Which is better to put skylights. Skylights: types, features and installation. Skylights: choice based on basic characteristics

Until recently, the attic was associated only with a place to store old and unnecessary things. Today, in rooms under the roof, called attics, cozy living rooms, delicate bedrooms, and offices are equipped.

Purpose

The word "attic" comes from the name of the French architect of the 17th century, Francois Mansart, who was the first to decide to make a living space out of the attic. There were no holes for the penetration of light in such a room, darkness and closeness were constant companions of the person who lived there. It was only during World War II that the Danish engineer Villum Kann Rassmunsen proposed to make glazed openings in the roofs, allowing fresh air and natural light to enter the stuffy attic.

So, the main function of skylights is lighting. Experts believe that their correct choice and high-quality installation increases the amount of transmitted light by 40%. Due to the possibility of ventilation, air quality is significantly improved. The rooms are filled with comfort and mystery. If necessary, an opening in the roof makes it possible to get out of the house or, conversely, get inside.

Types and characteristics

The first skylights were glazed openings. The variety of models that exists today is the result of many years of development, the use of new technologies and the wishes of customers.

On the gables or in specially made external structures of the roof slope (the so-called "birdhouses"), vertical openings are made. They are easy to install, they decorate a cottage or cottage, but, however, they let in little light. Among the advantages are the absence of extreme loads acting on them and a variety of sizes.

The location of vertical windows in the lower part of the room prevents heat leakage. The "birdhouse" allows you to slightly increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe upper room, but, on the other hand, complicates the rafter system and can lead to possible leaks at the points of attachment to the main roof.

Facade (cornice) windows are installed at an angle of 90 degrees directly under the roof. They allow you to make an exit to the terrace or balcony, enjoy a beautiful panoramic view, decorate the house with flowers. A small amount of natural light is the main disadvantage of these elements.

More common are inclined models installed in line with the ramp. It is believed that they let in up to 30% more light. The advantages are the optimal use of usable space and space savings.

One of the key differences between skylights is how they open. The most popular are mid-turn models. The only leaf opens by turning around its axis, located either in the center or 3/4 closer to the upper edge. Such models are easy to operate and maintain. However, full access to the outside can be difficult.

The choice of balcony-type windows is the desire to create a charming, beautiful mansion, unlike others. When folded, the design resembles a double sash, and when unfolded it looks like a small balcony. The top opens up and the bottom opens to the side. Balcony models can only be installed on a floor with a slope angle of 35-55 degrees.

Sometimes the architectural features of the roof do not allow the installation of full-size models. Then the hatch windows with a "light tunnel" would be an excellent solution. They are a tube, one end of which goes up, the other remains in the room.

Installing a "light tunnel" requires a large space between the attic ceiling and the roof.

Such hatches are also used in non-residential premises, but without a "light tunnel". The design consists of one sash, which rises to the top.

Swing models are another popular option for the attic. However, using them is not very convenient - in order to wash them, you must either stretch out a lot or go onto the slope.

The roof window can be equipped with a rain sensor and an electric drive. Remote control technology makes it possible to adjust the design without getting up from the sofa and even staying on the lower floor of the house. Wall switches can be used instead of remote control.

The choice of the type of window depends on the purpose of the room in which it is installed, the goals and aesthetic wishes of the residents. It is more expedient to determine how this architectural detail should look even at the time of construction - this will avoid unnecessary costs associated with the reconstruction of the slope. Installation of this product in a private house is quite possible to do it yourself.

It is important to decide which window options are right for you, for example, deaf, transformer, oblique or non-opening. Each of them has both its pros and cons.

Mounting Features

Skylights are located in such a way that external factors - wind, precipitation, snow and ice pressure, heat - have a strong influence on them. The process of their installation requires attention, knowledge and skill.

The most common mistakes during installation on metal tiles are incorrect installation of insulating salaries, poor insulation of slopes and the use of mounting foam. Anyway, Before starting installation work, read the installation instructions.

For a better understanding of the installation process, it is necessary to understand the structure of the window: a double-glazed window is inserted into the sash with an inert gas contained inside - argon, which provides excellent thermal insulation. The standard package includes aprons for waterproofing and vapor barrier, drainage gutter, flashing, thermal insulation material and internal slopes.

