Roofer wants to temporarily remove skylight window for slate replacement work

ChrisM78

I have a roofer/roofers turning up tomorrow to replace quite a lot of broken slates on the roof of my second floor flat which are responsible for a leak coming through my ceiling, arranged via the management company/freeholder. He told me two days ago that they will temporarily remove the skylight window for access to the roof - is this typical? 

Baldytyke88

Is it a multi-storey building, can he get normal access?

WIAWSNB

Hi Chris.
I don't know if it's typical, but it shouldn't be a concern. Skylights are often a retrofit in roofs, so will be fitted after the roof is in place, and hence can be removed ditto without issue.
As long as they are competent, this shouldn't be a concern, and presumably they are.
Do they need to remove the frame too - the opener ain't big enough?

And, you are 100% sure you are responsible for the roof of this building?

ChrisM78

The opener is big enough as far as I'm concerned. 

I'll be charged 25% of the roof repair costs in accordance with my lease. 

Section62

ChrisM78 said:

The opener is big enough as far as I'm concerned. 

I'll be charged 25% of the roof repair costs in accordance with my lease. 

On balance, them getting access to the area they need to work on via the roof window - rather than walking around over the whole roof - is probably going to give the better outcome.  Although if they are climbing in and out of the window then hopefully they will have some health and safety awareness.... if they want to use the window for access solely to avoid the cost of scaffolding I'd be more concerned.

TELLIT01

How is the roofer going to keep your flat water tight whilst doing the work?

ChrisM78

There's no rain forecast for London today - but we all know how unpredictable the weather can be, of course.

WIAWSNB

I'd let them get on with it, Chris.

Go to t'pub.

If any issues arise later, you tackle them on it. 

Take photos to show the window is currently in good order - a vid of it opening and closing smoothly, etc.