Anyone know how to open this sort of skylight?

itm2

We have a skylight in a very difficult-to-access location over the corner of a staircase. It is recessed into a 5 foot high channel, which doesn't help with accessibility. I attach a couple of pics.

I was wondering if anyone was familiar with this type of skylight, and could advise on how they can be opened/closed. I'm assuming that some sort of contraption on the end of a long pole would be required, but does anyone know what sort of contraption, and where I might get one?

Alter_ego

Looks like Velux. Long hooked pole -pull down the silver bar.
Edit, sorry above to close, see below to open.

MovingForwards

A long pole to hit the metal bar which releases the catch and allows you to open the window. You would need a hook on the other end to pull it back down.

Search for an extendable pole.

But I would be concerned about opening it, unsealing all the crap that has gathered which would potentially cause it to leak (thinking back to when I worked in a place that had these and buckets were needed when it rained)

itm2

So would I push or pull on the metal bar to open it? Do these have magnetic spring openings which need to be pushed upwards to release?

I take your point re. dislodging the crap - it hasn't been opened in the 20 years since I bought the house! I guess it's a chance that I'll have to take if I want ventilation :0(

Owain_Moneysaver

Pull the metal bar, the wood underneath will flip down opening a trickle vent.

Pull further and the window will swivel open.

1.8 metre rod, with an extension to take to 2 metres
https://www.roofblinds.co.uk/catalog/other-products/accessories

Tiexen

You pull the bar to open,
really you need to replace with remote opening version:


https://www.velux.co.uk/products/roof-windows/centre-pivot

itm2

Hmmm...a remote opening version would be brilliant, but would not leave much change from £800 :0(

A 3 metre (ideally telescoping) pole with a hook on the end is looking like the more financially prudent decision. Anyone know if there are any national chains which might have that sort of thing in stock?

Tiexen

itm2 wrote: »

Hmmm...a remote opening version would be brilliant, but would not leave much change from £800 :0(

A 3 metre (ideally telescoping) pole with a hook on the end is looking like the more financially prudent decision. Anyone know if there are any national chains which might have that sort of thing in stock?

Ebay seem to have lots

itm2

Yes eBay could be the best option. Ideally I wanted to pick something up somewhere tomorrow, as the top floor of our house is a furnace at the moment and I think it might help alot!

Owain_Moneysaver

Fanlight hook
https://www.screwfix.com/p/fanlight-pole-hook-polished-brass-111-94mm-x-72-43mm/59496

The Questions says it works with velux windows. You'll also need the rod, try 20 mm 2.4m dowel from eg B&Q

https://www.diy.com/departments/dowel-moulding-t-20mm-w-20mm-l-2400mm/246422_BQ.prd

(I haven't checked to see if you can get both hook and rod from either place.)

theonlywayisup

Just to add, there is a knack to opening. You need to stand at an angle away from the window so that the opening is pulled down from the back not the front. Hard to explain but in your photo example, if you stand with your back as close to the wall with the print on, you can use the pole to hook and pull down on the metal bar.