How to choose the right roof windows. How to choose a roof window: dimensions, quantity, accessories

The attic has long ceased to be in country houses exotic. In most, an insulated attic is a must. Of course, like any other room, the attic must be equipped with windows. Varieties similar structures there are many. pick up attic windows should take into account several important factors.

Purpose

Structures of this type primarily serve, of course, to provide attic lighting. However, they also have another purpose. Often, such windows are installed not only in residential, but also in unheated attics. In the latter case, they also have a purely technical purpose. If repairs are needed, workers climb onto the roof through them.

What should be the dimensions of skylights

It is necessary to select such structures for the attic first of all, focusing on their dimensions. Skylights are usually installed between the roof rafters. Therefore, their width should be such that they fit freely in this space. Otherwise, costly changes will have to be made to the design of the roof frame.

When selecting windows in height, one should pay attention to factors such as the total area of ​​​​the attic, the height of the slopes, and the purpose of the room. For example, large windows are better suited for a living room, study or nursery in the attic. For you can choose their lower version.

Standard sizes

In the European part of Russia, in the Urals and Siberia, roof rafters are most often installed at a distance of 80 cm from each other. Window manufacturers, of course, take this factor into account. Standard sizes roof windows can be:

• 78x118 cm;
• 78x140 cm;
• 78x160 cm.

Also for the attic, you can also purchase larger windows of 94x140 cm, 114x118 cm and 114x140 cm. Sometimes small structures of this type are also on sale - 55 or 66 cm.

In principle, models with a width of 78 cm are not bad even for a truss system with a step wider than 80 cm. In this case, you just have to think about how to close the gaps near the frames. If the rafters are installed very close to each other, the owner of the house will most likely have to make windows to order. They will cost, of course, more expensive than the standard ones. However, the owners of the cottage will still have to spend less money than when reworking the roof frame.

Top Producers

There are a huge number of companies producing skylights. When choosing such designs, you should definitely pay attention to the brand of the manufacturer. Especially popular in our country are, for example, Velux skylights. This company produces both wooden and plastic models. The sizes of Velux roof windows are usually standard. The width of most of their models is 78, 94 or 114 cm. Velux windows of 55 cm are also on sale. The height of the models ranges from 78-160 cm.

Also, Fakro brand windows are quite popular with domestic owners of private houses. The models of this manufacturer are distinguished not only by good quality and ease of use, but also by a very low cost (from 8 thousand rubles). The dimensions of Fakro skylights are also usually only standard. On sale you can find models with a width of 55 to 114 cm.

Types of double-glazed windows

In addition to such a parameter as the size of skylights, when buying, you should also pay attention to the degree of their insulation. On sale today there are designs with both two glasses and three. The second option for Russian climate considered more appropriate. At the same time, it is better for owners of cottages in Siberia and the Urals to pay attention to “warm” double-glazed windows (with a special reflective film).

Frame types

Skylights, which vary in size and price, can make a big difference to a building's exterior. Therefore, it is, of course, worth looking at what material their frames are made of when buying. For concrete or brick cottage PVC window models are more suitable. In this case, you should also pay attention to the color of the frames. Windows should organically fit into the architecture of the house.

For a chopped or panel building, it is worth looking at structures with wooden frames. You can also save money and choose plastic windows. However, in this case, it is better to purchase models with brown frames, beige or wood grain.

by way of closing

The most popular among Russian summer residents are medium-turning attic structures. These windows have only one sash. At the same time, it opens by turning around its axis. The mass of such a window is leveled by hinges located in the center. Therefore, it is very easy to manage it. The owner of the house only needs to rotate the sash on these hinges.

The windows of this variety are popular not only for their ease of use, but also because of the ease of maintenance. Glass in the attic usually gets dirty very quickly. In windows of this design, the sash can simply be rotated 180 degrees and washed.

Among other things, on sale today there are:

• balcony skylights;
• hatches;
• hinged traditional designs;
• vertical;
• eaves.

Balcony skylights

Such transformer models are less popular than mid-turn models (mainly due to high price), but are also quite often installed in attics. When folded, they are double-sided. When you open them, you get a small attic "balcony". In order to expand such a window, you just need to lift upper part sashes up (this forms a glass "roof", and push the bottom forward.

