Installation skylights should be carried out according to the instructions and constantly check the quality and completion of the necessary installation steps. Otherwise, your roof will be of poor quality and leak at the slightest natural damage.
Dormer windows in the roof and three vertical windows - lucarnes in the attic roof
It is important to remember the main stages of installing dormer windows in the roof and their types in order to equip your home as efficiently and efficiently as possible and make the most of the opportunities in the modern construction market.
The first rule that is worth remembering when installing a roof window is that it must be attached not to the window frame, but to the rafter structure (wooden or metal-plastic window frame).
In order for your structure to be lighter and the window to be installed faster and more firmly, you should install a horizontal beam at the bottom of the window and attach it to rafter system.
During the installation of the attic structure, it is worth leveling the lower half of the window and screwing all the corners with self-tapping screws, which are necessarily included with the purchased structure.
Next, you need to align the length of the window parallel to the rafters and tighten the screws into oblong holes at the corners of the fastening. You should not screw them in completely, since after installation you can carefully check everything and, if necessary, adjust the parameters and position of your window system.
A roof window can support itself if its position is correctly and accurately aligned so that there are approximately equal distances between the frame and the rafters.
After a final inspection of the structure and checking all distances and positions, the screws can be screwed into the structure to the base.
It is important to note the fact that attic structures must also have high-quality waterproofing installation made from durable material, which will maximally protect your room from moisture and atmospheric influences.
Laying of insulating materials should be done from bottom to top in order to maximally fit it to the frame and avoid overlaps and excess material residues. Ultimately, all places where the insulation is connected are screwed and fixed with self-tapping screws.
When installing roof windows for a profile roof, it is worth using a special rail on which a corrugated addition is attached, which can be smoothly attached to the profile. This rail should be 10 cm from the bottom of the frame and extend out to the sides by 30 cm.
After the installation of the attic structure is completed, a special sash or double-glazed window is attached to it.
Insulating operations with a window are carried out from the inside, by laying insulation over the entire area of the frame and closing it from moisture with a heat-insulating material such as foil. Special fasteners can be placed on the insulating structure, which are made by using self-tapping screws or sealants.
If you are the owner of a cottage or private house and want to install an attic structure, you should study in detail all types of these structures and make sure the reliability and strength of your structure.
With the help of an attic you can create an additional room, a bedroom, as well as a kitchen and even bathrooms. Lighting through the windows will allow you to create maximum comfort and decorate your attic room in such a way that it becomes a favorite place for all household residents.
Dormer windows are very popular and in demand in at this stage development construction technologies, because they allow you to save on lighting and create a certain style and charm for your home.
It is very important to decide in which part of the house you need to install an attic structure and what number of windows will be the best option so that the shape and dimensions of your attic correspond to the parameters of the house and achieve a unique and effective design effect.
Installing an attic window is a very important and responsible matter, from the right decision which will depend on the external design of your home and aesthetics.
Lucarna(French lucarne, from Latin lux “light”) - a window opening in a roof slope, usually an attic, or a dome, with a vertical frame closed on the sides and top.
A hatch, for example, is the well-known dormer window on the attic roof of a house.
The presence of a hatch allows in attic rooms get more usable space with a high ceiling. Through the skylight window you can see not only the sky, but also explore the surrounding area.
The lucarne on the roof significantly affects the appearance of the house. To maintain harmony in the appearance of the house, the number, shape and location of the lucarens must be determined taking into account the type of facade, type and steepness of the roof.
The dimensions, location and shape of the hatch determine the interior of the room in which it is located.
There are several types and shapes of windows - lucarnes.
A hatch with a flat roof can be made quite wide, even the entire length of the room. Then the attic room with a wide hatch will not have sloping sections of the ceiling.
In the room near the window, furniture for relaxation is usually placed or a table for work is installed.
Lucarnes with a gable roof look good on the roofs of a house with a slope of more than 30 degrees.
The width of a hatch with a gable roof is usually included in 1 - 2 pitches of rafters. Wider hatches often spoil appearance Houses.
Indoors, the ceiling of the lucarne is made flat.
A lucarne with a gable roof looks good on slopes of any steepness and shape. From the outside, the roof of the lucarne is not noticeable from the ground. It is easier to harmoniously place such a hatch on the roof of a house.
A hatch with a gable roof can be made wider - by 2-3 rafter steps (up to 2 - 2.5 m)
The ceiling of the lucarne in the room can be flat, or it can follow the shape of the roof of the lucarne (in the picture).
The vertical side walls of the hatch can end at a height of less than 2 m from the attic floor. In this option, the roof of the lucarne is made gable, and the window is pentagonal.
Inside, the ceiling of the lucarne niche follows the shape of the roof.
The low walls of the hatch limit the possibility of using the space near the window to place tall furniture.
From the outside, the roof covering smoothly flows around the hatch from above and from the sides. It is better to use bitumen, metal or ceramic tiles as roofing here.
Inside, the ceiling in the niche of the lucarne is made in the form of a cylindrical or conical arch.
A bull's-eye window with a wide semi-oval window is usually placed on a large roof slope on the side of the main facade. The soft and smooth line of the roof above the sunroof looks impressive from the outside. The bull's eye lucarna serves as the main decoration of the house.
It is better if inside the attic the window is located entirely in one room. A room with such a window turns out to be very bright and attractive.
A small triangular lucarne is most often made to illuminate a staircase, dressing room or bathroom.
A triangular lucarne can also be used to illuminate larger rooms. But such a hatch adds very little space to the attic with a high ceiling.
Inside the room, the ceiling of the lucarne niche follows the shape of the window.
The dimensions of the hatch in the attic roof are determined from the following considerations.
To ensure the lighting and insolation required by sanitary rules, the glazing area of window openings in the room must be at least 1/8 of the floor area.
For a person 176 cm tall, the line of vision passes at a height of 165 cm if he is standing, and 121 cm if he is sitting. To view the surroundings from the attic window, the bottom of the glazing should be at a height of no more than 120 cm from the floor of the room, and it is recommended to place the top of the window above 165 cm.
If the hatch window opens, then in order not to fall out of the window, the bottom of the opening frame must be located at a height of at least 85 cm from the floor. The window may be lower than this height, but in this case everything lower is protected with a metal fence.
Hello, our regular and new readers!
When going to the site, the surveyor often not only fulfills his direct responsibility, but also advises the client on construction issues and helps to navigate the choice of interior design. Of course, we have to talk a lot about the features of installing roof windows. Sometimes the surveyor is forced to dispel the customer’s vain hope for a certain result that the person saw in a magazine or TV show - since the initial data of the house and the financial capabilities of the client are very different from those of the owner, whose house or apartment turned out to be an inspiring picture.
