Curbless Skylight? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Chris G · 05-09-2009, 11:00 AM

Anyone ever install a curbless skylight like this: http://books.google.ca/books?id=_-F9...esult&resnum=1

I'm putting in a skylight in a porch I'm redoing and I like the look of the low profile. It's going here:

We Fix Houses · 05-09-2009, 11:37 AM

There were tons of no curb skylights installed in the 70's and early 80's. The plastic ones with tar all around the edges, no curbs. Then there were tons of replacements for them with a curb. I did my share of replacements. That's how we got to where we are today with Velux and the rest.

I can't recall, possibly the building code now requires a minimum curb if one is not integrated with the unit. Generic curbless skylights are useless. Look for a well engineered complete unit that has a proven track record and a low profile curb as you desire.

I noticed on your link it says "site built design". Forget it imo..

Addl - I see your references and photo are not the plastic ones, but the same applies for up to date installations.

rbsremodeling · 05-09-2009, 01:40 PM

Unless its a Velux, I build a curb. I will never use any other products beside Velux and Sun tunnels.

naptown CR · 05-09-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbsremodeling

Unless its a Velux, I build a curb. I will never use any other products beside Velux and Sun tunnels.

I cannot agree with this more. Velux are the best around. I have only had one leak that was properly installed and that was caused by a large branch coming through the glass during a hurricane.

**framerman** · 05-09-2009, 03:44 PM

I find the problem with low profile is that on a heavy rain day, they leak. Haven't met one skylight I like. Put a ton in, just don't personally like them.

MrRoofer · 05-10-2009, 01:50 PM

I tend to dislike curbless skylights, but that is probably due to the fact most end up poorly installed. That is not to say most curbed skylights aren't poorly installed, they just seem to fare better

. I suppose if all else fails (being the roofing overlayment, flashings, underlayment, then finally the skylight itself), at the very least if the leak is minimal enough, the wooden curb will soak it up.

On a Velux note, I also have a great dislike for those flashing kits. The premise for those is they reduce the possibility of leakage due to poor installation, but with every re-roof you have to track down a kit that was made 15-20 years ago, or more likely, buy a new skylight. Not a problem until you consider who you are bidding against and what their skylight 'solution' is.

I also have used those skylights with the neoprene flashing kit, not many mind you, but no leaks yet. However I imiagine re-roofing those 15-20 years down the road will yield similair results, ie tracking down flashing kits no longer made or replace the whole unit.

In summary; a properly flashed and constructed skylight should not be leaking. The whole concept of designing something with the intent of removing the leaky liability from the roofers hands would be best served if they actually wholly did that, not just partly.

A W Smith · 05-10-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrRoofer

On a Velux note, I also have a great dislike for those flashing kits. The premise for those is they reduce the possibility of leakage due to poor installation, but with every re-roof you have to track down a kit that was made 15-20 years ago, or more likely, buy a new skylight. Not a problem until you consider who you are bidding against and what their skylight 'solution' is.

why would you have to throw away and replace a Velux curb flashing kit? I have re-used many of these on tear offs with no problem. Properly installed they should not have been ruined to begin with. I have also replaced quite a few to give a nice clean un-faded look and have had no problem finding kits for older skylights. I remember the first Velux I installed in the late seventies. The packaging was all in Swedish.

also Andersen makes (or made) a skylight similar in value to the Velux. But I haven't installed an Andersen since the eighties. Andersen's fixed skylights were a bitch to step flash as they were lower profile with a rubber grommet around them that was a PITA to get the flashing under.

tom m · 05-10-2009, 06:03 PM

I couldn't agree more with Al. I have reused dozen of kits with no issue. I even strip the sides and back with ice shield up the frame under the flashing for extra security. I never like the Anderson for that rubber grommet. Any rubber gasket or plastic vent exposed to the sun everyday has a short life span.

**genecarp** · 05-10-2009, 06:57 PM

JUST to clarify, at least around the new york area, if i have a flat roof situation,(3 PITCH OR LESS), i use a company around here, Lynbrook Glass, they will fabricate a skylight for me that has a lip all around the perimeter (built in counter flashing)facing down toward the roof that is sized to accept a single or double 2x4 curb on the flat. After the 2x4 goes onto the roof sheathing, i I&W the whole curb, then i brake up aluminum and wrap the curb, then drop the light over the curb, set in a bead of tar. I have done entire roof systems like this, they hold well. This company also makes lights for pitched roof . they are similar to insuladome lights, if they are installed correctly, they will not leak, the biggest problem with the insuladome integrated copper flashing is damaging it before it is installed, the corners are soldered, if it is handled poorly, the seams will blow out easily, then you got a leaker. insuladome also make a flat roof light with a taller curb. If the OP is talking about a light with no height at all, the glass almost flush with the sheathing, i would steer way clear if i could. G

tomstruble · 05-10-2009, 07:07 PM

the engineering in the op link looks pretty solid and its going to be used on a porch,i say go for it and post some pics