The dimensions of Velux, Fakro, etc. roof windows of the balcony type are also usually standard. The most popular are models with a width of 78 cm. In addition, on sale today there are more overall structures of this variety, which, when unfolded, form a whole terrace. Their sizes can vary from 94 to 114 cm.

Install balcony windows not allowed in any attic. Installation of such structures is possible only on roofs with a slope angle of at least 35 and not more than 55 degrees.

Skylights

Models of this variety are most often installed in unheated attics and serve purely technical purposes. There is only one sash in such structures. At the same time, she rises. Sometimes polycarbonate is used instead of glass in the windows of this variety.

In residential attics, only hatches with a non-standard configuration are usually mounted. The dimensions of this type of roof windows are most often small. They are used complete with a special "light tunnel". Such models are installed only when it is impossible to install conventional pivoting or hinged windows. For example, if there is a wide technical space between the attic ceiling and the roofing itself.

Swing models

Windows of this variety are also quite popular. Using such traditional models is quite comfortable. The inconvenience in this case lies only in the complexity of caring for the glasses. In order to wash the double-glazed window from the outside, you will either have to stretch hard, or even go out onto the slope.

Cornice skylights

These are the usual models installed on the gables of the roof. In fact, such windows are not actually attic windows. From the end of the house on the roof, you can install structures of any height and width. Very often, cornice windows are used as panoramic windows. The fact is that due to the peculiarities of the attic layout, small structures of this type simply cannot provide good lighting.

It also happens that not just windows, but balcony structures are installed on the gables. The floor in such "terraces" is usually the overlap of the attic itself. But sometimes gable balconies are made protruding forward. In this case, they are supported from below with columns or pillars.

Vertical Models

Such windows are also often used in attics and are able to perform their main function of illuminating the room very efficiently. Their only drawback is the high cost of installation. The fact is that when installing models of this variety, changes in the roof structure will have to be made in any case. Mounted vertical windows in a specially arranged attic "birdhouse".

What should be the hardware

These are the modern skylights (sizes, types). The device of models produced by well-known manufacturers, in most cases, allows you to use them with great convenience. However, when choosing windows for the attic, of course, you need to pay attention not only to the double-glazed window, design features and the type of frame. You must also make sure that good quality accessories. Handles, hinges, etc. in dormer windows are usually used differently than in simple facade ones. As a rule, the manufacturing technology of such fittings is the know-how of a particular company and is not widely advertised.

When choosing windows, first of all, you should pay attention to the position of the handle. It can be located at the top or bottom. Both options are considered quite convenient. If the window is located very high from the attic floor, it is better, of course, to choose a model with a bottom handle. Otherwise, in the future, opening the fold, most likely, will not be very convenient. If the window is equipped with a window sill and flower pots are installed on it, you should take a closer look at the model with the top handle. In this case, it will be possible to open the window without the risk of touching and knocking down the plants.

Accessories

In order to make it more convenient to use windows in the attic, many manufacturers supply them with different kind additional fixtures. This can be, for example, a rod, a cord or a remote opening system. A model equipped with such devices is worth buying if it is located in the attic very high.

Also, windows of this variety can be supplemented with special curtains, blinds or roller shutters. Such models are perfect for the sunny side.

Model price

How much can the owner of the cottage cost? Of course, for a large attic it is worth choosing larger models. For a small roof, small structures are better suited. But, of course, it depends on the dimensions and prices of the roof windows.

Installing small ones is usually not too expensive. Simple medium-turn triplexes of 78 cm cost, for example, about 15-35 thousand rubles. (depending on the height and design features), wide - 25-45 thousand rubles. If desired, today you can find it via the Internet and a budget option such windows. As an example, we can cite the same Polish Fakro skylights. The sizes and prices of the models of this manufacturer, as well as the designs of any other brands, are correlated. Small models "Fakro" (55 cm) cost only 8-10 thousand rubles. For a design of 78 cm, you will need to pay 12-17 thousand rubles. wide window this manufacturer for 94-114 cm costs between 15-16 thousand rubles.