Today we will get acquainted with the reviews of people who have already installed roof windows and are admiring the results of transforming the space under the roof.
Since many nuances are taken into account when arranging an attic: the number of windows and the size of window openings, the direction of opening, the material of construction, etc., then with the help of other people’s experience you can avoid common mistakes and achieve what you want with less effort and money.
We have all been familiar with attics since childhood. Who hasn’t “hidden” there with Carlson and the Kid, reading about their joint adventures in the house under the roof? Or did he not “observe” the communication between Kai and Gerda, who also lived in separate attics and raised beautiful roses? For the first time, the space under the roof began to be used as living space in the second half of the 17th century, when the Frenchman Francois Mansart, a famous enterprising architect, drew attention to the empty “territories.”
Most European attics are made according to Finnish technology. In Russia, people began to get interested in attics relatively recently - with the emergence of interest in individual, affordable, durable and airtight housing.
It is typical for attics when the windows are located in the roof. Because of this, the installation of structures, and indeed the frame, must meet certain technical requirements. The most popular manufacturers of roof windows for the European market are Danish Velux, Polish Fakro, German Roto. These are the names of companies that are most often found in discussions on thematic forums.
The most active discussions on the forums concern various difficulties with installation and operation of roof windows. Sometimes in dialogues there are also very negative statements from people who have suffered with the renovation of the attic.
About the advantages and disadvantages of roof windows in the video:
Flow
“...In winter, the snow on the window melts and freezes all season, then it begins to leak. Ice builds up at the junction of the window and frame. And I’m still tormented by condensation - I regularly clear the snow, but the window still cries...” In response to such statements, they often write about the suspicion that the window became problematic due to installation by the owners themselves, and not by specialists. And this advice is difficult to refute - hire specialists to solve complex construction problems.
Increased temperature in summer
“...I would like to make it cooler in the attic of my parents’ dacha in the summer...”
The problem can be resolved using one of the following methods:
Price
“Everything is fine in the attic window: it doesn’t blow anywhere, it fits well into the interior, it’s convenient to use. But the price! Twice the cost of a regular double-glazed window.”
Which manufacturer's products you prefer is entirely your choice. If you want better quality, you will have to pay more.
Attractive view
“The attic rooms have become much nicer. At night, all the stars of the world are yours!
Energy Saving
“We installed skylights in the office and bedroom. The comfort and light have definitely increased.”
The statements of this user are also confirmed by scientists: due to the angle of their location, inclined windows transmit more light than ordinary ones, that is, those standing vertically (by about 40%).
Handle placement according to user preferences
It is better to choose the location for installing the handle taking into account the age and physical characteristics of the attic inhabitants. For families with children, it is better to give preference to doors with handles installed in such a way that it is extremely difficult for children to use the levers without using a ladder or a high chair. It is even safer to use handles with locks that can be locked with a key.
Accessories
The equipment requires a separate type of fittings and cannot be purchased at retail. It is produced by the same companies that produce attic windows.
If it is necessary to replace or update some element, the application must be sent to the window seller.
Despite the similarity with the fittings for conventional PVC double-glazed windows, the attic has some technical differences.
Dormer windows are a good option for the arrangement of office and residential premises. Why do users like designs and what should they pay attention to in order to be satisfied with their choice?
The installation of roof windows by non-specialists is an absolutely typical and growing phenomenon, given that the flow of complaints about leaks has been steadily increasing recently. And with the arrival of warmer weather, the number of dissatisfied people will increase, since this is a natural phenomenon when the technology for installing windows at an angle is broken. However, leakage can occur even after flawless installation. What can cause moisture to seep under the frame?
“Yesterday we received an application from client R, complaining about leaks in the attic windows. Moisture seepage is observed under the lower sash of the window sash. The caller claims that the installation of double-glazed windows was carried out by experienced specialists.”
After arriving at the specified address and inspecting it, it turned out that the installation was indeed done professionally. The cause of the leak was excess snow mass on outer surface window glass. Under the sun's rays, the snow melted, and the resulting water ran down an inclined plane to the lower frame. As the temperature dropped, the water froze and increased the load on the seal. Over time, it became somewhat deformed, and water was able to seep out little by little.
The key to solving the problem is to clear the window of snow and remove any moisture on the surface of the glass by simply wiping it with a clean rag.
To restore the functionality of the seal, a lubricant containing liquid silicone is required.
After a while, it turned out that the recommendation was completely justified: the leak no longer appeared. The problem was eliminated with little effort due to the fact that the attic window was installed according to the rules. If the technology were broken, the home owner would have to incur much greater costs than was spent on calling and consulting a specialist.
About the technology for installing mounting windows in the video:
Getting acquainted with the dialogues on forums where roof windows are discussed, it becomes clear that the leading topic of conversation is related to the problem of leakage. Some argue that no one will be able to avoid moisture seepage, others insist that double-glazed windows from a normal manufacturer can only fail if installed by a non-professional. Others argue that neither the brand name nor the qualifications of the installers will save you from leaks - over time, even expensive double-glazed windows begin to leak water.
When you hear statements, the essence of which is “Velux or, say, ROTO windows have served for 10-15 years and have never leaked,” you begin to think that today’s double-glazed windows from the same companies are made not in Denmark or Germany, respectively, but somewhere in Egypt or even near the town of Starye Pyrki.
Where do the legs for such suspicion come from? It’s simple: the majority of those who complain about leaking roof windows claim that the structures were installed by specialists, and who knows what kind of workers. It turns out that the root of the problem is a manufacturing defect. And the fact that double-glazed windows allow water to pass through not during rain, but after ice forms, is proof of this.
How does leakage occur in the latter case:
The seal may begin to leak water due to long-term operation of the double-glazed window without preventive maintenance. If the seepage of water is caused by the old age of the seal, then streams will leave dark streaks, and if the seepage of moisture is transparent, then the cause of the problem is poor-quality assembly.
To ensure that a good seal does not lose its properties over time, it must be lubricated. But even careful care is powerless in the face of time - then replacing with a new one is the only way to avoid leaks. Interestingly, in double-glazed windows with doors that open like a hatch, the rubber seals last longer.
Of course, roof windows have a lot of advantages! No one has yet complained about their poor thermal insulation or drafts. Owners of the latest models of windows produced by Aereco are not overjoyed at the presence of pre-installed systems in the form of a self-regulating supply valve providing ventilation.
There were rave reviews from owners of double-glazed windows with wooden frames.
Unlike conventional ones made of the same material, the former are absolutely not afraid of rotting, do not peel off and do not require systematic painting, since they are treated with a special impregnation and have protective covering.
