Removing a polycarbonate panel from a conservatory roof

[Aviz]

I need to get access to a security light directly above my conservatory to change the bulb. Positioning means that i can't get to it via ladder, or erect scaff towers either side.

It was here when i got the house, and is a bog standard cheapy conservatory with polycarb sheeting. If i could remove one, i could get to the light with a ladder.

Is this a task i should consider? It was built in 2002.

Remember.. i had nothing to do with the stupid positioning of the light

Thanks

Andy

[Spudler]

Cant you span a plank from one beam/rafter to another? They'll take your weight easy enough.

[Aviz]

Spudler said:

Cant you span a plank from one beam/rafter to another? They'll take your weight easy enough.

Will they ? I'm a bit of a lightweight, but never really considered it would take my weight.

[Spudler]

Even a single one will. Easier to stand on a plank tho. Might be worth tieing a couple of lengths of rope to the plank and throwing over the ridge and securing to something, fence maybe?. Might not appear it but the beams are very strong.

[tenex]

It would probably be easier,cheaper and more practical to get a new security light.
Disturbing an 8 year old "plastic" roof is not a good idea, especially if it is a "cheapie"

[Globulator]

Hire a helicopter with a winch and a good pilot..


..jobs a good-un

[Aviz]

tenex said:

It would probably be easier,cheaper and more practical to get a new security light.
Disturbing an 8 year old "plastic" roof is not a good idea, especially if it is a "cheapie"

THis may be the option as i have several in the shed. i can't get to the other side of the conservatory as it's against a wall.

will just look a bit daft with 2 security light within a metre of each other

[ColinM50]

Since no-one else has been sensible, I'll have a go.

There's probably a screw in the end of the side rails that holds a blanking plate to stop the panels sliding down in bad weather. IF you can undo the screws, take off the plate and then, using a big bladed screwdriver, prise up the plastic strip holding the polyarb panel in. Take the two side strips off and the panel will just lift off.

As a Haynes car repair manual would say, replacement is a direct reversal of disassembly. When putting the plastic strips back, use a block of wood and a hammer to tap them into the channel.

Seemples

The worst part of the job is getting the damn blanking plate off. Normally it's a steel screw into a aly channel and I bet you a shilling the screw will shear before you can undo the damn thing.

[Spudler]

ColinM50 said:

Since no-one else has been sensible, I'll have a go.

There's probably a screw in the end of the side rails that holds a blanking plate to stop the panels sliding down in bad weather. IF you can undo the screws, take off the plate and then, using a big bladed screwdriver, prise up the plastic strip holding the polyarb panel in. Take the two side strips off and the panel will just lift off.

As a Haynes car repair manual would say, replacement is a direct reversal of disassembly. When putting the plastic strips back, use a block of wood and a hammer to tap them into the channel.

Seemples

The worst part of the job is getting the damn blanking plate off. Normally it's a steel screw into a aly channel and I bet you a shilling the screw will shear before you can undo the damn thing.

...then be ready with the buckets

[tenex]

Aviz said:

tenex said:

It would probably be easier,cheaper and more practical to get a new security light.
Disturbing an 8 year old "plastic" roof is not a good idea, especially if it is a "cheapie"

THis may be the option as i have several in the shed. i can't get to the other side of the conservatory as it's against a wall.

will just look a bit daft with 2 security light within a metre of each other

Would it look dafter than a new sheet of poly-carbonate(£?) among the, by now, slightly opaque old ones? Or a line of buckets?

Personally I wouldn't take the risk.

[gobuddygo]

I had exactly the same problem, I placed a ladder on the roof spanning its whole width, I then put a scaffolding plank on top of the ladder rungs, was a very stable platform with no damage to the roof.

Frank.

[Herbs]

Personally go for a 2nd security light but if you have OCD and must be replaced then have you got enough access to hire a cherry lift?

[Aviz]

Herbs said:

Personally go for a 2nd security light but if you have OCD and must be replaced then have you got enough access to hire a cherry lift?

The 2nd light looks like the option. I now have the issue that i can't technically use my trailer, that i need to collect the ladders, with my new car without taking a B+E Driving test, but was fine with my old car

[thepeoplespal]

As someone who has a polycarbonate roof I'd recommend leaving well alone, unless you want a leak. Have just had about 2 years of torture and a 2nd full roof replaced (with 3 recalls on the latest new one for leaks - with a company prepared to backup their work fortunately) in order to elimate the leaks.

[Aviz]

thepeoplespal said:

As someone who has a polycarbonate roof I'd recommend leaving well alone, unless you want a leak. Have just had about 2 years of torture and a 2nd full roof replaced (with 3 recalls on the latest new one for leaks - with a company prepared to backup their work fortunately) in order to elimate the leaks.

Thanks All. The roof is staying where it is! I may have a quick test to see if i reckon it'll take my weight with a plank across. Other than that, it;s new light time at weekend.