Velux windows are attic, sizes and prices can also be different. They cost more than Fakro. The price for 55 cm models ranges from 16500-19000. Windows 78 cm wide cost 21,000-24,500 rubles. The price for wide structures of 94-114 cm starts from 26 thousand rubles.

When choosing skylights, you need, first of all, to understand which appearance they must have and perform functions. And start from these conditions when choosing.

You must clearly understand what area you will glaze, what material the windows should be made of, where it is better to install them, what sizes and many other nuances.

Which roof windows are better?

Each type of window has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the best ones are those that are most suitable for your attic. Let's look at the main criteria for choosing roof windows.

1. Attic glazing area. This parameter should be equal to at least 10% of the total attic area. If this number is less then daylight will be weak and the room will look gloomy.
2. number of windows. You need to build on the glazing area that you decide to complete. But there is one point to be considered. It is better to take two small windows than one large one. Then the scattered light in the attic will be much larger, which will improve the overall illumination.
3. Window settings. The best option window installation is as follows: it should be located at a height of 1 m from the floor and end at a level of 2-2.3 m. The width of the window should be equal to the distance between the rafters.
4. Double-glazed windows. You can choose standard, double, triple, but they are all filled with argon inside. It should be borne in mind that additional glass increases the weight of the structure, and this is not always good, especially for metal roofing.
5. window material. Any will do which suits your tastes and abilities. The only point that is undesirable is the installation of wooden windows in the bathroom, due to temperature differences and high humidity.

The device of the roof window is somewhat different from the usual one. This is because the window, in this case, also plays the role of a roof, so it has more durable characteristics. This mainly applies to double-glazed windows, the strength of which is increased due to a special coating.

In addition, the inert gas between the panes increases thermal insulation. In case of high street noise, skylights can be made with increased glass thickness, which enhances sound insulation.

When installing skylights, waterproofing salaries are usually used, which serve as protection against moisture entering the room from the roof. They protect the point of contact between the window and the roof. The salaries are arranged in such a way that the water flows around the window and moves further down.

There are two main types of plastic windows: wooden and plastic. Everyone has advantages and disadvantages, so let's take a quick look at them.

It is believed that a plastic window is set and forgotten, unlike a wooden one, which needs to be periodically tinted and varnished, as it tends to lose its appearance.

Besides, wooden windows initially they cost more and additional costs are added to this during the subsequent “refreshment” of the window. The plastic roof window is not subject to moisture damage and can be used in bathrooms.

But, a wooden window adds coziness to the apartment. Another positive moment wooden window is that it is natural natural material, which "breathes" through natural pores and thereby carries out microcirculation of air between the room and the street.

The advantage can also be called the fact that wooden windows are made in almost any configuration, and this adds pluses to the appearance of the roof window.

See also helpful video video about the pros and cons of skylights

The attic is pretty practical solution housing issue. However, to illuminate modern rooms, windows of a special design are required, which, on the one hand, can provide good solarization, and, on the other hand, can withstand the onslaught of the elements. In addition, an important factor is the ease of maintenance of windows.

How to choose among a fairly large assortment suitable option? What you should pay attention to? How to install a skylight? You will find the answer to these questions in this article.

How to choose a skylight?

So, what should be considered when choosing a roof window? After all, the comfort and coziness of your home for several years will depend on your decision.

Glazing area

Adhering to sanitary requirements, living quarters should receive their share of sunlight daily. In order to calculate total area windows, you need to divide the floor area by 10. Divide the resulting number by the number of windows and get the area of ​​\u200b\u200beach window. And then elementary geometry follows.

The closer the slope of the window to the horizontal plane, the more light enters the room. Therefore, in some cases, it is possible to reduce the glazing area to 8% of the total floor area. light tunnels, for example, with a small area of ​​​​glazing, they can supply a fairly powerful flux of light radiation.

Since solarization helps fight disease-causing organisms, having at least one window in the room is a must. Exceptions are rooms for technical purposes, such as pantries and wardrobes.

According to the Soviet tradition, bathrooms were built before without windows and natural ventilation. If possible, do not neglect such important architectural elements and think about how daylight, which will fight against fungus and mold, and ventilation. Roof windows can combine these two functions. In this way, you can ensure healthy and comfortable conditions for living.