Users are also pleased with the strength of the glass attic windows, tested in practice: among the dialogues of the farmhouse.ru forum there is a description of a mini-incident that led the narrator to financial expenses, but convinced him of the strength of the glass in such windows. Because of a lost key, the man was forced to enter the house through a locked attic window, the glass of which for a long time resisted attempts to break it.
Window owners also like the loyalty program of manufacturers FAKRO, Velux, ROTO to their customers, expressed in the opportunity to replace defective elements in attic double-glazed windows free of charge.
Like any person purchasing a product, the buyer of a roof window expects that the quality of the double-glazed window will correspond to the amount paid. Most of the special double-glazed windows for installation in the attic are affordable to a wide range of consumers, and at the same time please with affordable prices.
By purchasing such a roof window, you get:
The glass of high-quality roof windows is made from triplex. In addition to strength, this material has a valuable property: with a crushing blow, the glass does not fly apart into a splash of fragments, but cracks, becoming covered with a web of cracks of different lengths, but remains in the window opening.
The glass of the skylights scatters the sun's rays, so the light inside the room will be pleasant to the eye and harmless to things prone to fading.
If we were engaged in the construction of housing for ourselves with a periodicity of 5-10 years, then when preparing the third project, we would have considerable experience in arranging houses to suit our needs. But since we accomplish such a feat much less often, we have to seek practical advice on many construction issues. Next we will present a lot of applied information about roof windows, collecting valuable information with the help of Marina Prozarovskaya, who works as the chief engineer. If we missed something, we will be ready to answer all your questions later.
What is the difference between a roof window and a conventional vertical double-glazed window? What are the advantages of the first? Is it possible to install a regular double-glazed window at an angle in an attic roof?
The main difference between windows is their purpose. Vertical double-glazed windows are installed exclusively in window openings of vertical walls of buildings for various purposes.
Dormer windows are designed for roof installation and are therefore capable of bearing loads similar to those experienced by the roof.
The procedure for installing skylights also has a number of nuances that are not necessary for installing conventional double-glazed windows.
The cost of roof windows is not determined by quantity square meters in it, but the combined amount for all the elements that make up the structure. The larger the area, the more complete the equipment and the newer the model of the attic double-glazed window, the higher the price.
For example, let's say that basic design without a salary with a size of 78 x 118 will cost the client 9,800 rubles. What is the purpose of the salary? This is an element for connecting a double-glazed window to the roof of your home. If it is profiled, then you need to choose a special salary costing 4,150 rubles. But the indicated amounts are the price for each product. Work and additions in the form of kits providing heat, hydro, and vapor barrier are paid separately.
In most cases, pine wood from our northern regions is used to make skylights. Preference is given to this material due to its special density and thermal conductivity qualities.
If you prefer PVC double-glazed windows, we recommend choosing a product manufactured by Roto or Faktro. Or take advantage of an absolutely innovative offer - choose structures made of wood coated with polyurethane on the outer layer. It protects wood from impregnation with moisture, is not afraid of heat, does not turn yellow and is resistant to mechanical stress.
Algorithm for installing roof windows in the video:
They have different purposes and different load volumes. The roof must have the same heat loss coefficient over the entire area, therefore the windows in the roof must be a reliable barrier to heat escaping from the room.
All modern double glazed windows relate to building envelopes and have similar problems with condensation. Therefore, this manifestation of excess moisture can be observed even in the highest quality structures.
How to deal with condensation:
The fact is that the upper slope of the attic window should be horizontal, and the lower slope should be vertical.
Then the warm air flow rising from the heating element under the window opening will spread parallel to the area of the attic window. If the lower slope turns out to be horizontal, then there is a need for a ventilation gap made of special grilles.
Often these windows end up hanging over the people in the room.
Therefore, special safety requirements have been put forward for structures:
What is triplex technology? It is a complex of two glasses bonded with a layer between them in the form of a film. It is this that prevents the glass from “exploding” into fragments when hitting the window.
To get acquainted with some of the characteristics of a double-glazed window, purchased or already installed in a permanent place, study the data on the plate located at the end of the window.
To get to it, open the door so that its upper part looks into the room. Typically, a plate with information of interest (class, type of glass unit, size) is located on the right. Find out more about what you can find out by reading the information on the nameplate (plate) in a special section.
In summer, the space under the roof is the hottest area of the house. All the heat that comes to us from the sun's rays is directed to the roof. Understanding the source of the problem, manufacturers of roof windows offer to combat it through the use of sun-reflecting glass, interior curtains, roller shutters, blinds, and awnings. Choosing suitable option, remember that using roller shutters, you will be forced to illuminate the room with artificial lighting, since such protection will completely shade the room.
If the roof has sufficient thermal insulation, then the atmosphere under the roof on a hot day warms up to 26 degrees. With poor insulation, this figure increases greatly and the presence of a window on the south side of the roof will only aggravate the problem. All protective methods reducing the amount of heat entering through the windows is able to reduce it by no more than a degree. Therefore, it is advisable to install windows in the roof, provided that its slope faces the northern side of the world. Otherwise, in the summer without air conditioning in the attic it will be quite tight.
If the house is heated, then the attic windows will not freeze. But due to their inclined location, snow can accumulate on top of the glass. If precipitation is light, then there will quickly be no trace of snow left. And with significant snowfall, the snowdrifts need to be shaken off periodically so that the amount of light entering the room does not decrease and the visibility of the windows does not decrease.
Due to the temperature difference outside the window and inside the room, condensation drops form on the glass. Flowing down, they can cause the formation of a mini lake on the floor under the window. If you don’t know about this and don’t visit the attic for a while, you may find yourself with a very wet area of the carpet, parquet or furniture located directly under the window. As a preventive measure unpleasant consequences you can use a thick towel or mat.
As for the difficulties with caring for roof windows. Yes, they get dirty faster, since dust and dirt are better retained on inclined surfaces. However, it is easier to clean the sashes of such double-glazed windows due to their location. Provided that the window is located in a living space and not high above a flight of stairs. In the latter case, cleaning without a telescopic mop will not be easy.
If you are afraid that children will try to use the attic window as a way into the roof, use fittings with a key locking system.
Based on the above, we can conclude that when choosing a high-quality roof window, you will receive a reliable and easy-to-use design that will please your eyes and soul for many years. Manufacturers who are confident in their products indirectly confirm the quality of their products with a twenty-year warranty on glass. At the same time, they emphasize the need for systematic lubrication of fittings exposed to moisture and recommend periodically refreshing the appearance of the frames with paint.
Don’t believe that there are no problems with skylights? Right. Any design may not serve as flawlessly as we would like if the recommended rules of use are violated during its operation.
