A

Aluminum Coating: Applied to all interior Velux Blinds, on the reverse side of the blind (the side of the cloth or slat closest to the pane) to reduce the heat gain in the room.

Argon Gas: A colorless, odorless, inert gaseous element constituting approximately 1% of the earth's atmosphere, used in electric lamps, fluorescent tubes, and insulated glass window panes. Because Argon is denser than air, it is a good insulator and is used in all Velux skylights and roof windows.

Awning:  An  exterior blind installed on the roof side of the skylight and the best possible way to minimize heat gain through a skylight/roof window.

ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials - a voluntary organization concerned with development of consensus standards, testing procedures and specifications.

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B

Blinds: Sunscreening accessories such as venetian blinds, pleated shades, LightBLock shades, and Awning Blinds, designed to limit or block out light.

 

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C

Cladding: Cladding is an exterior aluminum armor that offers protection from the elements and offers a streamlined appearance.

Combi-Flashing: Refers to a flashing system that combines multiple skylights for almost unlimited design possibilities.

Condensation:  A chemical reaction that causes water droplets to form when warm, moist air contacts a cold surface. All Velux skylights are designed to minimize the chance of condensation by protecting the interior glass  from cold, outside air with a special Low-E coating and argon gas that is vacuum sealed in the space between the interior and exterior panes of glass. 

Controls: The way you operate the venting skylight or blind. Can be manual or electric.

Curb:  A curb is a site-built wooden frame or pre-manufactured metal structure on top of which a curb mounted skylight is mounted.

Curb Mounted: Curb mounted refers to a type of skylight that is mounted to an installer provided site-built curb.

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D

Deck or Roof Deck: Refers to the plywood or sheathing that covers the rafter or trusses of a roof structure. It provides the base on top of which the weather-proofing roof materials are applied.

Deck Mounted: When you deck mount a skylight, you attach it directly to your roof sheathing. You do not build up a curb.

Diffused Light:  Not direct light - does not create a glare on PC/TV screens. Pleated shades diffuse the light to create a softer effect.

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E

ENERGY STAR®:  A program sponsored by the US Government (EPA and DOE) that Velux America aligns itself with to exceed current energy codes by more than 40%.

Exterior Blinds: Blinds that are installed on the roof side of the skylight. Velux offers exterior awning blinds.

 

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F

Finished Framing Dimensions: Finished framing dimension is a reference to the measurement from backside to backside of the interior finishing material (i.e., sheetrock, paneling, tongue and groove).

Fixed Skylight: A fixed skylight is non-operable and does not allow ventilation.

Flashing: A weather-proofing system that connects the skylight with its surrounding roof material. Velux flashing systems are designed to shed water without relying on sealants that can break down over time.

Frame: A skeletal structure designed to shape or support. The frame of Velux skylights and roof windows are made of Nordic Pine from new growth forests only.

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G

Glazing or Insulated Glazing: Refers to the glass portion of windows, doors, and skylights. Velux offers Comfort Glass, which consists of two pieces of tempered glass sealed at the edges by a stainless steel spacer and 2 durable sealants, and the Velux ComfortPlus Glass, which features an exterior tempered piece sealed over a piece of laminated glass. Both units are filled with Argon gas and double coated with an exclusive Low-E coating.

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H

Head Flashing Piece: The flashing component that interlocks with the skylight top cover and is placed under the roofing felt to insure proper water drainage.

Header Framing:  Structural lumber that ties two or more rafters together at the top of the skylight roof opening to form bracing for the surrounding roof structure. 

Heatblock: Exterior awning that conrols the heat coming through the skylight and reduces heat ga in in the room.

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I

Identification Tag: All Velux skylights and roof windows will have a label which explains the size for the skylight. All skylights and roof windows with a one to three digit number will be in standard dimensions, and this number must be used for ordering blinds (no additional measurements are required).

Impact Glass:  The glass is very resistant to penetration from flying debris. Velux impact glass meets the requirements for wind-borne debris protection of the IBC (International Building Code Commercial), the IRC (International Residential Code) and the Florida Building Code 2001, with exception of Dade County Protocols.

Interior Blinds:  Blinds installed on the room side for the skylight (in the sash if venting or on the frame).