How to position a skylight?

When designing, it is necessary to take into account the fact that windows located in different places and on different slopes in practice give a greater level of illumination than one window with the same glazing area.

An important factor is also the level of the window relative to the floor. It is best to choose this indicator under individual characteristics people living in the attic. Because family members can be both short and tall. You also need to consider what exactly you want to contemplate every day in the window. If the view from the window does not suit you, direct your gaze to the heavens. When you are not averse to admiring the cityscape, standard norms will allow you to achieve the desired effect.

As a rule, windows are installed, stepping back 90 - 120 cm from the floor level. And end at 200 - 220 cm from the same mark. At the same time, consider the projection of the window. The gentler the slope, the longer the window needs to be in order to open the view.

The width of the window directly depends on the pitch of the rafters.

Therefore, only two options are possible:

1. Select windows in accordance with the size of an existing truss system.
2. Discuss in advance the desired width of the windows when designing an attic with an architect.

When an existing non-residential attic of a house is converted into a living space, then, willy-nilly, you will have to adapt to the already standing beams and rafters. When do you deliberately build a residential room under mansard roof, then you can specify various points, such as:

• Type of windows (regular window or a block consisting of several double-glazed windows).
• Glass pane sizes.
• Window location.

Standard sizes and series of windows

Skylights are strictly tied to certain sizes. And you already know why. However, each manufacturer has its own size range, consisting of 6 to 14 standard sizes.

In addition to sizes, manufacturers offer various series of windows.

They differ in such characteristics as:

• material;
• double-glazed unit;
• location of the opening axis;
• micro-ventilation function (yes or not);
• color, style, etc.

materials

For the manufacture of roof windows, glued laminated timber, metal-plastic and wood, pasted over with a protective polymer, are used. Wood is good in living quarters, but in bathrooms it is better to install materials that are not afraid of dampness.

Opening axis

Depending on the assigned tasks, the axle can be located in different places of the frame:

• Up.
• Center.
• 2/3 of the height.
• Combined.

Windows that open along the center line are more accessible and common. The remaining options involve greater access to the open opening.

Double-glazed windows

As for double-glazed windows, this is a separate issue, because. they differ in various characteristics:

1. glass thickness.
2. Fill gas that reduces heat loss.
3. The presence of tempered glass outside and inside the double-glazed window.
4. Availability protective coatings, which increase the safety of the window (the window either crumbles into small cubes that do not injure, or fragments are held by films, as in automotive glass).
5. Distance between glasses. Wherein greater distance promotes better thermal insulation.
6. The number of glasses in the package. Now you can choose between different models from two to six cameras. And this is obviously not the limit.
7. The presence of a heat-reflecting coating and options for its location.

Often, additional functions of double-glazed windows require the choice of more expensive models. So before overpaying for more functional option, it is desirable to decide which functions you really need.

The basic models take into account middle level safety, they have quite effective thermal insulation. At the same time, if you want to save heat indoors, pay attention not only to the characteristics of the double-glazed window itself, but also to the entire structure as a whole. Because if the double-glazed window will have excellent insulating qualities, and sealing gum or the frame material will leave the best, then as a result you will overpay, and you will not achieve the desired effect.

Be sure to check the data regarding the properties of the materials that are used in your chosen model. After all, a window is a collection of a number of elements. And the quality factor of the whole structure depends on the work and quality of each of them.

Handles and remote control

Handles for convenience can be located both at the top of the window and at the bottom. Moreover, each of the options has its weighty arguments. Still, you choose based on your preferences. However, in children's rooms and where children's fingers can reach the windows, it is advisable to provide a window lock in case of accidental opening.

The actuator can be either mechanical or electro-pneumatic. Control can be carried out using switches and a mobile remote control. There are many options and it all depends on the financial capabilities and preferences of buyers.

Blocks and accessories

Blocks allow you to combine standard double-glazed windows into larger windows. Thus, it is possible to achieve better lighting and review. However, when choosing blocks, one must take into account the complexity of installation, the strengthening of waterproofing and measures against freezing and condensation. The slightest oversight during installation can cost a lot later.