For example, for the long service life of an attic double-glazed window, it is extremely important to follow the installation technology: take into account the angle of the roof, the level of the floor, and professionally install the structure in a permanent place. Often, if errors are made, they are noticeable even to a person who has no experience in construction.
If the developer is inexperienced, or an incorrect design was used when arranging the house, then the result may be, for example, the inaccessibility of a free view - when you cannot reach the window without a chair, or you need to bend in three arcs to look out into the street. A similar situation is observed in the attic of one of the forum members. Taking into account the parameters of the project, she ordered attic double-glazed windows measuring 78 x 140, but in practice the latter figure should have been 160 cm. As a result, to view the situation on the street, the owners of the room must bend over, which is not very convenient, no matter how you look at it.
To avoid inconvenience, calculate so that the lower edge of the glass unit is at a distance of 80-110 cm from the floor. A more specific guideline: when sitting on a chair, your line of sight, when looking straight ahead, should coincide with the lower edge of the glazing. You also need to take into account your height: if you stand up, you should not be afraid of hitting the door open window.
Don't go wrong with your choice the desired design The following reminder will help: when determining the length of the window, take into account the angle of the roof. If the angle is 30 degrees (or 35), then there should be at least one and a half meters between the lower and upper edges of the sash. If you suspect that you may miss the size of the attic window due to errors in the design, then before choosing specific designs, do not be lazy to measure the attic yourself or by inviting an experienced measurer. Then you will definitely be sure that the attic windows will decorate the room and allow you to admire the beautiful landscapes without requiring you to bend your body unnaturally.
If the attic is located in a house with attic walls, then the feasibility of double-glazed windows is questionable. You won’t be able to admire the views through them, except perhaps study the sky. But you will save significantly on electricity. In general, the choice is always yours if you approach any task wisely.
About the use of skylights in winter period in the video:
Building Regulations and Installation Tips
First the technical part. The installation of windows in the house is regulated by building codes. Sometimes designers and architects violate them. This is bad.
For 10 m2 of area there is a roof window. With minor exceptions
For 10 m2 of room you need to install 1 m2 of windows. The exception is children's and living rooms. There are 1 m2 of windows per 8 m2, because more light is needed.
For a bedroom of 15 m2 you need 1.5 m2 of glazing. And for the same nursery - 2 m2. You can't bet less. More is possible. If you want to glaze the entire roof, please do. The main thing is to calculate the loads. So that the rafter system can withstand and the roof remains in place.
Usually, a skylight in an attic is placed under the ceiling above the stairs. For convenient opening, use a rod or automatic mechanism.
In the bathroom
Dormer windows in the bathroom are an interesting design solution. It makes the room more spacious. Offers a view of the clouds while you take a bath. But you need to take into account proper ventilation. It is important to quickly dry the air in the bathroom. Open ventilation with constant air exchange maintains the correct humidity.
Roof window-balcony - a new place to relax
When closed it is a normal window. When opened, the lower part turns into a fence with folding railings. Result: a small, fenced balcony with transformation in two movements.
Such windows are a choice for living rooms, bedrooms or a teenager’s room. Go out, get some fresh air, look at nature. Relax and tune in to the right mood. The main thing is to put them on the side with a good view.
What to install on roof windows
Dormer windows can be made more convenient. Put optional equipment. Then they will open and close on their own according to a schedule; close in the rain; constantly ventilate the room. It's comfortable. We have collected popular options. We tell you what they do. So that you can create a cozy and functional attic.
Electric drive
Electric drive makes life more convenient. You pressed a button or set the time and the window opened and closed on its own. It’s nice when the house is smart. The electric drive is connected to the network or made autonomous. Mains power. A small box is placed next to the window, which receives power from the network and transfers it to the electric drive.
Battery powered and solar rechargeable. A battery is installed in the electric drive. It is charged by a small a solar panel, which is placed on the outside of the window. The electric drive will have enough light passing through the clouds.
Automatic closing in the rain
All electric window drives are equipped with a rain sensor. As soon as the first drops fall, the automation will close the window. The attic is protected from accidental flooding.
A convenient feature for those who leave home and worry about a working iron, open door or window. You will be sure that the window will definitely close when it rains. There will be more time to worry about the door or the iron.
How to protect yourself from the sun with roof windows
With skylights, there is always a lot of light in the rooms. Usually this is good. But on a summer morning, when you want to lie in bed, the sun is right in your eyes and the stuffiness is annoying.
Make your attic more comfortable. Protect yourself from the sun:
Alternative option - can be glued to glass sun protection film. Retains up to 89% of infrared radiation. Cuts off the ultraviolet spectrum by 99%. The main disadvantage of the tint film is that it works constantly. While the window is closed, the lights are dim. Therefore, the film is well suited for work offices. It is better to install awnings and roller shutters in the bedroom, children's room and living room. To adjust the light. We have prepared a detailed one. So that you choose the right one.
Ordinary windows in the attic - when and where to install
Dormer windows can be supplemented with ordinary ones. Make the attic lighted and ventilated on all sides.
Conventional windows are installed on:
There are plenty of options. It all depends on the features of the house and your wishes. We recommend consulting with a designer and architect. They will design a window arrangement that suits your needs and meets building codes.
Briefly about the main thing
Now you know how to add an attic fresh air, space and light. And we will continue to tell you how to make it even better.
Do you have questions about choosing roof windows?
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On modern construction market Dormer windows are in great demand. Less traditional option a dormer window-balcony is considered.
Windows are very popular among homeowners. Their range is huge, so choosing which dormer windows are best is quite difficult for non-professionals. There are a number of simple rules, using which even a non-specialist can make the right decision.
First of all, you need to know how much glazing area the attic room should have. According to the standards, it is assumed that for every 10 “squares” of floor area there should be one m² of window.
note
There are exceptions for the children's room and living room if they are located on the attic floor: the proportion for these rooms should be not 1:10, but 1:8.
Each room must have at least one window, except for bathrooms and utility rooms such as pantry, dressing room.
When determining how to place several roof windows in one room, you should remember that if you place them in different places, then there will be much more light than installing one, but equal in area.
In order to be able to constantly observe the surroundings, it is necessary to install panoramic dormer windows, such as in the photo, at a distance of 90-120 centimeters from the floor, while the upper edge should rise 200-220 centimeters from the same mark. This leads to the conclusion: what smaller angle the slope of the roof slope above the attic, the longer the window should be.
It is imperative to make a decision regarding which attic windows to choose and in what quantity at the stage of drawing up a house construction project by designers. The fact is that the pitch of the roof rafter system and the width of the window are interdependent quantities. It is during design that the issue regarding this parameter should be discussed with specialists. When discussing the installation of roof windows with the customer, the designer, in case of disagreement with the client, will always give professional recommendation regarding their sizes (read: “Design and dimensions of roof windows”).