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J

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K

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L

Laminated Glass: Made up of bonded layers. Two panes of heat strengthened glass bonded together around a vinyl inner layer that holds the glass together if it gets broken.

Light Shaft: Flat ceilings with an attic space between the ceiling and the roofing require a light shaft to deliver the light and view from the roofline into the interior opening.

LightBlock:  Interior room darkening shade that can convert day to night. It will not be possible to find your way in the room, without light from sources other than the skylight.

LoE3:  LoE3 is a metallic coating that is chemically bonded to the glass and protects against heat gain and fading rays. Now with triple coating.

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M

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N

National Fenestration Council (NFRC): The NFRC rates windows, doors, and skylights on their overall energy performance. Its tests are independent and prescribe uniform testing parameters, which gives consumers a way to accurately compare products.

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O

Outside Frame: The outside frame dimension refers to the outer-most measurement of the wooden frame on Velux skylights and roof windows.

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P

Pan Flashed: Pan-flashed is referring to a type of skylight with insulated glass lens, wood frame and protective cladding, combined with factory installed metal pan flashing with welded corners and painted that mounts directly to the roof deck and requires roofing sealant.

Pitch: The angle of a roof. The angle which the roof surface makes with a horizontal plane. It is a ration of rise to the span.

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Q

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R

Rafter: The supporting frame member immediately beneath the deck, sloping from the ridge to the wall plate.

Remote: Infrared remote control which via the electrical control will be able to operate the electric venting skylight or blind.

Roof Window: Roof windows are designed to be installed within reach, such as attics, bonus rooms, and loft areas. Their sashes will rotate around, allowing the outside glass to be cleaned from inside the house.

Rough Opening: The actual hole that is cut in the roof decking to install a roof window or skylight.

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S

Sash: A frame in which the glass panes of a window or door are set. The part of a ventilating roof window or skylight that opens out from the frame.

Self Flashing: Self-flashing units do not require curbs or additional flashing components to create a watertight seal.

Shades: Pleated shades, roller shades and LightBLock shades offer options for room darkening and light filtering.

Shaft: The section of the ceiling that projects a ray or beam of light.

Sill Flashing Piece: The sill flashing component is at the bottom of the skylight and is placed between the underglass rubber gasket and bottom frame section to the provide a watertight seal.

Sill Framing:  Structural lumber that ties two or more rafters together at the bottom of the skylight roof opening to form bracing for the surrounding roof structure.

Step Flashing:  Step flashing is a system that interweaves 'L' shaped flashing pieces with the roofing material going up the sides of our units to provide a watertight seal. No sealants that can break down over time are required.

Stick Built: A term used to describe the conventional framing technique of building the roof structure one piece of lumber at a time. The opposite approach involves pre-engineered and factory-built truss systems that form a roof structure when put into place on the job site.

Sun Tunnel: A tubular daylighting device that captures daylight at the roof and carries it through a tubular shaft to deliver light into your home. Can be either rigid or flexible.

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T

Tempered Glass: Glass having an additional degree of hardness that shatters into small pieces rather than into large shards of glass when broken.

Truss:  A rigid framework designed to support a structure.

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U

Underlayment:   Something under laid, as paper under shingles,. Either ice and water shield or felt paper are used to wrap a skylight for insulation.

UV: Ultraviolet light that fades the interior. Velux glazing in the skylight and blinds are efficient solutions to this issue.

 

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V

Venting Skylight:  A venting skylight is a unit that is hinged at the top and opens mechanically at the bottom to provide fresh air and temperature control.

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W

Wrapping a Skylight:   Roofing underlayment or roofing felt are wrapped around the skylight frame or curb to dramatically reduce the chance of condensation and provide added protection from extreme weather.

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X

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Y

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Z

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Skylights Care and Maintenance

Iossi offers both Deck mounted and Curb mounted skylights.  A Curb mounted skylight is mounted on a curb style frame which is raised off the roof sheathing. A Deck skylight sits on the sheathing.

Safety:

• Skylights are typically installed out of reach, therefore it is assumed that ladders, scaffolding, or other equipment is being used to reach elevated places during maintenance and inspection.
• Follow all equipment manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
• Use fall protection when applicable.
• Know your safe working limits.
• Falls from heights can result in serious injury or death.

