Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Has the product been tested?

Yes, the product has undergone testing by the Univesity of Technology , Sydney in their aerodynamics laboratory and has been verified to Australian/New Zealand Standard 47/40 Natural Ventilators (performance and calculations).

University testing results show that the a SeaBreezer outperforms even a larger a 380 mm throat whirlybird style model fitted with a fan!

For journal articles and university test results please click on highlights below:

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VENTILATORS PERFORMANCE.pdf

AlsyniteREPORT20.7.05.pdf

Alsynite Report 281106.pdf 

Does the vent comply to the Building Code of Australia?

Yes, The product complies with BCA Volume 2 Table 3.12.12 and Volume 1 Table J1.4 (rooflights).Due to the overwhelming demand for clear domes, opalised domes (as shown below) are no longer stocked.

Can the vent be cleaned?

Yes definitely. One of the benefits of the Seabreezer and WD SkyVents units apart from the one product providing the dual functions of both light and ventilation over other fixed diffuser light pipes is that it can be easily cleaned. Many fixed diffusser - sealed systems get dust and dirt into the diffusers and are hard to clean. With the WD SkyVent, this is easily cleaned as the diffuser can be readily removed and wiped clean and a feather duster can be used on the tube if required, after many years of use. Access to the dome can be made via the attic space if required to clean the dome also. Largely the unit is self cleansing by movement of the unit and ventilation. Due its smart design the unit will give many years of maintenance free service.  

This cannot be said of sealed systems that after a few years contain much dust and sediment, as can be seen in the accompaning photos:

Fixed difusser two years old with dust and insects present in fixed unit

Domes surface coated with dirt rendering reduced light transmission

The vent makes a knocking sound when it turns.

Check that the variable pitch tube is not out of round, as assembly can produce an oval shape. The variable pitch tube can be shaped back into round by gently squeezing sides together at top.

The vent will not turn 360 deg when installed.

Check the top of the varipitch tube is perfectly level by laying a spirit level across the top of the varipitch tube north to south and east to west.

Check if the base of the vent is fouling on the fixing screws or varipitch, if it is fouling on the varipitch, bend or press the contact point inward until there is no further contact.

The vent is making a rattling sound in high wind.

Check the base is secured correctly and firmly to the battens by the fixing strap.

Are all fixing screws tight?

Water is entering the roof cavity.

Check that all aluminium joints are sealed completely with roofing silicone.

Check surrounding roof tiles for cracks or broken corners. If so, replace or repair with roofing silicone. Check that the WDV 3000 head is turning freely and the opening is not facing into the prevailing weather.

In certain weather conditions the vent head may be turning erratically or rotating.

Wind flow over roofs cause turbulence and the vent will respond to those pressures. This is normal behaviour caused by short strong wind gusts hitting the ventilator side on, followed by a sudden calm condition (no wind). The unit will settle down when a steady stream of wind direction occurs. Multiple ventilators may also display differing directional characteristics due to roof shape affecting air flow.

Is the vent suitable for bushfire areas?

No, the vent has not been fitted with an ember mesh, ESA may look at this option in the near future but at the present it is not an optioned manufactured or supplied by ESA. To be effective and to stop embers penetrating under the gutter, sarking would be required to lap into the gutter also. If you are in a bushfire prone area it is best to adopt the precautionary principle for all roof vents and if a bushfire is imminent, a procedure of putting a reflective foil cover securely fastened to the head of the vent and or sealing the throat of the vent to stop extraction and ember draw through the gutter into the roof cavity should be considered.

Can silicone and adhesives be applied to the dome?

No. This is not a good idea and will void the warranty. The polycarbonate dome can be sponged with a light soap and water solution to clean but avoid adhesive and chemicals.

Dissimilar metals

Care must also be taken to not use dissimilar metals such as replacing screw fastenings with others not provided as electrolysis may occur. Use the materials provided and follow the instructions, you will then have a very successful product and enhanced product life.