A series is understood as a certain type of roof window along with a set of its characteristics. Each manufacturer has several series of products.
The list of characteristics includes:
Here we can advise the following: before choosing roof windows, the customer needs to write down the functions and characteristics offered by the manufacturers and then note those that are needed and, based on this, determine the series that is most suitable for its manufacturer.
Material of manufacture . As a rule, roof windows are made of laminated veneer lumber and are installed in all types of rooms, except those where there is constant humidity - bathrooms and toilets. There it is advisable to install wooden dormer windows, covered with a protective polyurethane layer, or plastic ones.
Double-glazed window . The basic element of roof windows is an argon-filled double-glazed window with external tempered glass. Why use tempered glass? The fact is that it is much stronger than usual. And thanks to the inert gas argon, thermal insulation is provided.
In addition to the basic double-glazed window, the following options are offered in expensive series:
The choice of double-glazed windows most often depends on the needs and capabilities of the property owner.
But it is important to remember that:
It can be located:
The most popular design among consumers is the roof window, the opening axis of which is located in the middle. This state of affairs is explained by the inexpensive cost of such models.
The handle, designed for opening and ventilating windows, can be located on the bottom or top of the frame. Which option to choose depends on the customer's preference. But if children are growing up in the family, on windows with a lower handle it is necessary to install a locking device to prevent accidental opening.
When it is designed to have not one window in a room, but several, one or two of them may be blind. A typical blind dormer window does not have opening sashes or hinges.
The presence of a remote control function allows you to easily and quickly open/close roof windows.
It can be mechanical (using a pole) or electric/pneumatic (control from a mobile remote control or using wall switches).
IN in this case The client’s choice is based on financial capabilities and personal preferences.
How to make windows on the attic roof yourself, advice from professionals:
Experts advise purchasing accessories for dormer windows - mosquito nets, curtains for dormer windows, roller shutters, etc. - branded, manufactured by the manufacturer of the selected windows.
Such products have been constantly present on the domestic market for a long period of time. well-known companies, producing roof windows under trademarks of the same name, such as Fakro, Velux and Roto. Their products are of consistently high quality.
But the choice is one or the other trademark is largely determined by the presence of a representative office in the region and the products required by the client in the dealer’s warehouse. The decision is also influenced by the set of functions of the products.
The presence of living space under the attic roof not only allows for functional use of the area, but also gives the entire house a special charm.
Play a significant role in this window blocks, embedded in the roof slope - dormer windows. With their help, additional space is transformed, filled with light and air.
Lighting is required for bedrooms and children's rooms located under the roof, kitchens and wardrobes, and for each room you can choose a suitable option.
Every residential attic space must have at least one window.
The higher the opening is, the more light there will be in the room. At the same time, the high location makes it difficult to see.
When choosing the size, you need to remember that the lower border should be at a height of at least 80 cm from the floor.
Another nuance: when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the location of the handle. This part should be conveniently placed for use in a specific room: the handle located at the bottom can be easily opened by children, but the top handle can be difficult for adults to reach.
The width of the opening depends on the pitch of the rafters. If the rafter legs have to be cut, it is necessary to accurately calculate the load and strengthen the structure with a horizontal beam.
In order for the aesthetics of the roof to be at the proper level, when installing an attic, it is necessary not to forget about the external appearance of the house, including observing the proportions of the windows.
Modern attic windows are made from various materials.
The frame must be strong and not deform under the influence of sunlight and moisture.
To ensure ventilation at any time of the year, most modifications are equipped with a special valve.
Heavy-duty glass is used that can withstand severe wind and snow loads: hardened or triplex.
In essence, a double-glazed window experiences the same weathering, like roofing, and must have a sufficient degree of reliability. Thermal insulation is improved by the inert gas in the glass unit.
The final stages of installation before installing the sash are to attach an insulating flashing around the attic window.
The choice of flashing is influenced by the type of roofing material, and first of all, the height of the relief. All parts are joined and attached to the frame structure, sheathing and roofing material.
Slopes are made inside the room: the lower one is installed vertically, the upper one – horizontally, so that the glass does not fog up. In some cases, slopes may be missing.
Rubber seals and linings ensure tightness; it is also important to install a drainage gutter above the window structure to prevent leaks.
Windows also differ in the way they open. A little over a decade ago, the vast majority of attics were equipped with fixed windows. Now on the building materials market there are a lot of modifications with rotary sashes.
If the window opening is located high, this may lead to certain difficulties when opening. Such structures can be equipped with a special electric drive, which allows you to close and open the window using a remote control.
Roller shutters, roller blinds, blinds are used for shading, as well as for decorating the interior of interior rooms.
Don’t forget about such a practical addition as a mosquito net.
Modern manufacturers of roof windows have taken care of all the little details for ease of use.
An indispensable condition for the durability of the structure is proper installation, while it is necessary to take into account the specific features of a particular case and follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In this case, the owner of the attic will receive cozy room, flooded sunlight, and stylish design of the house from the outside.
A large number of people already have or want to acquire a private home. This could be a house in which you will live every day, or it could be a country house, or a dacha, where you will go on vacation every weekend with great pleasure.
It's no secret that today the cost of land is very high.
This was the root reason that more and more people began to look at such an excellent option as a project with a mansard roof.
It is thanks to this, you have a lot of extra space. Here you can make another bedroom room for guests, a billiard room or a gym and decorate everything the way you want.
Types of mansard roofs
Types of attics can be divided into two categories:
The main task is to clearly and without any deviations calculate all possible loads during construction and, naturally, further during use.
Advantages:
Of course, like everything that surrounds us, while having advantages, unfortunately, there are also disadvantages. It is important to take them into account.
Flaws:
When considering the proposal for a mansard roof, be sure to pay attention to all its positive and negative aspects.
Types of attic roofs of private houses: photos of options below.
Gable roof mansard type options
Hip-slope mansard roofs of private houses
Single pitch mansard roof
One of essential elements Roofing can be distinguished by the rafter system of the mansard roof.
It is she who decides how reliable, durable, high-quality and functional the roof will be.
The rafter system is a support for the roof. Thanks to it, the load from the roof is transferred to the supporting structure.
Direct responsibilities include withstanding such factors as snow, wind, rain, hurricane. The development of this system is carried out very carefully and scrupulously.
Types of rafter structures:
Rafter drawing plan
If you are a lover of chic and sophistication, then adding a balcony is ideal for you. This will promote the flow of fresh air into the room, provide natural ventilation , and will also provide a chance for sunlight to penetrate directly into the room.
It is necessary not to forget about some requirements for the attic:
Don't ignore these few important rules. Taking them into account, you will get a wonderful home that will serve you for many decades.
