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hilltop_gw

Velux sun tunnel leaking

hilltop_gw
18 years ago

In April '04 I had a local contractor install a Velux sun tunnel. We liked it so well, we had him install a second one in Nov. '04. During the winter we noticed some moisture accumulation on the roof hood. Contractor didn't know why, thought he installed it correctly, we both thought not to worry about it since it didn't leak even after torrential rains. Now this winter we had one that leaked after a heavy snow storm to the point I needed a bucket on the floor. I called Velux 3 weeks ago to check out the problem. I was told the Velux rep had to come from a location 3 hours away. I'm still waiting for him to schedule an appointment - even after a second call to the company. How long would you wait? What would you do? I haven't contacted the local contractor because he indicated he wasn't aware of what the problem would be with the condensation moisture early on. It's cold & snowy here--would the Velux rep be waiting for warmer weather (which might be 4 months away) What would you do next? I'd like to repaint my water stained ceiling, but not till the problems fixed. It leaked when the snow on the roof had a chance to melt.

Comments (4)

  • bydesignprez
    18 years ago

    Is it condensation or a roof leak. I will assume condensation which is caused by warm moist air contacting a cold surface. The fix is to have less moist air (turn off humidifier or fix/use bathroom vents when having a shower) OR improve the insulating value of the sun tunnel. I have no personal experience with the sun tunnel but is the glass dome double glazed? If not, and it's cold there is no way that you can stop condensation as the glass surface will be cold. The only thing you could do is manage the condensation flow using a gutter system. Not good.

    Good luck. Anyone familar with the Velux and whether they are double or triple glazed?

  • lizql
    18 years ago

    Sounds to me like it is leaking around the tunnel itself. Perhaps through the ridgevent and running down around the tunnel? Velux is only responsible if it is seal failure around or between the glass. That doesn't sound like the case here.

  • hilltop_gw
    Original Author
    18 years ago

    Thanks for the replies. The rooms in question are a powder room (seldom used) and a utility room, and in both cases both rooms have little moisture as they're off a well-used hallway with lots of air flow. In the winter, there's usually general condensation inside the Velux dome, so it looks brilliant white against our dark shingles. I wasn't sure if that was supposed to happen or not. The current situation is definitely a leak though. I collected a quart or two of water, plus the moisture that damaged the ceiling. I didn't think it would do me any good to have my regular contractor come out to fix it because he doesn't know what to do- he thought he installed it correctly per instructions. If the problem isn't covered under warranty, Velux said they would charge $85. My thought was I might as well have Velux come tell me if it's a warranty problem or pay them to fix it right rather than paying my local guy to do a trial & error. But I'm wondering if Velux will ever even show since it's already been 2 1/2 weeks since I contacted them and I'm still waiting.

  • feking
    15 years ago

    I would stay away from velux products they will not honor there warrentys I have a $475 skylight installed in 05 it starting leaking 6 months after the install it has been proved it isnt the installation to roof leaking but the seal on the sash the company doesnt care customer service is far from the companys core value of doing business. My advise is to look for another company line of products. I wish you well.
    Tim