Ventilation flaps and operable skylights

Ventilation flaps
Pruszcz Gdańsk

Ventilation flaps installed in the skylights are a very common solution used to let the heat excess out and fresh air in to the building. They are also one of the cheapest air exchange systems. The best price is achieved with operable skylights in dimensions of 1 m x 2 m which need only one electric actuator or opener. In the case of bigger ventilation flaps, two synchronized actuators are necessary, which raises the costs of the investment. It is often advisable then, to use two or more smaller operable skylights instead of one bigger ventilation flap.

Operable skylight

Automatic ventilation systems

Should we decide to equip the building with operable skylights, we should also consider the installation of a weather station with rain and wind sensors. Such device will automatically close the roof windows in the case of strong wind or rainfall. The station consists of two elements:
- an anemometer automatically closing the skylight in the case of strong wind,
- a rain sensor automatically closing the skylight in case of the appearance of water on its surface. During a longer rainfall, from time to time the sensor turns on micro heating in order to dry its surface and check whether the rain has ceased.

If the rain is no longer falling or the wind has stopped, the flaps may be re-opened. We must remember, however, that the skylight closes automatically in case of unfavorable weather conditions but needs to be re-opened manually by means of an electric switch after the wind or rain ceased. One weather station can control up to 24 window openers and its price is very reasonable.

Operable skylight opener

Operable skylight maintenance

Operable skylights, just like fixed skylights, also need overhauling which should be conducted once or twice a year: in spring and before the winter season. In order to examine your skylights for needed repairs, take your photo camera with you and if you find it necessary, take pictures of the elements which you think need refurbishment. You can then send them to our company’s experts who will help you solve your problems.

It may be astonishing how much waste blocking the drainage of rain you can find on the rooftop of a building: bird nests, animal remains, bottles, rotting leaves, branches or plastic bags. All such waste must be removed in order to verify whether they left no sign of damage on the roof and skylights constructions. It has to be remembered that the lack of regular overhauling may lead the skylights to dilapidate to an extent which will require an expensive refurbishment.

In order to overhaul the rain sensor, you should clean its surface and examine the electric connections for elements that need to be replaced due to damages caused by UV rays or frost. In order to verify whether the rain sensor works correctly, pour some water on its surface and wait for the skylight to close automatically.

The wind sensor should also be cleaned and its electrical elements need to be regularly verified. It is also advisable to listen to the sound it makes while working and report any unusual noises.

Ventilation flaps overhauling

The overhauling of the ventilation flaps of the operable skylights concerns mainly the verification of the tightness of the closure and, if necessary, its regulation. It is also advisable to take a minute to clean the gaskets and, obviously, remove all the organic waste from the rooftop.

Skylight overhauling

As mentioned above, every skylight overhauling must begin with the cleaning of the roof and removing all the waste found on its surface and in the draining system. That is because rotting organic remains might come into a chemical reaction with the aluminum frame or other metal elements of the skylights and cause faster corrosion. Clogged skylight draining may direct the water flow into thebuilding. It is important then, to overhaul the roof skylights regularly to avoid serious maintenance problems.