Gable option
Mansard roof option with balcony
View of windows on the attic roof
Using an attic for residential purposes is not a new idea; it arose in Western countries 400 years ago and was called the attic.
A special role in lighting and heat penetration is played by the types of windows in the attic, on which comfortable living in the attic depends. Windows are built into the roof elements or into the vertical walls of the attic.
The most effective first option, which has its own characteristics.
As part of the roof structure, the windows are made of high-quality wood, impregnated with antiseptic and treated with acrylic varnish in several layers. The outer parts of the window are lined with aluminum profiles.
To reduce weight, roof windows consist of a single chamber, the outer glass of which is tempered or consists of two parts, with an anti-impact film laid between them.
Interior glass is coated with a low-emissivity layer that reflects heat into the room.
The design of a roof window consists of the following parts (starting from the inside):
Components of a roof window
Dormer window models
The design of the windows depends on what slope the attic roof will have and hence certain installation requirements that must be taken into account when choosing a model. According to the standard, the most widely used windows are those with the following opening options:
a) turning the sash around the central horizontal axis in such a way that one half of it opens outward and the other remains inside is called mid-rotation opening of the sash; b) when the entire sash opens outward, this applies to windows with suspended sash opening;
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c) a method that combines the first two options is called combined opening.
The above options are not limited. For example, some manufacturers use designs with an offset axis of rotation located at 3/4 of the entire height of the window, and more advanced models use an electric drive for opening and closing.
There are certain criteria by which the selection of a suitable window model is carried out.
Dependence of window length on roof angle
Firstly, the angle of inclination of the attic roof is taken into account, which affects the size of the window structure. The smaller the angle, the longer the length of the window should be and the more penetrating light is distributed evenly in the room.
An important role is played by the quality of the material from which the window is made. This determines how the window will behave in winter regarding freezing and condensation formation.
Typically, the glass unit of a roof window is filled with the inert gas argon.
For passively heated windows, krypton or xenon can be used, which provide a more energy-saving level, but they are much more expensive than argon.
Since roof windows are part of the roof structure, they must meet all reliability requirements during operation.
The safety margin of the products is determined by the opening-closing cycles, which must be at least 20,000 cycles, and the warranty period of double-glazed windows is determined at 20 years, with the service life of the sealing elements up to 10 years.
The possibility of repairing structures with replacing double-glazed windows plays an important role. However, not all manufacturers provide the possibility of this operation, so when choosing windows you need to take this circumstance into account.
Windows under the roof ridge
To increase the viewing sector, cornice windows are used, half of which is mounted in the fixed part of the building facade, and the other part on the attic roof.
As a rule, in this situation, part of the window is made to open, and part is made blind, thus saving the total cost. However, in this case a special salary is required.
There are also solutions when windows are installed under the roof ridge on both sides to improve illumination with natural light.
The frame fittings must clearly fix the positions of the window handles, preventing them from opening and closing spontaneously, and also prevent the windows from being opened from the outside.
If a heating radiator is installed in the room, it must be located under the window - this avoids condensation on the glass.
Window sills should be installed at some distance from the walls, allowing circulation warm air from the radiator and free opening of the sash during axial rotation.
Regardless of the type of roof windows, they are all attached to the rafter system of the building, and hatches also have a rafter frame.
Dormer windows are also called flat windows built into the roof. But windows are built only into the rafter structure, and not into the window frames. A roof window can have a frame made of a wooden block, plastic or metal-plastic. Lightweight roof window structures are installed using lower horizontal beams attached to the rafter system.
During installation, it is important to maintain horizontal and vertical installation. The first step is to level the lower half of the window using a building level, then secure it in the corners with self-tapping screws.
The second stage of installation is to align the length of the window and check the parallel relative to the rafters, then preliminary fastenings are made in the corners of the window using self-tapping screws that are not fully screwed in to allow for subsequent straightening.
The final fastening is carried out only after full verification of all dimensions and accuracy of orientation of the entire window structure.
The attic window will maintain a stable position if the frame is precisely aligned with the rafters - the distances should be equal, such alignment will allow the structure to be firmly held after complete fastening. The last step is to once again check the accuracy of installation vertically and horizontally and screw in the screws completely.
For roof windows, high-quality waterproofing, strong and reliable, is very important, since the window is a structural part of the roof and takes on the same atmospheric influences as the roof of the house - snow, rain, wind, etc.
Insulating materials are laid in a special way - only from the lower levels to the upper ones, for the most accurate fit to the window frame.
Overlaps and excess waterproofing material are not needed, and all joints with insulation require additional fixation with self-tapping screws.
When installing a roof window into a roof made of corrugated sheets, special profiled or corrugated slats with attachments are used that precisely fit into the profiles of the roof deck. These attachments are installed at the bottom of the frame and have side projections.
Double-glazed windows or sash roof windows are installed in the frame after waterproofing has been installed. Insulation of attic windows is carried out with inside, from the premises.
Insulating materials are laid completely over the entire area of the frame; the top layer is foil-coated thermal insulation materials.
The fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws and must be airtight and not create cold bridges; there is a special fastener for this.
Before installing windows in the attic structure, you should familiarize yourself with their types and capabilities of certain models. The main requirement for structures is strength and reliability, as well as complete tightness when closed - the window should not let through rainwater and moisture.
The possibilities of attics are enormous - this additional rooms, where not only bedrooms or dressing rooms are located, but also kitchens and even sanitary facilities. Windows provide street lighting and, in winter, heating from the sun's rays.
Cozy and practical attic rooms usually become favorite places to relax for all residents of the house, since the special atmosphere of the attic - height and lightness - cannot be compared with anything else.
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The popularity of dormer windows is understandable and justified, since it is window structures that provide savings on home lighting, while at the same time giving the home an exclusive look, originality and charm.
The orientation of the skylights is important, in accordance with the area and climate of the area. South-facing windows will provide more sun, while a north-west direction will allow you to hide the room from the summer heat without creating a lack of lighting.
The attic and its windows must be kept in precise proportions and combine harmoniously. All parameters and dimensions of each window must be organically combined into the overall architecturally consistent composition of the building.
It’s easy to give a house with an attic a unique look and make it a designer’s find, thanks in no small part to the attic windows and their variety.
Lucarnes are window openings in attic slopes and roof domes. The name is derived from the Latin word lux - light. Lucarnes have vertical frames, closed at the sides and at the top. Lucarne frames can be in plane façade walls, or they can continue these walls, or be located in parallel planes. An example of a lucarne is dormer windows in the attic.