Glass Cleaning:

• For best results avoid cleaning skylight during the hottest part of the day.
• If there are multiple rows of skylights, start at the highest row and work down.
• Begin by soaking the skylight glass with a clean water and soap solution loosening dirt and debris.
• Next use a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner along with a soft brush or other non-abrasive appicator to clean the glass.
• The cleaning solution should immediately be removed with a squeegee or lint free cloth.
• Use care not to touch any metal parts of the cleaning equipment to the glass or let any abrasive materials be dragged across the glass surface.
• Do not use metal scrapers, blades or knives for cleaning large areas of glass as this practice can easily scratch and cause permanent damage to the skylight glass.
• Scratches or damages to the glass as a result of scraping are not covered under any Velux warranty.
• For hard to remove spots like tree sap, label adhesive, paint or other construction material, a new 1" razor blade may nee dto be used on small spots only.
• If a razor blade needs to be used, scrape only in one direction.
• Back and forth scraping can trap abrasive materials under th eblade causing scratches and possible permanent damage to the glass.
• Cleaning your skylight as dirt appears will help prevent th euse of scrapers.

Interior Cleaning:

• Most Velux skylight have a white pre-painted, wood frame or maintenance free plastic frame and sash.
• These surfaces can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
• A mild, soapy water soluton can be used for tougher dirt.
• Insect screens in venting skylights can be cleaned by removing the screen and spraying the screen with a garden hose.
• Let the insect screens thoroughly dry before replacing them into the skylights.

Interior Finish:

Skylights with pre-finished wood frames need to be inspected annually. The finish that is applied to the wood surface is not considered a permanent coating. As with any finished surface it is subject to peeling, cracking or fading and will need to be refinished /re-painted periodically.

• To refinish or repaint the skylight interior wood surfaces, prepare the skylight by removing the factory finish. After ensuring that the surface is clean, apply primer to the wood. When primer is dry, apply a coat of water based acrylic varnish/paint (always follow finish manufacturer's application instructions).
• For paint or finish damages to larger surfaces of the wood, apply the technique described above.
• Touch up paint for covering scratches to the wood surface is available from Velux (part # 307408).
• Keep all varnish/paint off skylight gaskets and glass.

Unfinished Wood Frames need to be painted, stained, or varnished within 6 months of installation. Failure to finish bare wood can result in discolored wood, deterioration of the wood frame/sash and possibly lead to bowing and splitting of the wood.:

• After ensuring that the wood surface is clean, apply stain or primer to the wood. When the primer dries, apply a coat of water based acylic varnish/paint following the manufacturer's application instructions..
• Keep all stain and paint off of skylight gaskets and glass..

Painting over Plastic (ABS or PVC) frames and sashes is not recommended.

Exterior Cleaning:

• Rain will keep most dirt and grime off the exterior surfaces.
• The exterior cladding surfaces can be cleaned with a mild soapy water solution.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or cleaning equipment as this can scratch the finish on the cladding.
• Rinse well with clean water.

Exterior Inspection:

• Keep all debris removed from around skylights.
• Skylight applications with multiple skylights grouped together using gang flashing must have all vertical and horizongal guttters, between skylights, clear of dirt and debris.
• Make sure all exposed fasteners are secure.
• Inspect cladding and flashing for excessive wear or scratches on the cladding finish. Scratches in the cladding finish may be fixed with a touch up paint available through Velux (part # ZOZ 154). Damaged cladding or flashing should be replaced as soon as they are detected.

Exterior Solar Panels:

• Keep all debris removed from the solar panel.
• Use a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner along with a soft breush or other non-abrasive applicator to clean the glass.
• The cleaning solution should immediately be removed with a lint free cloth.
• The solar panel must be kept clean to properly recharge the operator battery.

Operators:

• While perfoming maintenance on electrically operated venting skylights, turn the power off at the breaker box to avoid accidental injuries.
• Open skylights (then turn power off if electric) and wipe chain off using a clean dry towel. Do not use any type of cleaner or solvent.
• Keep debris clear of chain.
• Manual skylights: inspect the loop or crank handle to make sure that the set-screw is secure.
• The internal workings of the manual and the electric operators are considere maintenance free over the lifetime of the skylight.
• Operators are pre-lubed and need no additional lubrication.

