Does anyone (especially roofers) have an opinion regarding Velux self flashed skylights. I am currently installing one but the roofers want nothing to do with it because they don’t like the flashing detail. Instead they would rather install it with step flashing. My thought is that Velux is a good product and so we should install it exactly as they reccomend. If it leaks it would surely then be their responsibility. The roofer will probably require a signed letter releasing him from all liability. Does this sound reasonable? Any suggestions.
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Not a roofer, but I had a bunch of Velux skylights installed ~5 years ago at the same time i had a new roof put on. The roofers insisted on using the velux flashing kits. no problems.
The Velux kit does come with it's own step flashing and also the bottom and top pieces.
Like Joe says, all the velux's I have installed are step flashed and over flashed with they're supplied flashing. The very well written directions should be followed. If there's a different flashing system from Velux, it's news. Is this their first Velux skylight?
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Edited 11/22/2005 8:35 pm ET by calvin
I have always trusted Velux, mainly because of their step flash package, but I just went to their site, and see they are selling a self-flashed unit.
Take a look at their installation instructions, available as a download, and see what you think.
This one might merit a serious Breaktime dialog. The engineers at Velux may have something here that in fact is superior.
Well, will wonders never cease.
I didn't like the older andersens with the rubber boots, don't know if that's still their way.
I'll take a look gene, thanks.
As an aside.: I have one of their detail catalogues. If they introduced a new line, that's a whole nother big book for the shelf.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Edited 11/22/2005 9:30 pm ET by calvin
Gene, could you provide the link to the page, I'm having serious problems trying to find it and watch the BG/UT game.
thanks.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Here ya go. http://www.veluxusa.com/products/skylights/fixed/QFS/
Why be a guinea pig? The usual flashing kits that come with Velux skylights are something every roofer knows, and they work. I have installed them several times on various roof slopes (including some that were too flat per the instructions) and they are reliable. I'd rather give the roofer something he likes and get him on the hook. What good is it to have Velux on the hook instead?
"{The usual flashing kits that come with Velux skylights are something every roofer knows, and they work. I have installed them several times on various roof slopes (including some that were too flat per the instructions) and they are reliable."I agree with that 100%. I framed an addition about 17 years ago with the roof pitch at 2/12 with two Velux skylights and I installed them and the roof shingles and never had any leaks and there still there. And that goes against everything everyone says about nothing lower than 4/12 pitch or 3/12 pitch and using pitch kits and all that.I'm not telling anyone to do it and it's the rightb thing to do but I've done it and it worked.Joe Carola
Velux have been making their flashing for 40 years...if your roofers are too young to know that, they're too young, period.
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
Velux have been making their flashing for 40 years...if your roofers are too young to know that, they're too young, period.
Velux has a "new" self flashing line. Looks like something I wouldn't want to install from the catalog. I've not had one in my hands.
If you're too old to know that, you're too old, period...............................
edit: I suspect they've introduced this line to sell at Home Depot to be installed by the guy that got the Firestorm tool kit for Christmas.
Birth, school, work, death.....................
http://grantlogan.net/
Edited 11/23/2005 6:03 am ET by seeyou
Here is the problem Tim.
your roofers KNOW that there is a better way to flash that skylight .
You THINK that the velux self flashing model might be just as good.
If--- a few years down the road a problem arises with that self flashing unit---------
the roofer knows HE will be the one that's screwed.
HE will be the one that has to come out and investigate, HE will be the one accused of poor workmanship, HE will be the one in the middle of a pointless argument--------an argument he knows he can avoid right NOW.
If you are going to insist on using this unit AGAINST the roofers professional judgement------- the roofer is absolutely right to insist you sign some sort of waiver-------
Because customers NEVER like to here after the fact " I told you so" from the roofer------------somehow the customer ALWAYS forgets they were advised against something--when the customers plan goes astray.
BTW--- I haven't seen the Velux self flashing unit in person----but I have seen a similar unit built by a velux competitor-----on display at an ABC Supply.
I wouldn't use it----------- but to be fair---- I believe skylights to be a horribly stupid idea in the first place. If I absolutely HAVE to install one---it's to replace an existing unit when replacing a roof----and it's going to be aa Velux fixed unit WITH the additional Velux factory supplied flashing kit.
Stephen
If I am in the middle of a job and I'm asked to install something in a way I disagree with sure I'd want a release of liability.
It isn't a matter of just using the Velux flashing kit as somebody alluded to. That is made for a different model of Velux. These self-flashing units were purchased knowing that Velux have always (at least as far as I'm concerned) provided a good product. The roofers advised cutting off the metal 'upstand' and flashing it the traditional way with step flashing. I said no because it would void the warranty. I understand the roofers concern and trust them but I presume a company like Velux have done considerable testing on their product.
The owners have signed a waiver. The roofers installed them as per installation manual and I shall water test the skylights thoroughly. I'm sure they'll be fine but I don't want to be in a position again where big money is dropped for a product only to find that the installer has no confidence in it.
I have 7 Velux opening style on my roof and i used the factory flashing kit .
Prior to these i had flush mount non opening skylights that all eventually leaked
In the past i installed cheap model skylight s for others and some of them sweated so much they appeared to leak
Velux is the only mfg that seems to work with no leaks provided you use their flashing (it cost me 14m cdn to get the job done right this time)