The advantage of lucarnes over flat window structures is the additional volume for rooms, additional areas of attic rooms with high ceilings, as well as the bonus - great view from the attic. The view from the skylight allows you to see not only the sky, but also the entire surrounding landscape.
The house should evoke a feeling of harmony and completeness with its appearance. The number, shape, dimensions and position of the hatches are determined based on the main parameters:
Lucarnes radically change the entire design of roof windows and are the basis for the interior design of the entire attic.
Single-pitched hatches are built into roofs that meet the condition - the slope of the slope must be at least 40 degrees. If the slope is flat, then a flat hatch with one slope will look unattractive. Flat roof a single-slope hatch can have a significant width.
This width can even be equal to the total length of the attic space. The advantage of this design is the absence of bevels on the attic ceiling, additional volume, excellent lighting and visibility.
In such rooms it is possible to arrange a workplace near an illuminated hatch wall, or a place to relax.
They look great when the roof slope is more than 30 degrees. The width of hatches with two slopes has an architectural limitation - as a rule, they do not fit into more than two rafter steps. The wide gable roof hatch does not really decorate the house; the roof looks heavy and “unstable”. From the inside of the attic room, such hatches are usually covered with a flat ceiling.
Such hatches are in a special position; they look great on roofs with any slope angles and any shape. From below, these window models appear compact and not very noticeable. The most harmonious windows for any attic.
The width of such hatches can be more than two meters, or three rafter intervals.
Ceilings of three-pitch lucarnes are made at will and for reasons of harmony of proportions attic room– flat or triangular, repeating the gable roof.
The vertical wall of the hatch can end without reaching the floor level of the attic room - up to two meters. In such cases, the roof of the hatch will have two slopes, and the window will have five corners. The shape of the ceiling in the lucarne niche will follow the contours of the roof. These types of hatches are limited in the placement of tall interior items and furniture near the window opening, due to the low walls of the hatch.
This type of roof window is small in size and compact, but it does not add volume to the attic. Choose a triangular lucarne in order to provide illumination to stairs, bathrooms or dressing rooms. From inside the room, triangular lucarnes have similar triangular ceilings, sharp broken lines.
Very soft, streamlined shapes for the exterior, interesting architecture and exclusive appearance.
But there are restrictions on the type of roofing coverings - only “elastic” types of tiles - bitumen, metal and ceramic tiles.
View from the street - smooth pattern and flow around the skylight roofing covering from the top and on the sides, and from the inside, the ceilings in the niches of the semicircular hatches have arched shapes, conical or cylindrical.
Semi-oval windows in the form of a “bull’s eye” are decorations of the main facades of houses. Very impressive due to the softness of smooth lines on large roof slopes. The internal layout of a room with an oval or semi-oval window is preferable with one solid window, in this case there will be a lot of light, and the room will have attractive proportions.
Dormer windows attract attention with their romance and non-trivial external design, which adds originality to the appearance of the house and allows you to create a source of abundant daylight.
The main difficulty if you want to install a window on the roof is the dimensions of the structure, which must be selected with particular scrupulousness.
The right choice means creating an exterior that will favorably emphasize the external nobility of the house.
The market segment for the manufacture of attic installations is replete with various offers, which will not be difficult to get confused in. To ensure that the attic is glazed correctly, follow a number of simple recommendations:
The standard sizes of attic structures are represented by 14 positions, and each manufacturer has at least 6 dimensional grids in its ranks. For example, the sizes of Velux roof windows are quite large, they are in large and medium grids, so finding small sizes will be very problematic.
Velux windows are available in medium and large sizes
The Velux company can please customers with only one small size - 55 x 98 cm. Medium-sized designs are represented by 66 x 118 cm, and large-sized ones - from 78 x 98 cm to 114 x 140 cm. Before you go shopping, it would be practical to ask the seller , are the required models in stock?
Most often, the main material is laminated veneer lumber, with the exception of the design of sanitary areas, since wood does not tolerate moisture. For a bathroom or bathroom, frames made of metal-plastic or wood coated with polyurethane are used, which copes with high humidity and temperature changes.
The main material for the manufacture of skylights is laminated veneer lumber.
By the way, attic velux windows or other manufacturers with small sizes, look organic in restrooms. They provide sufficient lighting, but do not offer much visibility from the outside.
The opening axis is located in three variations: in the center, along the top and at 2/3 of the height of the window itself. The central option is very popular, since its installation is recognized as the most inexpensive.
The two remaining options have the common advantage of convenience and comfort, eliminating the possibility of accidentally hitting an open window.
Do not forget that if you wish, you can always choose a combined opening system.
Most often, windows with a central axis are installed
An important role in choosing roof windows is played by high-quality glass, always tempered and filled with an inert gas - argon, which will provide excellent thermal insulation of the room.
Since the window is located on the roof, the dimensions and glass unit determine the degree of load that the structure will have to withstand.
Ordinary glass cannot cope with rain and snow, strong gusts of wind and other weather phenomena, so the reliability of a double-glazed window is a guarantee of safety for home owners.
It is more advisable to install double-glazed windows on the roof rather than ordinary glass
Depending on financial capabilities, many manufacturers offer to consider models whose designs have increased functionality:
If necessary, an automated window control system is installed
In addition to quality indicators, manufacturers offer to take advantage of pleasant developments in the form of automated attic structures. They can be controlled with a mobile remote control or using switches mounted on the wall.
To achieve good functionality of roof windows, technical requirements for double-glazed windows play an important role, which must meet the following indicators:
To achieve the maximum bright lighting During the day, install 2 or 3 windows in one room, placing them on opposite edges of the roof.
Installing a single, but large window will not allow achieving a similar effect, since its area will be equal to the sum of the areas of several components. Dormer windows with a large surface area will make the room cozy and evenly fill it with light.
The distance between the windows and the width of the structures are determined by the distance between the rafters.
The distance between the windows and their width depend on the distance between the rafters
Beautiful views will allow you to observe installations with dimensions reaching 1 meter. But taking care of beautiful landscapes, do not forget that the main thing is to install the window correctly. For these purposes, it must be located within the range from 0.9 m to 1.2 m along the lower part (from the floor) and from 2 m to 2.2 m along the upper part.
The distance from the floor to the window must be at least 0.9 m
When determining the length dimensions, pay attention to the angle of the roof. The lower the slope, the higher the length of the window structure. For example, for a roof with a slope of 35°, the optimal window length will be 160 cm. A slope of 70° will require a frame 100-120 cm long, respectively.
Consider the number of future windows at the planning and development stage of the project, since the width of the windows and the distance between the rafters have a subtle relationship. The method of designing rafters directly depends on the initial choice.
When installing roof windows, determine their dimensions based on the openings in advance, which will facilitate further work and avoid alterations with additional costs.
