VELUX roof windows are specially designed taking into account cold climatic conditions and are successfully used not only in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Siberia, and in the northern latitudes of Russia, where frosts often drop below -40 C.
In regions with a cold climate and with prolonged snowfalls, comfort in the attic in winter depends on many components. First of all, you need to follow a series of simple recommendations for the installation and operation of the roof window. Compliance with these recommendations will provide you with warmth and comfort in the attic in the coldest winter.
1. Perform high-quality and reliable heat, hydro and vapor barrier
Install continuous heat, hydro and vapor barrier circuits around the window. In particular, we recommend performing continuous insulation of slopes with fibrous soft thermal insulation materials (for example, mineral wool), as well as using the BDX 2000 kit for a reliable thermal insulation joint, while avoiding gaps.
2. Provide roof ventilation
For permanent ventilation of the under-roof space and to prevent condensation from forming, provide a ventilation gap in the roof structure with openings for air inlet and outlet. To ensure ventilation around the roof window, drill holes in the structural layer (rafters) according to the installation instructions.
3. Provide air circulation around the window
It is important to correctly perform the slopes around the window. The shape of the slopes should be open, that is, the upper plane should be parallel to the floor, and the lower one - perpendicular to it. This is necessary for proper air circulation along the window. Install heating devices directly under the window. This contributes to the washing of the inner surface of the window with warm air, which prevents the formation of condensation in the lower and upper areas of the window.
4. Keep windows free of snow in winter
Clean up snow around a window in a timely manner - especially under a window. If the snow is not cleared, this can lead to the formation of an "ice bag", which prevents the natural flow of melt water. As a result, water accumulates, its level rises, which ultimately increases the risk of its penetration into the house. VELUX roof windows are designed to protect against heavy rainfall, but neither roof structures nor windows are designed to hold stagnant water for a long time.
5. Additional measure - roof heating
Use heat tracing systems to keep snow from accumulating around the window and icicles in the overhang of the window and ice in the ventilation space.
6. Ventilate the area regularly
Ventilate the room regularly (2-3 times a day for 5-7 minutes). For effective ventilation in winter, open a window, not the vent valve. It is especially important to carefully follow this recommendation during the year after finishing the finishing work. This helps to reduce excess humidity in the room - to avoid condensation during cold winter periods.
7. See a professional
We recommend using the services of qualified installers / roofers and authorized VELUX Service Centers to avoid poor quality installation work.
The VELUX Group develops solutions to improve the quality of life under roof spaces using natural light and fresh air. VELUX products are certified in accordance with ISO 9001 (quality, 2008), ISO 14001 (ecology, 2008) and OHSAS 18001 (health and safety, 2008). The VELUX range includes a wide range of roof windows as well as solar collectors and flat roof solutions. In addition, the company offers a variety of decoration and sun protection accessories, installation and remote control products. The VELUX group of companies, with factories in 11 countries and sales offices in 40 countries, is one of the strongest brands in the building materials industry, and its products are sold in most parts of the world.
