How to remove skylights & windows

[artboas]

When your skylight leaks, panic ensues. How to fix it?
Under no conditions should you slap on some silicone & hope that holds. It will not stop a leak, and will make it very difficult to adhere anything to the surface afterwards.

You must remove the wiindshield / skylight, and re-seal the whole thing properly. Here is an easy way to do that.

 

[Steve Dion]

Art:

We have a similar (but larger) windows on our HV36. The side light over our galley was leaking. I decided to try to recaulk the acrylic. I used one of those glazing knives/tools and removed all of the DOW795 and then cleaned the channel to the best of my ability.

I then masked and recaulked with DOW795. This was two years ago and we are still leak free. Our side windows are checked/crazed so I will probably be replacement them in the next couple of years. I will probably think about having it done by a professional but you have given me hope!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Nice writeup, Art, thanks, good ideas.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Here is an easy way to do that.

Nice presentation, Artboas.

I'm headed for the same job when I can muster up the nerve to get into it although I'll only be using the existing glass as a pattern for new plexi windows. After that, they're headed into the garbage. Getting crazed.

Can you describe the problems you had and why you decided that string is not the way to remove the glass ? I have some very fine piano wire I'm looking at using but you're giving me some pause here. The other reason I'm hoping to use string/wire is that they're side ports.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[artboas]

Side ports

Nice presentation, Artboas.

I'm headed for the same job when I can muster up the nerve to get into it although I'll only be using the existing glass as a pattern for new plexi windows. After that, they're headed into the garbage. Getting crazed.

Can you describe the problems you had and why you decided that string is not the way to remove the glass ? I have some very fine piano wire I'm looking at using but you're giving me some pause here. The other reason I'm hoping to use string/wire is that they're side ports.

Thanks for your reply.

On side ports its a different deal. They weigh nothing, versus the skylight.
Fine wire works, but I prefer heavy duty whipping twine.
It's more flexible, and the rope lay acts as saw teeth.
Take 2 round pieces if wood for handles.
Go to a corner, put a fine spike through, and then follow with whipping twine.
Actually the best stuff is goretex thread. A canvas shop will have it

 

[eianm]

On side ports its a different deal. They weigh nothing, versus the skylight.
Fine wire works, but I prefer heavy duty whipping twine.
It's more flexible, and the rope lay acts as saw teeth.
Take 2 round pieces if wood for handles.
Go to a corner, put a fine spike through, and then follow with whipping twine.
Actually the best stuff is goretex thread. A canvas shop will have it

ART- Really nice job on the post, i need to do this on my H42 but had lacked the confidance- i think I will now give it a go during winter!

 

[artboas]

Glad to help

ART- Really nice job on the post, i need to do this on my H42 but had lacked the confidance- i think I will now give it a go during winter!

I have to tell you.
I sat in my cabin for a day staring at my skylight, trying to figure this out. I was really spooked by the "wedge technique", as the acrylic can crack easilly.
Keep moving the suction cups to the area where you are releasing the sealant.
You will be amazed how easilly this works.
Basically your halyard is a big constant force spring.
Take your time, and be patient.