Sabahudin Medic, operations director at Roof Maker, explores how professionals can ensure they are compliant with all relevant regulations, whilst also giving a step-by-step guide on how to install its new Conservation Luxlite model.
With over 10,000 conservation areas throughout England, and each local authority across the country responsible for at least one area, the renovation or construction of new build properties within these locations is continuing to increase in popularity. For installers and fabricators, this may initially present a difficult challenge as they not only have to fulfil the personal tastes of the homeowner, but also meet all requirements outlined by the local council.
Introduced in the latest 1960s, conservation areas place additional development control on building projects in order to enhance and preserve the history of the area. With this in mind, the renovation or new build project should help to improve the existing building and overall impression of the area, whilst also helping to preserve the structure that is already there.
According to the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the quality of the build materials is of great importance to maintain the distinctiveness and visual appeal of the location. With regard to replacing windows and rooflights in particular, the new building products should replicate the originals, although under permitted development, there is the opportunity for varying products to be installed.
However, installers must check there is not an Article 4 Direction on the property, which removes the right for permitted development, such as installing rooflights or windows. As always, relevant building regulations must also always be referred to.
Roof Maker’s latest Conservation Luxlite rooflight is specifically designed to replicate the original Victorian cast iron skylight, featuring a slim shaped split bar that is constructed of high quality aluminium for better weathering and aesthetics. To install Roof Maker’s Fixed Conservation Luxlite, follow these steps:
Step one – Fit trimmers to the rafters
The internal dimensions of the aperture created by the trimmers and rafters should match the size of the rooflight ordered. Fit the trimmers across the rafters adjacent to the aperture, and a beam across the trimmers.
Step two – Fit underfelt to the roof
Fit underfelt to the roof. The underfelt should extend to the rim of the aperture where the Conservation Luxlite will be installed. Seal the underfelt to the timber around the aperture.
Step three – Prepare and fit a wedge below the aperture
The bottom of the wedge should meet level with the tiles that will be installed later. This can be determined by trial fitting the rooflight assembly. The wedge should be at least as wide as the apron.
Step four – Cover the wedge with flashing
Cover the wedge installed in the previous step with flashing. The flashing width should be at least 100mm (either side) greater than the apron. The highlighted edge of the flashing should be tucked underneath the apron.
Step five – Bring into position
Bring the unit into position and align it so that it is centered on the aperture. Seal the interface between the Conservation Luxlite and the top of the structural opening with silicone.
Step six – Fix to the roof
Use the brackets provided to fix your rooflight to the roof, following the assembly section guide.
Step seven- Fit tile battens to the roof
The tile battens can now be fitted to the roof. The battens should be flush with the edge of the aluminium apron.
Step eight – Fit flashing to cover the battens
Seal beneath the lip of the apron and drape over the battens. The tiles will sit over the flashing (side flashing won’t be required if using flat roof tiles or slate).
Step nine – Fit tiles to the roof
Fit the tiles to the roof. The Conservation Luxlite has been designed so that the roof tiles can overlap the apron, leaving little aluminium exposed for a minimalist aesthetic.
Step ten – Plasterboard to finish assembly
Apply plasterboard to the internal faces of the aperture. The plasterboard is to be applied up to the internal trim of the Conservation Luxlite.
