Understanding your conservation rooflight approval drawing
Understanding your conservation rooflight approval drawing
Once you have placed your order with a conservation rooflight company, this is when they will begin the process of issuing an approval drawing. The purpose of this drawing is to ensure that everyone involved with your project has a visual record of the rooflight and knows exactly what is being delivered. This should mean that you can avoid any unwanted surprises – especially if you have ordered a bespoke conservation rooflight.
A drawing can contain a lot of information about the rooflights including dimensions, weight, glass specification and various other important design features which will help you better understand the product.
It is important that customers read and understand the information that is contained within the approval drawing to avoid any confusion or unpreparedness for things such as the size and weight of a rooflight when it arrives on site. This useful guide is intended to highlight the key points of an approval drawing.
General
It is important to understand that all companies are different in the information and level of detail that they provide, however, your approval drawing should contain details which are unique to your project. This might include information such as the weight, size, frame material, sealant and tape details and the paint finish. There will also be details concerning the manufacturing tolerances and the drawing reference numbers.
It is at this point that you (the customer) carefully considers everything in these approval drawings to ensure that you are happy that it reflects what has been discussed with the manufacturer at the point of order. If this is not the case, then speak to the manufacturer to discuss any particular changes that you would like to incorporate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is anything that you are unsure of.
Drawings can be altered (usually without cost) until you are happy to proceed with the manufacturing process. It is important that all the information on your drawing is checked by everyone involved in the process (architect, builder, etc) and that everyone is aware of how the rooflight will be unloaded, positioned on the roof, and fitted before it arrives on site.
Appearance
Your rooflight approval drawing should show both the internal and external appearance. This includes any glazing bars, the internal liner and any opening mechanism if you have chosen an opening design. This page will usually include the external frame measurements and the clear viewable dimensions.
It might also show a cross section through the width and height of the rooflight, and where relevant, contain the internal rafter (fixing) dimensions, which are the measurements you need for your rafter spacing.
A variety of additional information may also be included, such as the wood type for your liner and any colour reference, if you are having it painted.
You might also expect to find details concerning the required roof pitch and your glazing specification, based on your rooflight size.
Size
Your rooflight approval drawing should show a number of different important dimensions.
Clear viewable – This is the finished viewable size taken from the internal face of the liner. This will be your finished size after the installation of your rooflight is completed. Some companies are reluctant to promote this size as those with big and bulky frames tend to offer quite small clear viewable dimensions in comparison to their advertised rooflight size.
Rafter – This is the fixing size taken from the internal faces of your rafters. This is usually the most critical dimension for our rooflights as this determines the fixing position of the frame in your roof.
Overall – This is the overall external measurement of your rooflight from one outer edge to the other. Much of the external framework of a conservation rooflight will be covered by your tiles or slates and is therefore unseen. It is not uncommon for rooflight companies to provide this overall size for their rooflights, which is why it is important for you to check what that means for the clear viewable size.
Weight
Your rooflight drawing should show you the total weight of your rooflight. The figure shown will normally be the overall weight of your rooflight, including the glazing, but excluding the pallet or any lead flashing kit that may come with it. You can always expect your rooflight to come fully glazed and assembled.
You will need to check with the manufacturer how your rooflight is being delivered and ensure that you have made arrangements for either a mechanical lift or have enough people on site to unload the delivery vehicle. It is essential that your site team are aware of the size and weight of your rooflight and ready to receive the delivery vehicle on the agreed date.
Lifting Eyes
For larger rooflights it is possible for some manufacturers to include lifting eyes on the rooflight to allow the frame to be fitted by a crane. These eyelets should be clearly shown on the drawing and will be located at the side and or the head section of the rooflight. You should discuss this important element with your rooflight manufacturer who, even if they are a supply only company, should be able to advise on the recommended lifting of their product.
Where the lifting eyes are required, it is essential that a spreader bar is used. If you show your rooflight approval drawing to the crane company they will be able to better understand what is required before your rooflight arrives on site.
The lifting eyes will be removable and should be taken out of the frame as soon as the lift is finished. Your rooflight company might supply bolts to replace the eyelets and seal the threaded section. It is also advisable to apply a small bead of silicone to the bolts.
Delivery & Storage
Most bespoke rooflights are too large for a tail lift facility so it is essential that you have suitable facilities to unload the delivery vehicle. Each company will use a variety of vehicles for deliveries and it is important that you tell your rooflight manufacturer about any access or issues which may have an impact on your delivery. They should always arrange a delivery date with you to ensure that you have ample time to make arrangements. It is important to organise your site to be ready for delivery and avoid any additional charges.
If you are not intending to install your rooflight immediately make sure you have suitable dry storage for your rooflight.
From design and production through to customer service, Stella Rooflight has a single vision of doing things better than the industry standard, while providing the very best to its clients.
Stella manufacture exceptional conservation rooflights that combine a flush fitting profile while utilising the very best of materials. All rooflights are designed to perform and built to last with frames manufactured from Marine Grade 316 stainless steel to prevent issues with rusting.
Offering industry leading thermal performance and real wood interior linings, a Stella rooflight is the perfect choice for any project looking to achieve the finest quality finish.
