Correctly selected windows in the attic will help make the room under the roof 100% functional. A sufficient amount of light and air, ease of window management - there are no unimportant details. Below are 7 practical recommendations, guided by which, everyone can create their own unique space for life, relaxation and creativity in the attic.
At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing difficult in choosing a window in the attic: the window is the window - a glazed opening through which light and air enter the room. However, do not forget that the premises are located directly under the roof, which dictates special conditions for builders when choosing glazing solutions.
Where to begin?
Before choosing windows in the attic, you need to determine its functionality: will it be a secluded bedroom with a wonderful view, a large nursery under the very roof, or a cozy dressing room? Or maybe the attic will become a full-fledged floor of a house with several living quarters? In short, the required level of illumination and the number of windows will depend on the purpose of the space under the roof. Skylights are installed directly into the roof, turning into a part of the roof, they can be used to illuminate any space, even if there are no vertical walls in it for the installation of familiar windows (in this case, there is almost always not enough light). The huge advantage of roof windows is that they can be located anywhere on the roof and be of almost any size.
Do not forget that the dormer windows, like the roof, are inclined, so you should pay special attention to choosing a reliable trusted manufacturer specializing in this particular type of windows and high-quality installation. Often, the roof itself requires preparation and alteration, and it is better not to neglect the necessary modifications - in this case, your attic will serve you much longer.
Let there be light
After it became clear in which rooms you need additional skylights, it's time to decide on their number and size. It is quite simple to do this using the "golden rule" of glazing space: when calculating the required number of roof windows, for every 10 m² of space, 1 m² of glazed surface is required. But, as practice shows, for a spacious living room or nursery filled with light and air, this is the minimum volume and it is better to put even more windows. Skylights are produced in several standard sizes that will make it easy to calculate their number, and for each size, manufacturers indicate the glazing area. For example, one of the most popular sizes is 78 * 118 cm with a glass area of 0.59 sq. m, which means that one such window fully illuminates 5.9 sq. m of living space.
Window as art
Thanks to a wide range of window sizes, the ability to install almost anywhere on the roof and a large number of options for combinations of window complexes, you have a huge scope for creativity and the opportunity to make your wildest dreams come true. A simple but very effective solution is a combination of several roof windows, which is perceived as one large window and lets light and air into the room, visually increasing the space and creating a feeling of spaciousness. They can be combined horizontally, vertically and placed in groups of 4, 6 or 8 windows. In addition, it is possible in this way to combine the opening system and blind elements, which will result in a real panoramic window from floor to ceiling. The only thing that is recommended to pay attention to is the height of the windows. For a better view and comfortable operating conditions, the installation height of the lower windows should not exceed 90-120 cm from the floor level. In this case, an excellent view opens from the windows and full contact with the environment is maintained.
The opening system will also depend on the installation height of the roof windows: if the window is located within 90-120 cm from the floor, then it is convenient to place the opening handle on top, but if the window is higher (for example, if there is a wall in the attic), then your choice is the handle from the bottom …
“As practice shows, people often think about the installation height of roof windows at the very last moment, and in order to choose the optimal opening option, you need to know this parameter in advance,” says Marina Prozarovskaya, engineer at VELUX. - Therefore, for those who, at the time of purchase, are not yet sure of the installation height, from this year VELUX offers a window with two handles - which one will be more convenient to use, the buyer can decide after installation. And if you value luxury and comfort, opt for the remote window control option."
Separately, it is recommended to install a remote control system if the windows are located outside the usual reach - above the stairs or high in vertical combinations - firstly, it is really convenient, and secondly, it is truly luxurious.
In addition, you should carefully choose the material from which your roof windows will be made and the appropriate glass unit. Today manufacturers offer a wide range of options depending on the required functionality. The window can be classic wood or plastic and polyurethane for wet rooms. Double-glazed windows in most models are single-chamber, but in terms of heat saving they are not inferior to classical two- and even three-chamber counterparts, since they are made using a special technology. Pay attention to the outer glass - it must be tempered to protect it from hail. At the same time, there are models equipped with a safety double-glazed unit with internal triplex glass. This double-layer glass is connected with a special film that will not allow the fragments to scatter if the window breaks - this is especially important when it comes to a children's room or a window above the bed.
Thus, the main points to pay attention to when choosing a window:
• window sizes - ideally, determine them at the design stage, because in the case of skylights, it is necessary to prepare an opening in the roof for a certain window size;
• type of opening - depending on the height of installation and the location of the windows;
• material - lacquered wood, white moisture-resistant plastic or polyurethane profile with a wooden base - depending on the purpose of the room;
• double-glazed window - choose depending on what characteristics are needed for you: heat saving, sound insulation, protection against burnout and much more.
In addition, you should pay attention to non-standard attic glazing options from VELUX - a window-balcony or a terrace, which will make your attic truly luxurious.
Technology comes first
The dormer window is a full-fledged part of the roofing pie, therefore it is not only the frame and glass itself, but also a special installation system that reliable manufacturers supply with the window. For example, the installation of a dormer window into the roof is impossible without a flashing - a system of gutters for draining water, which must be purchased together with the window. In addition, in order for the window to last a long time, it is important to ensure that each element of the roof window structure is connected to each layer of the roofing cake in sequence. Each component of the structure must meet high standards of quality and safety - these are not empty precautions, but literally a matter of life and death: if the window passes moisture or poorly retains heat, then you can forget about a comfortable life in the attic. Well-known manufacturers usually supply suitable accessories for installation for any window: for example, VELUX offers ready-made solutions where all the components are provided, and the quality is guaranteed by the leading manufacturer of roof windows.
One of these elements is a set for hydro and thermal insulation. From the builders, you can hear that there are various options for connecting the roof window with hydro and thermal insulation of the roof, but using only the original kit will ensure high-quality, quick and problem-free installation of the roof window and increase the warranty from 5 to 10 years.
When installing a roof window, the manufacturer's recommendations should be strictly followed, in addition, the work should be performed by highly qualified teams of roofing workers in order to ensure reliability and quality for many years.
Beauty accessories and more
In addition to purely technical accessories for the installation and operation of roof windows, leading manufacturers offer a wide range of accessories. “When it comes to the design of classic windows, then, as a rule, most buyers choose tulle, curtains, blinds or roman blinds. When choosing a decor for windows in the attic, you can not abandon the usual details: for example, VELUX offers a choice of blackout curtains, translucent pleated curtains, diffusing roller blinds and graceful Roman blinds. - says the designer Guseva Natalia. - All models are available in a variety of colors. And for those who are not afraid of bold decisions and are ready for a truly striking design - special collections from Star Wars, Disney or from the discreet Dutch Scholten & Baijings. In addition, some accessories are absolutely essential for comfortable living in the attic, such as external awnings to keep out the heat and mosquito nets."
In short, the attic today is not only a comfortable room under the roof, which at your request can turn into a living room, loft, dressing room or nursery, but also a real way to emphasize your own individuality and express yourself. If you approach its construction and design with due attention, then the attic will become your favorite place in the house for many years.
