Weather Resilience of VELUX Skylights
When it comes to selecting skylights for your home, durability and reliability are essential factors to consider—especially in regions like Melbourne, known for its unpredictable weather. VELUX skylights are designed to withstand even the harshest conditions, ensuring you enjoy natural light without compromising safety or comfort.
Real-World Resilience: A Case Study
On March 6, 2010, Melbourne experienced a devastating storm characterised by extremely dangerous thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and hailstones the size of cricket balls. This storm wreaked havoc across the city, causing significant damage to homes and properties. One unfortunate homeowner, John Spink, faced the wrath of this storm. While he had multiple skylights installed, a stark contrast emerged between his VELUX skylights and his plastic dome skylights.
During the storm, John’s plastic dome skylights suffered catastrophic damage, shattering under the pressure of the enormous hailstones. Water poured into his home, causing flooding and significant damage to his property. In contrast, his VELUX skylights, equipped with toughened safety glass and robust frames, remained largely unaffected. The only visible damage was minor dents in the outer frame, which were easily repairable.
John’s experience serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of VELUX skylights. As he remarked, “If I knew then what I know now, I would have bought VELUX skylights instead of plastic domes.”
Rigorous Weather Resilience Testing
VELUX skylights are not just built to withstand occasional storms; they are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure their durability and performance in extreme weather conditions. Here’s a closer look at the tests they undergo:
- Load and Wind Pressure Tests: VELUX skylights surpass Australian standards (AS4285 and AS1288) for load and wind pressure, ensuring they can withstand heavy rain, strong winds, and even cyclonic conditions.
- Watertightness Testing: VELUX skylights have passed watertightness tests equivalent to those for roof tiles, guaranteeing that they remain leak-proof even during heavy downpours.
- Bushfire Compliance: For installations in bushfire-prone areas, VELUX skylights meet the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL 40) requirements, providing an additional layer of safety.
- Hail Impact Resistance: Designed with an outer pane of toughened safety glass and laminated inner panes, VELUX skylights are built to absorb impacts from hailstones, protecting your home from potential water damage and safety hazards.
Why Choose VELUX Skylights?
Investing in VELUX skylights not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home with abundant natural light but also provides peace of mind during adverse weather. Their durability, coupled with attractive design and energy efficiency, makes them a wise choice for homeowners who value quality and safety.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing skylights for your home, don’t settle for less. VELUX skylights offer unparalleled weather resilience, backed by real-life experiences and rigorous testing. Protect your home from the elements while enjoying the benefits of natural light.
If you’re considering upgrading your skylights or installing new ones, contact us today at The Skylight Shop Melbourne for expert advice and quality solutions tailored to your needs. Your home deserves the best!
