Cracked skylight

[PaulW2]

I have a cracked skylight in the bathroom which initially sucked water into the cavity between the polycarbonate sheets but now additionally manages to leak into the bathroom after heavy rain.

The replacement item is eye-wateringly expensive and together with fitting costs the bill is likely to exceed a grand.

I am thinking of effecting a temporary repair with Gorilla "crystal clear" tape that should, once applied, be fairly invisible given that the skylight is tinted.

Does anyone have a sense of how long such a repair is likely to last? Just wanting to get the best possible sense of the urgency with which I need to plan for the longer term repair, whether the temp fix will last the duration of an extended European jaunt, and so on.

Thanks
Paul

 

[WillH]

Haven't used Crystal Clear Gorrilla tape but if it's as good as the rest once on it'll stay stuck for many years. Our shower tray at home cracked years ago and I used a Sellotape Waterproof tape to repair it, lasted over three years of daily showers.

 

[PaulW2]

Thanks Will, that's encouraging. Think I'll apply the tape and hope that the expected longevity of the fix will be in the months (minimum) to years (hopefully) category!

 

[Ridgeway]

You could weld the crack with Tensol 12. Assuming it's a neat/clean crack and you can open it up to apply the Tensol then it would give a good waterproof bond that would also be structurally strong. If not what about something more flexible yet super strong (i use this on acrylic) and it is very powerful and clear.

My Heki has also cracked and i've just bodged not up until deciding if we add aircon or simply replace it, lucky though that it's still waterproof even if the back hinge area has cracked all the way across.

 

[Lenny HB]

Have a word with EECO they should be able to make you one a lot cheaper

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[PaulW2]

Thanks Ridgeway, that gives me additional food for thought (and good options). There is a section with a relatively straight crack but there is another part with spider cracks across a section (I think it may be starting to perish due to age - it's about 10 years old). Maybe the aquarium sealer is the way to go.

 

[PaulW2]

Have a word with EECO they should be able to make you one a lot cheaper

Thanks Lenny, I'll contact them. I'm not 100% confident that I can easily take the skylight acrylic section off (it's a raising circular one with really awkwardly positioned screws) but if I can manage it this may well be the best option.

 

[PaulW2]

Thanks Lenny, I'll contact them. I'm not 100% confident that I can easily take the skylight acrylic section off (it's a raising circular one with really awkwardly positioned screws) but if I can manage it this may well be the best option.

For info, I just called them. Unfortunately they don't do skylights.

 

[hilldweller]

You could look at "solvent weld" on ebay. I have some labelled for motorcycles that does this well depending on the particular plastic.

 

[PaulW2]

You could look at "solvent weld" on ebay. I have some labelled for motorcycles that does this well depending on the particular plastic.

Thanks Hilldweller. I've bought some "plastic weld" from the local model shop which should hopefully do the job - think I'll try that first as it doesn't preclude following up with the other options if necessary whereas the reverse doesn't necessarily apply.

And thanks all - you've all been most helpful.

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[DavidG58]

Just had a pop up ad on my FB page, can't share the link but the video is amazing if hard to believe

Now can't find it again, but they stick patches over big holes in tanks and they stick first time

they even cut a boat in half lengthways, tape it back together and take it out complete with outboard

too good to be true?? but surely could cope with a cracked skylight

will see if I can see a name if it pops up again

 

[hilldweller]

Thanks Hilldweller. I've bought some "plastic weld" from the local model shop

You are in with a chance. Just one drop in a corner will do to test, if it's the right solvent the plastic will immediately go sticky then go solid again when it evaporates. If nothing happens - tough.

Once you know it works just carefully dribble into the crack.

I repaired the rear bumper on our Burstner like this, huge success.

 

[Ingwe]

Heard good things about this stuff for cracked windows etc.
http://www.captaintolley.com/

 

[Richard n Ann]

If you look up 'greenhouse repair tape' on ebay, it's cheaper than the branded stuff and it's very good

 

[Lazyboy]

Whatever you do, avoid buying a replacement from Hobby. Do some research. It may help if you know what make it is. (Remis,Heki etc.?) A picture could help other funsters give advice. I am sure that there is a third party that would carry out a good job for a fraction of what Hobby may want.

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[rosalan]

Have a look at https://www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk/ who seem able to make skylights to order.