 greater
benefits in terms of thermal performance. So, deciding on the
right materials, of which the choice is plentiful, will be key.
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 the 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.
121