Want to keep skylight open

[ikearns]

Got two Keylite roof windows but in my opinion they don't open wide enough. Officially they most probably open as wide as they should as they sit parallel horizontally with the floor.

I was thinking of a gas strut to hold the window open wider - good idea or not??

 

[crank39]

Use a stick!

 

[ikearns]

Use a stick!

The stick would either need to be 14' long or if it was just a short stick to prop the window open then I would have to get up and down a ladder every time to put the stick in place. I like the simplicity however the practical application is lacking.

 

[crank39]

So how would you reach to close it if you fitted a gas strut? Or am I missing something?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I assume he'd still use his pole but the strut would enable the window to stay open further, though there's the whole which strut to choose, how to attach it to the window conundrum to work through .....

 

[ikearns]

So how would you reach to close it if you fitted a gas strut? Or am I missing something?

I use 'a stick'.

I see where you are coming from but the current stick application is more of an 'unlock and push open' sort of stick and not a 'prop open' stick.

It has a hook on the end to open the locking mechanism and then you give it a shove to open the window however the window returns to a resting position which leaves a couple of inches gap. I want to widen that gap.

I was thinking a screwjack opener or a gas strut to push the gap wider.

Still a big fan of the stick, just don't think it's the best application given the advances in technology these days.

 

[crank39]

Dont want the wind to catch it either, the gas strut is an idea but as Freddie says you've got to find the right one, right compression and try and fit it, I dare say if you only fitted to one side you'd probably buckle the frame of the opener trying to close it

 

[ikearns]

The area is quite sheltered but I hear you about only putting the strut on one side etc. Hadn't thought of that problem. Keylite dangled a big ol'carrot mentioning stronger springs but can't get anything more out of them on that. Wondered if there were any window fitters out there that might have any ideas.

 

[crank39]

Is this site any good to you.....

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/applications/roof-lights

 

[ikearns]

Is this site any good to you.....

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/applications/roof-lights

That looks like they could do the job!

 

[crank39]

That looks like they could do the job!

Good stuff

 

[ikearns]

Well just as a closure on this matter, spoke to Keylite and they suggested some stronger springs. This seemed to do the job. Easy to fit however evident that the manufacturer knows of the issue.