DIY Skylights above bed

[mrai]

Hi and merry Christmas everyone

Has anyone done a DIY skylight and have any advise tips etc ?

Also , has anyone installed a skylight above a bed and decided after it was a bad idea ?

I like the idea of having a sky view but not sure if practical issues such as condensation drips , potential leaks etc outweigh the benefits

 

[WillH]

Loads of standard vans have a roof light over the bed so not a problem.

 

[Lenny HB]

Never seen a van without a skylight over the bed.

 

[mrai]

Thanks for replies. I'm building mine from scratch and working things out as I go along.
Weighing up the benefits v extra potential heat in summer and heat loss in winter is my current dilemma.

 

[CazPaul]

If I was designing my Motorhome from scratch I would have less skylights as possible, so less problems.
I would just have one small one in the bathroom roof and that’s it, theres enough light with side windows.

Plenty of insulation in the roof though all the way across.

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[mrai]

If I was designing my Motorhome from scratch I would have less skylights as possible, so less problems.
I would just have one small one in the bathroom roof and that’s it, theres enough light with side windows.

Plenty of insulation in the roof though all the way across.

Thanks. Ye this is my current thinking to add more side windows to reduce future potential leaks from a skylight.
At present I have 100mm in ceiling and all is dry ! Making any more ceiling holes makes me nervous to be honest and the motivation is looking at stars when the chance arises . Though again a big side window would do this

 

[mrai]

If I was designing my Motorhome from scratch I would have less skylights as possible, so less problems.
I would just have one small one in the bathroom roof and that’s it, theres enough light with side windows.

Plenty of insulation in the roof though all the way across.

If I was designing my Motorhome from scratch I would have less skylights as possible, so less problems.
I would just have one small one in the bathroom roof and that’s it, theres enough light with side windows.

Plenty of insulation in the roof though all the way across.

If I was designing my Motorhome from scratch I would have less skylights as possible, so less problems.
I would just have one small one in the bathroom roof and that’s it, theres enough light with side windows.

Plenty of insulation in the roof though all the way across.

Is yours a self build or professional made out of interest ? What's been your experience with skylights in yours ?


Thanks

 

[CazPaul]

Is yours a self build or professional made out of interest ? What's been your experience with skylights in yours ?


Thanks

Professional made, Concorde as in my avatar.

 

[mitzimad]

small skylights are cheap enough i wouldnt bother trying to make one .As for laying in bed sky gazing it doesnt work ,as normally by the time its dark enough your skylight is covered in dew

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Rarely will you get to stargaze through the skylight. The translucent plastic glazing will distort the sky enough that the stars will be blurred. You can make out shapes of clouds and stuff, but not with precision. Of course you can sleep with the thing wide open but at a risk to your security and letting in loads of bugs.

Properly fitted with correct sealants the manufactured skylight shouldn't cause leaks, even in the ribbed roof of many PVCs. But you also need to ensure correct rustproofing of the aperture. Insulation to the edge of the skylight shouldn't be an issue and a moderate sized skylight with it's double glazed plastic dome will be adequate against heat loss whist welcome ventilation in warmer weather if also internally fitted with a blind either insect mesh screen.

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[Lenny HB]

Don't worry about the view fit a Maxxfan, it will keep you nice and cool in summer.

 

[mrai]

small skylights are cheap enough i wouldnt bother trying to make one .As for laying in bed sky gazing it doesnt work ,as normally by the time its dark enough your skylight is covered in dew

Thanks for these replies they've been very informative and I've now decided not to install one and instead install a big side window

 

[mrai]

Don't worry about the view fit a Maxxfan, it will keep you nice and cool in summer.

Ye I fitted one early in the conversion and it's been one of the best thing I installed

 

[mrai]

Rarely will you get to stargaze through the skylight. The translucent plastic glazing will distort the sky enough that the stars will be blurred. You can make out shapes of clouds and stuff, but not with precision. Of course you can sleep with the thing wide open but at a risk to your security and letting in loads of bugs.

Properly fitted with correct sealants the manufactured skylight shouldn't cause leaks, even in the ribbed roof of many PVCs. But you also need to ensure correct rustproofing of the aperture. Insulation to the edge of the skylight shouldn't be an issue and a moderate sized skylight with it's double glazed plastic dome will be adequate against heat loss whist welcome ventilation in warmer weather if also internally fitted with a blind either insect mesh screen.

Thanks for the detailed response .
Ive now decided to have more side windows for full through ventilation and go outside to start gaze !

 

[Mikeco]

I put one above the bed and its left open most nights when we are in the van as you need ventilation, it also helps if the wife farts.

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[Zoobec]

In our self build we put one above the bed and one towards the front of the van. Also a small one in the shower/toilet. They are great for ventilation and we often have them open overnight on vent. We also have fixed side windows.

 

[mrai]

In our self build we put one above the bed and one towards the front of the van. Also a small one in the shower/toilet. They are great for ventilation and we often have them open overnight on vent. We also have fixed side windows.

Ventilation is pretty good with maxx air fan and windows cracked .
It was mainly I guess to have sky views when parked out in dark sky places .
Have you found the skylight to stay clear as the window ages ?
Some responses have confirmed my initial fears that have stopped me installing one

 

[Zoobec]

Ventilation is pretty good with maxx air fan and windows cracked .
It was mainly I guess to have sky views when parked out in dark sky places .
Have you found the skylight to stay clear as the window ages ?
Some responses have confirmed my initial fears that have stopped me installing one

It’s only a few years since we installed them, but they still look new. i would not want to be without them..

 

[mrai]

It’s only a few years since we installed them, but they still look new. i would not want to be without them..

What make/model did you go for ?

 

[Jev88]

We really like the set up in our RV. Powered fans that are temperature and rain sensing and you can set one IN and one OUT to get a nice glow of air.

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[mrai]

One in and one out makes alot of sense actually. That's something I'll have a good think about
/thanks

 

[Shrimp]

We have a small sky-light above the bed which is open most nights, when not too cold, it has a non-transparent cover, would not want one with a see thru cover as often, especially on Aires there are over head street lights!

 

[Zoobec]

What make/model did you go for ?

they are all heki, the one in the toilet is a very small one, a mini heki I think. The 2 others are larger with integral blinds and mosquito nets.

 

[Stonemags76]

You might not want to leave side windows open when staying in Aires, but a sky light can usually be open.

 

[Jo May]

I put one above the bed and its left open most nights when we are in the van as you need ventilation, it also helps if the wife farts.

Been a pleasure knowing you.....