FAQ'S - Frequently asked questions

about roof doors...

How much energy would it take to open one to full open/lock position?

The doors are assisted by gas shocks on either side. This is similar to the action of opening the hatch on the back of a car (from the inside). Pushing it open and pulling or pushing it closed require very little strength or effort.

Is it possible to have a screen, so that ventilation could be provided?

The only suggestion for this is an after market product (which we do not sell) a retractable screen .. similar to Phantom Screens. If you do install something like this, you should NOT leave the screen closed across the door when the door is closed and locked. I know it seems odd that someone might do this, but just like skylights, screens will hold any heat that come in through the skylight part up against the acrylic and it can break/crack them.

Can the door be closed from the outside without locking, so that you can be on the roof but can close the door to your unit?

The door can only be locked from the inside. There are two latches (one on either side) that must be manually operated to close - so the door can be closed to your unit while you are out on the deck without concern.

Can the door be motorized to assist in opening?

We have not yet found any kind of electric acctuator that is suitable for our doors. They are typically, too big, too noisy, too slow, don't open enough etc. The gas shocks are still the easiest way to open the door.

How long are they guaranteed for? How long is the guarantee on the hinges?

The door itself (the acrylic and the frame) is guaranteed against leakage for 10 years. There are no guarantees on the hinges, however they are stainless steel and very durable. Should for some reason they become damaged, your local hardware store would very likely have some available at a reasonable price.

The door would be used a lot. Is this gong to be too hard on the door?

We expect them to get used a lot. The aluminum frame inside is used to stop torsional twisting of the frame of the skylight itself - which gives it increased durability for use as an exit onto the roof deck.

Hollow aluminum frames are known as a heat loser in window frame use, so that is an issue?

No. The frame is used ONLY as a support structure, not in the frame of the unit itself which is where it would be on a window.

Do you have any form of curtain or shade to cut off all light?

No and we don't recommend them for the same reasons as above in the answer about screens. As long as a shade or curtain is far enough away from the skylight itself, you should be fine. It would depend on how the stairs and all that is laid out.

Can a Dish (TV satellite) satellite be affixed to the side of the unit?

No. The door needs to be free to move to open and close, and the sattelite dish requires its wires to stay connected. You could, however, attach it to the "dog house" the sloping structure the curb is built on that the door attaches too.

Would it work with a spiral staircase?

Our doors will work with any kind of staircase. It's all going to end up in the way the doghouse on the roof deck is sloped etc.

Have you placed any in a historic district in the U.S?

I believe we have. Because I don't always know where exactly the doors are going or being installed, it's difficult to even know if any place is special for any reason. I do know that I have been asked questions about specific details because homes have been in historic districts, or have had special height restrictions and guidelines.

You should always check with the city code of the location you wish to install our products before you purchase them.

Is there something else you might want to know?

Please contact us so we may help!