Condensation:

• Condensation is not a skylight defect; it is a result of atomospheric conditions inside and outside the home.
• Condensation is the result of warm moist air coming in contact with a cooler surface, in this case, the skylight glass. Think of a glass of ice water on a summer day and the 'sweat' on the outside of the glass.
• Since Mother Nature (outside conditions) cannot be controlled, condensation must be dealt with from inside the home.
• Limit the amount of water vapor in your home by installing double paned windows and doors with energy efficient Low-E glazing to keep the interior warmer.
• Take shorter showers, and use lids on pans while cooking.
• Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans more often during the winter to expel hot moist air.
• Open a window in each room a few minutes daily to keep air circulated.
• Keep attic louvers open to release hot air the rises.
• Open basement vents and crawlspace vents to release moisture to the outside, reducing dampness under your house.
• Make sure your clothes dryer and gas appliances preperly vent moisture laden air to the outside.
• Install a fresh air intake on your furnace.
• Install a soffit system adequate for your home's size and needs.

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Sun Tunnel Care & Maintenance

Acrylic plastic has a highly polished lustrous surface and will retain its appearance for many years if given proper care.

• DO NOT use cleaning materials containing abrasives such as scouring powder.
• DO NOT use gritty cloths or the strong solvents often found in some window cleaning preparations.
• DO NOT use gasoline, acetone, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, denatured alcohol, etc., as they tend to soften the surfaces of the plastic and often cause crazing.
• When first installed, glazing compound and masking paper adhesive can be easily removed by carefully applying hexane, dry cleaning naphtha, kerosene, or isopropyl alcohol with a clean soft cloth, followed by a clean, clear water rinse. Water remaining on the surface should be wiped away with a damp soft cloth, chamois or moist cellulose sponge. CAUTION: use these materials carefully as they are flammable. Avoid sparks, open flame or other ignition sources. Do not smoke while using them!

WASH:

Wash with mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water solution, using a clean soft cloth or cellulose sponge and as much liquid as possible. Household ammonia in water, in concentrations recommended for general cleaning is also excellent. Rinse well and remove remaining excess water with a damp soft cloth, chamois or moist cellulose sponge.

POLISHING:

To protect the surface and maintain luster, apply a think, even coat of a good grade of automobile paste wax (NOT a cleaner wax combination) with a soft clean cloth. Buff lightly with a clean cotton flannel or jersey cloth. After polishing, wipe with a clean damp cloth to ground any electro-static charges which may attract dust particles.

FINE SCRATCHES:

Fine scratches may be removed or minimized by gently applying a t hin, even coat of a good grade of automobile cleaner-polish with a clean soft cloth. Cleaner-polish has a very mild abrasive action and its wax content tends to fill fine scratches and make them less visible. Test the polish on an unobtrusive portion of the plastic and follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

Polycarbonate plastic has a highly polished lustrous surface and will retain its appearance for many years if given proper care.

• DO NOT use cleaning materials containing abrasives such as scouring powder.
• DO NOT use alkaline cleaners.
• DO NOT use brushes, abrasive or gritty cloths.
• DO NOT use gasoline, acetone, benzene, or carbon tetrachloride.
• DO NOT use harsh solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone or muriatic acid, as they can cause deterioration and/or crazing.
• DO NOT clean in hot temperatures or in hot sun.
• DO NOT clean with razor blades, squeegees, or sharp implements.

When first installed, glazing compound, mortar, primer, paint, sealant, adhesive tape, labels, stickers, etc., can be easily removed by carefully applying naphtha, kerosene, or petroleum spirits with a clean soft cloth, followed by a thorough soap and water cleaning.  CAUTION: use these materials carefully because they are flammable!  Avoid sparks, open flame, or other ignition sources. Do not smoke while using them.

WASH:

Wash with mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water solution, using a soft clean cloth or cellulose sponge. Rinse well and remove remaining excess water with a damp soft cloth, chamois or moist cellulose sponge.

Some appropriate cleaners are Formula 409™, Top Job™, VM&P grade Naphtha Joy™, Windex w/Ammonia D™, Palmolive Liquid™.

FINE SCRATCHES:

Fine scratches may be removed or minimized by gently applying a thin, even coat of a good grade of automobile polish with a clean soft cloth. The wax content tends to fill fine scratches and make them less visible. Test the polish on an unobtrusive portion of the plastic and follow manufacturer's directions for use.

 

 

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