Windows in the attic will help turn this room into a living room, which will be very bright and cozy. You can't get by with artificial lighting alone. In this case, the attic will still be dark, and it will be unpleasant to be in such a room.
Taking into account the fact that most often a bedroom is located in this room, there must be windows, because without natural daylight it will be very difficult to get up in the morning. If desired, the attic can be turned into your own office for doing what you love, for example, an art workshop or a room for sewing and handicrafts. In any case, good natural lighting is necessary here.
Dormer windows, like any other, must provide good lighting in the room so that there are no dark corners anywhere. You can calculate the required number of windows thanks to existing standards. On average, 1 m 2 of glazed windows provides natural light to about 10 m 2 of the room. Make a calculation based on an average of 1:10; there will be plenty of such daylight lighting for the attic. This room will receive much more light than other rooms due to the slope of the windows. On average, the illumination of the attic is 40% greater than that of a conventional room. This happens because the windows are part of the roof of the building, so they are sloping.
Windows in the attic should be installed 90 cm above the floor. Their upper edge should be no lower than 180-220 cm above the floor level of the room. Only this size of windows will provide really good lighting, thanks to which no additional lighting devices will be required during the day. The length of the windows also directly depends on the angle of the roof. On steep roofs, the length of the windows can be made shorter; if the roof is flat, then the windows should be longer.
The width is selected depending on the distance between construction beams. The window in the attic roof should be 6-7 cm smaller than this parameter. It is necessary to leave a gap of at least 3-3.5 cm on each side in order to lay the insulation, preventing the formation of cold “bridges”. For example, if the distance between the construction beams is standard, that is, 80 cm, the width of the attic window should be no more than 74 cm. As a result, there are gaps left and right for the insulation 3 cm wide.
When choosing windows for the attic, remember that several small ones will illuminate the room much better than one huge one. They can be installed, if desired, at any height, as well as at any angle, depending on which part of the attic space you want to illuminate in the best way. For example, if you make windows under the ridge of the roof, the center of the room will be illuminated the most. If you want the light to be concentrated closer to the walls, you need to install the windows as low as possible. This option is optimal if you want to see not only the sky, but also what is happening in your yard.
IN ready-made house projects with an attic The required number of windows for this room has already been calculated, as well as their optimal length and width, and angle of inclination. The project stipulates in which places they should be mounted in order to obtain the best daylight illumination for this room.
There are three types of windows that are suitable for this room. Their main difference is the method of opening the window sash:
. It is these models that belong to the highest, that is, the fifth, safety class. Having found out what they are types of attic windows
As in any room, the attic should be cozy and warm; this largely depends on the quality of the double-glazed windows you choose. To find out what thermal insulation properties the window you like has, ask the manufacturer about the heat transfer resistance coefficient. The higher it is, the less heat will escape out of the attic through the windows.
Most inexpensive double-glazed windows are single-chamber. As a rule, double-chamber windows can be made to order or you can take ready-made ones, which belong to the premium class. All modern single-chamber double-glazed windows are produced with a special coating, which significantly increases the coefficient of heat transfer resistance. They are good because they keep the room cool in summer, which is especially important for the attic, which is located directly under the roof of the house. In winter, they perfectly retain heat in the room; even in a strong snowstorm, your attic will remain cozy.
If you have attic with large windows Moreover, you cannot save on them; double-glazed windows with built-in thermal insulation blocks are needed. Their cost is slightly higher than standard ones, but they make it possible to save on heating. It is very important that heat does not escape from the room through the huge attic windows. Therefore, initially you need to select double-glazed windows with a maximum heat transfer resistance coefficient and additional insulation.
When purchasing attic windows, be sure to ask the manufacturer if they have any burglary protection. Many people put bars on the windows of the first floor and a reliable, strong door, but completely forget that intruders can enter the home through the attic. To protect your home from thieves, choose windows with tempered, especially strong glass; it is very difficult to break. In addition, you need to make sure that the double-glazed windows are safe to use, this is especially true if you want to make a children's room in attic room. There are windows with special glass, which, if accidentally broken, will not shower small fragments into the room. Thanks to special protective film all the pieces broken glass will be held together.
The window should help create coziness in the attic room, home environment. But what kind of comfort can we talk about if you live, for example, next to a noisy highway, a train station, or your neighbors have a dog that barks constantly and loudly. Be sure to consider all factors when choosing double-glazed windows for your attic. Ask the manufacturers what soundproofing characteristics a particular window has. If you live near sources of constant and strong noise, choose double-glazed windows with maximum sound insulation properties. This is especially true if you want to make a bedroom in the attic.
When purchasing attic windows, be sure to immediately purchase a waterproofing flashing. It is necessary to reliably, firmly and hermetically connect double-glazed windows to the roof. Without it, installation of attic windows is impossible; at the first rain they will begin to leak. It is important to know that a certain type of waterproofing flashing is suitable for each roofing material. For example, a flashing designed for metal tiles or euro slate is in no way suitable for a flat seam roof or bitumen tiles. Therefore, it is necessary to decide on the type of roof windows at the stage roofing works to immediately purchase all the materials necessary and suitable for their installation.
In some window models it is located at the top of the frame, in others - at the bottom. Manufacturers are still arguing among themselves, giving arguments in favor of “their” location of the handle on the window frame. But in fact, they are equally convenient and the choice depends only on your personal preferences. If you have children, it is better to choose windows with a top handle on the frame. If you prefer its lower location, be sure to make sure that the handle is equipped with a locking function so that kids cannot accidentally open the window.
The cheapest options for attic windows are equipped with a special pole with which they can be closed and opened. If you wish, you can purchase more expensive ones, which come with a remote control. There are also windows that are controlled using wall switches. Which option to choose is up to you.
Like any other windows, they can be equipped mosquito nets, roller shutters, curtains and other accessories. It is very important to select everything from the manufacturer whose windows you decide to buy. Installation of accessories manufactured by a completely different company can, in some cases, even lead to damage to the window frame.
They must definitely fit interior design your attic, both in color and size, in the style of their design. Windows should not look like something strange and awkward in the room. Choose just the right ones so that they fit harmoniously into the overall decor of the attic.
Such blocks look very impressive, they make the room very bright and visually expand it, providing an opportunity for an excellent view. But it is recommended to install them only as a last resort, if you really want just such a window option. The fact is that they are very difficult to install. Also, due to their special design, the likelihood of the formation of a huge amount of condensate and freezing increases. The slightest errors during their installation, which would not at all affect the operation of standard small windows, can lead to serious consequences if we're talking about about large blocks.
What exactly needs to be monitored when installing roof windows:
If you still haven’t decided which window to install in the attic, photos and videos will help you figure it out.