At large assortment accessories, it is advisable to purchase them together with windows from the same manufacturer. This way you will be sure that they will fit in size and style.

Trade marks

What to look for when choosing:

• Before you go to the store and decide on the set of functions of the roof window that you need. To do this, you can select window characteristics from advertising brochures various manufacturers and mark the ones you like.
• Calculate the total area and the number of windows, according to the ratio of 1:10 to the floor area. If you have gentle slopes, then it will be possible to reduce the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwindows.
• Consider what accessories you will need.

Installation of skylights

Installation is such a crucial moment that it cannot be left to chance for the simple reason that it is precisely the mistakes of installers that often lead to the fact that even the most quality windows can leak and cause other troubles. So, how can you control the craftsmen who install your purchase?

1. First of all, do not install the roof window yourself. Because in which case the manufacturer may file a claim for poor-quality installation, and you will not be able to get a free service maintenance. Therefore, it is desirable that the installation is carried out by the service team of the dealer selling the windows. In this case, take documents confirming not only the manufacturer's warranty for the product, but also the warranty document for installation work.
2. Check out installation instructions. This can also be done on the manufacturer's website. But after that, you will be able to follow what the experts are actually doing.

What to control when installing a roof window?

• It is very important that the horizontal and vertical surfaces are level. To do this, you will need a tape measure and building level. Verification is carried out after installation work when the sash is hung.
• Connection of steam and waterproofing membranes, as well as the presence of tapes. After the frame is installed and before the salary is mounted. All joints must be sealed with adhesive tape.
• Drainage of water from the roof window. This stage must be checked before the salary and roofing are installed. At the same time, attention must be paid to ensure that the slopes are observed, and that all cuts are glued.
• The correct installation of the waterproofing flashing can be determined according to the instructions. There should be no gaps, as well as protruding nails and staples on the surface that is in contact with the external environment.
• The slopes must be checked with a level, make sure that the lower slope is set perpendicular to the floor, and the upper one is horizontal.
• When you install window sills, after installing them, you need to make sure that there is a gap between the wall and the window sill. This is necessary in order to warm air washed the double-glazed window without hindrance and prevented condensation.
• Batteries must be present under each window. This will provide heating of the cold air flowing from the glass surface.

Maybe you should not delve into all these subtleties and entrust everything to professionals? Could be so. However, practice shows that the craftsmen better comply with all the rules and regulations when they are sure that their client knows the technology for installing a roof window and can ask them for each stage of work. In the end, it is you who pay the money, and therefore you have every right to a really high-quality product and service.

Glazing area

This is the first thing you need to know the owner of the house. Remember the main rule: the attic glazing area should be at least 10% of the area of ​​​​the room (for example, 5 m 2 of glazing per 50 m 2 of the room area). It is better if the proportions are 1 to 8.

Each room must have at least one window.

Location

Several separate windows at a distance from each other give more light than one window of the same area. This is due to the fact that one window scatters light in all directions, and if there are several of them, then the dispersion will be greater, and, therefore, lighter.

Window height

If you want to look at the street while sitting, then the windows should be located no higher than 1 m from the floor. It should end at a height of 2-2.2 m from the floor. Do not confuse with window length. Since it is tilted, its length must be greater than the vertical height.

Window Width

It is necessary to determine the width of the roof windows at the design stage of the roof, since it (width) directly depends on the pitch of the rafters. It is better when the width of the window is adapted to the rafters, since the distance between the rafters greatly affects the strength of the roof and the ability to withstand loads. If you doubt the correct choice of window sizes for the attic, contact a specialist.

To select a window with only the required characteristics, it is better to write down the characteristics of the series of several manufacturers, and then select.

window material

For the main types of premises (room, corridor, hall, nursery, etc.), any windows are suitable, including wooden ones. But for a bathroom, a tree is not suitable, you need to buy plastic, because it does not expand and does not narrow from strong temperature changes. If you still want wood, then it must be covered with a layer of polyurethane.

