Fiamma Roof Vent

[mjb666]

I have, with Help, finally managed to replace my broken washroom sky vent.





I now feel more confident in having a go at replacing my aged 400mm x 400mm one. Just got to find one for a good price now.



As i have a non opening window on the front part of the luton next to the bed, i was wondering if replacing it with a modern window + blind might be a better option than fitting Heki type fully opening sky vent above the bed area?





Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated

Mike

PS. Yes, i do know.......I will be cleaning the roof.

[Amanda_P]

A couple of years ago I was driving down from Yorkshire to Gatwick to fly to South Africa for a few weeks. When I arrived at the campsite where I was going to spend the night before flying, I found that one of my Fiamma skylights (exactly like your 400 x 400mm one) had broken off its mountings and blown away somewhere en route, so there was a big hole in the roof!

I had to shin up onto the roof and cover the hole with a stout plastic bag and the duct tape I fortunately keep in my tool roll - in the dark. Fortunately, when I got back, despite there being some wild weather while I was away, the van was still dry inside.

Things made of plastic just don’t last forever. Even plastic windows and skylights perish eventually. Direct replacement is fairly straightforward, though, as you’ve found. If it’s not a direct replacement, it can be more complicated: be prepared for it to take longer than you think: take your time.

[wonkywheel]

Mike,
I would be a little concerned about an opening window at that angle. My own opinion is that it is more difficult to get it watertight than flat or vertical. I suppose an eyebrow type deflector over the window might work/help?

And yes, you do need to clean the roof

The new one looks good Next one on your own????

Mark

[Alexd]

So nice to accomplish these little repairs DIY isn't it! Me I'm useless at anything like that

'all the gear-no idea' might describe me actually....


so well done

[mjb666]

So nice to accomplish these little repairs DIY isn't it! Me I'm useless at anything like that

Hi Alexd

That's me too, hence Help from a Mate but i think i will have a go at fitting a replacement 400mm x 400mm in the spring by myself.

Mike

[mjb666]

Hi Mark

I hadn't thought about water tightness with a sloping window but having thought about it, i'm sure i can remember this being mentioned with older Suntrekker's as a problem.



So i think i will give up on that idea, Thanks.

Mike

[mjb666]

As it was a Beautiful Autumnal afternoon i decided to clean the roof.





Job done.

Whilst cleaning i noticed this tape is starting to perish.



I assume it is to seal where the panels join in construction. Can anyone suggest whether i should leave it as it is or scrape it off and replace? And what with?



These are my appoximate roof dimensions.

It's not doing badly as i'm guessing it's 35 years old.

Mike

[wonkywheel]

Mike,
If it's been ok for that long, I think I would just monitor it, checking inside for signs of damp and if it ain't broke don't fix it

Mark

Ps The roof looks better though

[zildjian]

Ditto Mark; don't fix it.
Likely to be a real pain to properly remove to reseal, if you see any discoloration of water staining internally, look at it then!

[Silversprinter]

Couple of years ago fitted one to a van, thats a little bit different as roof isn't smooth like yours, anyway it leaked a little
(fixed now)

i would think it probably easier on your camper but going to say unless you are confident or have someone beside you that is
then might be best left to someone used to them.
not to say people cannot tackle these jobs but frankly if you come up as i did against something not covered in instructions
you may need tools and materials a professional would have handy to get around it