Panoroof skylights - are they any good??

[andymet87]

What LED strip did you stick inside those profiles?

We used the following from TLC - Google the below codes to find them.

• SK153718
• LTYT40DC12

Do they provide much light or are they more visual effect?

Defo a proper light. Very bright. We often just have the led ribbon light on. We do have them dimmable so we can set the mood right. The website us actually incorrect in The tech spec - the LED tape is 720 lumens per metre according to the manufacturer.

 

[pilsbury]

Thanks for the info. Doesn’t look too expensive either.

 

[MKL73]

andymet87 wonder how the panoroof skylights are working out? About to start an extension and torn between these and velux rooflights

 

[andymet87]

andymet87 wonder how the panoroof skylights are working out? About to start an extension and torn between these and velux rooflights

No problem to date. Still really pleased with ours

 

[pilsbury]

My panoroof skylights have been in a few months now although my build isn't quite finished. Like them a lot. One observation though, the self cleaning glass is no miracle. I must admit there is a fair amount of building dust on them and we have had very little rain to wash the dirt off, but I get the feeling they'll require a periodic wash to keep them looking tip top. They are set to the required slope.

 

[andymet87]

the self cleaning glass is no miracle... they'll require a periodic wash to keep them looking tip top.

Just to add - I agree with this. I washed mine a couple of weeks ago...

That said I think you'd probably need to wash any window like this every year or two..?

 

[trevorbayliss]

Andy, I am looking into doing my own roof window with the panoroof.

What pitch is your roof at and did you leave the window at the same pitch or did you create a slight extra pitch.

I see you mentioned about wishing you had gone for a slightly bigger pitch thats all. My roof is going to come in at a 10 degree pitch i think.

Also do you know the dimensions of the upstand they supply. I just wondered how deep the glass sat into the upstand. It seems it is about 20mm from their diagram.

 

[pilsbury]

My flat roof has the required fall. 1:40-1:60 - can’t quite remember.

I think the roof lights require more than that. If my ailing memory serves me right my 1800x 800 roof lights I slopes on the short 800 side about 4cm higher than the lower side.

 

[andymet87]

I'm afraid I can't remember (and not at home right now) but I installed it as per the instructions. I would have thought that one side being 4cm higher than the other would fine as pilsbury suggests.

 

[pilsbury]

One thing that is annoying. They seem to be fly traps. In this heat with all other windows open I always seem to have 3-4 flies buzzing in the ceiling recess. Might just be me?

 

[andymet87]

One thing that is annoying. They seem to be fly traps. In this heat with all other windows open I always seem to have 3-4 flies buzzing in the ceiling recess. Might just be me?

Nope... We get bugs up there too... Made worse as our bifold doors open onto the garden near a large pond!

 

[JohnPS1]

My panoroof rooflight failed very quickly after installation (condensation between the panes). This is when you see the major downside of a Panoroof rooflight.

To get the rooflight out for replacement, you have to cut off the whole kerb, rebuild the kerb, re-roof the kerb, and re-plaster internally. It cost me another small fortune to have this work done, and a whole lot of stress. No way was I considering replacing it with another Panoroof rooflight.

Even if Panoroof have a only small number of failures, the risk is just not worth it, given the major rebuild required if something does go wrong - whether it’s six months or ten years later.

Sorry, but I can’t recommend Panoroof or similar rooflights offered on eBay. I replaced mine with an Atlas rooflight from Building Supplies Online and I’m very pleased. It wasn’t much more expensive than a Panoroof and is easily replaced if something goes wrong as it sits on top of the kerb, with appropriate aluminium flashing strips to keep it waterproof.

What I’ve learned is that 100% feedback on eBay is worthless. It just gives you confidence in the sales process only, and does not reflect the performance or quality of the product in any way. Caveat Empor.

 

[Leofric]

Plasterboard butting up to the glass isn't a good detail The plasterboard should butt up to some sort of frame .

 

[pilsbury]

My panoroof rooflight failed very quickly after installation (condensation between the panes). This is when you see the major downside of a Panoroof rooflight.

To get the rooflight out for replacement, you have to cut off the whole kerb, rebuild the kerb, re-roof the kerb, and re-plaster internally. It cost me another small fortune to have this work done, and a whole lot of stress. No way was I considering replacing it with another Panoroof rooflight.

Even if Panoroof have a only small number of failures, the risk is just not worth it, given the major rebuild required if something does go wrong - whether it’s six months or ten years later.

Sorry, but I can’t recommend Panoroof or similar rooflights offered on eBay. I replaced mine with an Atlas rooflight from Building Supplies Online and I’m very pleased. It wasn’t much more expensive than a Panoroof and is easily replaced if something goes wrong as it sits on top of the kerb, with appropriate aluminium flashing strips to keep it waterproof.

What I’ve learned is that 100% feedback on eBay is worthless. It just gives you confidence in the sales process only, and does not reflect the performance or quality of the product in any way. Caveat Empor.

That’s bad luck. I can also imagine the faff of getting the glass out as the pane is siliconed in very well.

I have 4 of these units (2 in kitchen, 1 in utility, 1 in wc) and all are fine after nearly 2 years. I’d have no issues vouching for them so far. Might eat my words if I ever have to replace one though!
I suppose any buyer feedback is only based on buying experience and first impressions. Seldom would someone write a review after years of ownership.

 

[JohnPS1]

I suppose any buyer feedback is only based on buying experience and first impressions. Seldom would someone write a review after years of ownership.

I’ve now found out that eBay only allows you to add a review up to 60 days after purchase. As I said, all those glowing eBay reviews are rated to the sales process only, given the failure rate up to 60 days should be non existent. Our rooflights where stored at the back of the garden for nearly 60 days awaiting installation!

If your rooflight fails on day 61, there’s nothing you can do to warn others on eBay, hence the reason I’ve put a comment on this thread.

Except for my personal experience (and another similar comment on Google reviews) I have no reason to say that Panoroof doesn’t (or does) have a good quality product, but there is no method of determining that, as there are little in the way of any PRODUCT reviews I can find. I was swayed by all those glowing eBay reviews, not knowing at the time they are worthless.

I hope I have not caused you worry or concern. I’m sure yours will be fine, given they’ve been fine for the critical first 2 years.

I’m merely pointing out to others who are considering buying, that if they ever do fail, replacement is not just a hassle, but a major rebuild costing a lot more than the window itself, coupled with a whole heap of stress. This should be factored against the low initial purchase price.

The Atlas rooflight I replaced it with was only 50% more expensive, and fully framed (unlike Panoroof). If I ever need to replace the Atlas rooflight it will be a doddle to separate the rooflight from the kerb, allowing direct replacement without major rebuild. Exactly the reason I replaced it with an Atlas rooflight. I did my research properly this time.

One further note, never pay on PayPal for commercial goods as it cuts off section 75 consumer credit protection.