Leaking Velux / Bad Installation

mrpugster · Post by **mrpugster** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 11:38 am

Hi guys. Got a couple of questions. I've got a property where the developers fitted a Velux window where I'm sure they shouldn't have. It's a curved metal roof, pitch is very low, I've not measured it but will do next few days.

Question 1
When it rains the mini-side gutters seemingly overflow and water comes inside. I've been up on the roof, cleared out any debris and sealed between the wood and the metal. Whilst an improvement I don't think this will contain all excess water when it rains hard, I can see the water seeping over the wood. Anyone had this situation before, any solutions apart from completely sealing the window?

Question 2
The developers did a real hash job on the installation. Looks really untidy. Ideally I'd like to box-in the bottom, where you see the black seal tape. Not 100% if this is feasible? Failing that idea can anyone recommend some decent flashing material?

Any help much appreciated, thanks

mrpugster · Post by **mrpugster** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 11:39 am

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ahfix · Post by **ahfix** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 1:07 pm

Velux windows have a flashing kit to prevent water ingress. There doesn't seem to be any flashing kit fitted, certainly the "head" flashing is missing and the water is not running off. See the example on this site (selected at random).

In your case the timbers frame is exposed to the rain and is soaking up water.

Can you post a pic from ground level of the overall installation?

ah

ahfix · Post by **ahfix** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 1:09 pm

My guess it needs taken out and a box frame built like this

ah

ayjay · Post by **ayjay** » Thu Mar 12, 2020 1:38 pm

ahfix wrote: ↑Thu Mar 12, 2020 1:07 pm There doesn't seem to be any flashing kit fitted,

Those were my thoughts too, 15° is the minimum pitch for a Velux window.

The flashing kit comes in a separate box, (different kits for different roof coverings), it weighs next to nothing and could easily have been launched by someone not in the know, although whoever actually fitted the Velux ought to know that it needs a flashing kit.

mrpugster · Post by **mrpugster** » Mon Mar 16, 2020 10:18 am

ahfix wrote: ↑Thu Mar 12, 2020 1:07 pm Velux windows have a flashing kit to prevent water ingress. There doesn't seem to be any flashing kit fitted, certainly the "head" flashing is missing and the water is not running off.

In your case the timbers frame is exposed to the rain and is soaking up water.

Can you post a pic from ground level of the overall installation?

ah

Due to it being installed into a curved roof (don't ask me why I don't know) the flashing kit I believe was installed under the roof. This was 17 years ago, after some leaks back then the developers then sealed in velux with some sort of carbon fibre filling. The flexible bottom lead flashing strip that came with the kit I presume was removed since it didn't work that well as they wrapped it over the ridges instead of properly sealing them.

I'm due to head back onto the roof today or tomorrow. I'll measure the pitch and also take a picture from ground level. My short term plan is to

1. Get some acrylic panels to cover the water run off parts of the window but still allow me to open the window.
2. Properly seal the two ridges (parts that have been covered with seal tape) with some hard-wearing compound, not sure yet which product will need to take a look.
3. Maybe also create an aluminium box to cover up the unsightly taped ridges at the bottom.

Thanks for the help