Opening method

You can choose any. The most popular is the method of opening the sash along the central axis. But it is also the most dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of hitting the head on the sash. The golden mean is a sash with an opening axis located above the middle (2/3 of the window length).

double glazing

The basic solution for double-glazed windows is tempered glass filled with argon, an inert gas. For the possible whims of the buyer, manufacturers have provided various options double-glazed windows: increased glass thickness to enhance strength, different reflective coatings on glass, an increase in thermal conductivity by increasing the distance between the glasses, and much more. Based on this, you need to carefully choose the characteristics of double-glazed windows so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions.

opening handle

She could be anywhere. The main thing is that it is convenient for you to open the window. But remember the following: if you have small children, be sure to check for a window lock to prevent accidental opening.

Remote control

If you want to get maximum comfort from the operation of roof windows, you can purchase this function.

Blocks (section) of windows

Such a decision is not always justified, and often is wrong. Firstly, installing such windows with your own hands is much more difficult, and branded installation will cost more. Secondly, the spread of light will be less than from several single windows of the same total area.

Accessories

Curtains, blinds, mosquito net it is better to take from the same manufacturer, so as not to violate the compatibility of designs.

Manufacturer brand

All popular manufacturers that have proven themselves over the years provide quality services. The difference in choice can only be due to the characteristics of individual series of roof windows and the location relative to your home.

In conclusion, we can give advice on the number of windows: if the glazing area is more than 1 m 2, make 2 windows, if more than 2 m 2 - make 3 windows.

The lower the slope of the roof, the longer the windows are better to take in order to provide sufficient lighting.

And one more thing: if you plan to place windows on one side, then it is better to place them above the middle of the height of the floor. If the windows are on both sides of the attic, then one side can be placed at the top and the other in the middle for optimal lighting.

attractive, comfortable, bright room under the roof! How to make it out of the attic " small miracle"? You need to start with the main thing - the acquisition of a roof window. Arises new problem- what to buy and what design better fit. How to choose a roof window, where to start and what not to forget - read step by step instructions farther.

What to consider when choosing a size

Selection by width

The width of the roof window directly depends on the step with which the rafters were installed. When installing the structure on the rafters, the width of the window should be 20-30 mm less. For example, if the distance between the rafters is 800 mm, then the width of the window should be 780 mm. If you want to large window, a rafter system this does not allow, then you can slightly modify it. But it is recommended to do this with the help of a construction team, so as not to disrupt the balanced installation of the entire truss system.

Height selection

The roof window is installed at a height of 1200 mm from the floor. In this case, the angle of inclination of the roof is also taken into account. Optimal for mounting a roof window is a roof with a slope of 30-60 degrees.

An important pattern

The smaller the slope of the roof, the larger the width of the roof window should be chosen.

How many windows to install

The attic glazing area is directly proportional to its area in a ratio of 1:10. For example, the attic area is 25 m2, then 2.5 m2 should be allocated for windows. On an example, it looks like this: when using a model with a size of 780mmx1180 mm on an area of ​​​​25 m2 of an attic, it turns out that four such structures need to be installed.

Peculiarity

The higher the roof window is installed, the more sunlight enters the room. It will be easy to operate, since many models have handles installed from below.

What will be in your attic, we get such a window

If you are planning a room for relaxation, games, an office in the attic, then you can purchase wooden structures. They are made from pine and are environmentally friendly. When arranging a bathroom, sauna, kitchen, pool in the attic, plastic ones are more suitable. PVC windows are resistant to high humidity. Mold and fungus will not form in the room.

Important addition

When installing a roof window, a waterproofing salary is required. This is necessary for the hermetic connection of the window frame with roofing. Salaries are selected depending on the type of roof: pitched, flat, highly profiled, folded, copper, and so on.

What about without accessories?

Bright sunlight is good, but everything should be in moderation. Therefore, accessories are used to darken skylights. There are no more conditions here. It all depends on your taste. We will only recall some of the subtleties of individual accessories.

The pleated curtain not only dampens the ultraviolet, but also creates interesting highlights in the room. Roller shutters perform additional function protection from outside intrusion. Marquise reduces the level of noise from the street. Blinds close the attic from prying eyes.

Choose best models, but do not forget about the nuances, and skylights will serve you for many years.