Before starting the installation work, it is necessary to prepare the tools: a tape measure, a building level, an electric drill and scissors for cutting metal, a hacksaw, electric scissors, a stapler, a screwdriver, pliers.

Installation is carried out on a beam laid below, or rafters. It is important to ensure that the gap on each side of the frame is at least 3 cm. The frame is installed at a height of 80 to 130 cm from the floor level. Several factors determine the height of the installation: the location of the handle, the type of roofing material, the structural features of the roof, the wishes of the customer. If the handle is at the bottom, the frame is placed higher, if at the top - lower.

The sheet covering can be cut in any part. If the surface is covered with ceramic tiles, it cannot be cut, and a hole can only be made over completed rows.

Marks are made on the waterproofing material where the holes will be located, the cut is made taking into account the margin - about 20 cm on each side. A waterproofing apron is placed on top of the waterproofing for complete tightness. Next, the roof covering is removed, the crate is cut, stepping back 2 centimeters from the support, and a beam is nailed from below - about 10 centimeters from the crate.

When performing work, it is imperative to use a level. The upper edge of the waterproofing is attached to the crate, and the lower edge to the beam. The side parts are pulled out to the outside.

Before installing the frame, it is necessary to remove the double-glazed window and the salary. Mounting brackets are placed on the box. It is important to remember that models from different manufacturers may have different shapes and be attached in different ways: only to the rafters or to the rafters and the crate. A heat-insulating material is attached to the upper part of the box, which is later pressed against the beam. Once the bottom edge is adjusted, tighten the bottom brackets firmly.

To improve waterproofing, a waterproofing apron is laid around the perimeter of the window opening. Usually it is included in the package, but you can make it yourself. Above the frame, a part of the crate is removed along the width of the drainage gutter. The gutter is carried out under the waterproofing material, cut in the middle, and installed along the perimeter of the frame. The top of the apron is pulled under the gutter, and its edges - under the crate. The apron itself is attached to the box with a stapler. The design ensures that moisture flows exactly into the gutter.

Upon completion of the laying of the waterproofing, the installation and fastening of the protective salary is carried out. Installation is carried out in the following sequence: below - a corrugated apron, then - the side parts and finally - the top element. In conclusion, put the lining to the auditory click. The lower apron is attached to the roofing material, and parts of the salary are attached to the grate and box. The sash is returned to the frame, the protective film is removed.

From the inside, it is recommended to install slopes - strips framing the frame. An opening stick must be present. Correctly installed slopes (the upper one is parallel to the floor, and the lower one is vertical) help to carry out soft air circulation and natural heating. In addition, they perform an aesthetic function.

It is quite difficult to mount a triangular window, so it is better to entrust this work to a professional.

materials

Roof windows are made from various materials. Depending on preferences, possibilities and goals, you can choose wooden, plastic or metal products.

Wooden structures look great in country-style mansions and chalets, small houses and cottages. The main raw material is northern pine. The high density of glued wood makes the products flexible and allows the use of fewer fasteners. The great advantage of wood is the production of products of various shapes and sizes - arched elements, balconies.

Wooden products are subject to the negative effects of moisture, but if you cover the frame with water varnish every 2-3 years, their service life will increase.

Wood is an ecological, natural, breathable material. It is much easier to breathe in a wooden house, which affects the level of living comfort.

Products made of plastic profiles, unlike wooden profiles, do not require special care. It is waterproof, does not rot and deteriorate under the influence of water and dirt, and can last 40-50 years. The issue of ventilation is solved with the help of special valves. Resistance to adverse environmental conditions, as well as low price, have made such products very popular. The problematic point is that when heated, a plastic profile can release vinyl chloride - a gas harmful to living organisms.

The plastic profile looks great in mansions, regardless of what they are built from. A special film makes it possible to adapt the color of the frame to the overall appearance of the building.

Sometimes roof windows are made on the basis of an aluminum profile. This material is resistant to corrosion and deformation, allows you to make products of various shapes and sizes. Aluminum products can be used for a long time (at least 80 years) in aggressive environmental conditions at a variety of temperatures. They are unpretentious in care, have protection from precipitation and ultraviolet rays. A wide choice of colors allows you to adapt the profile to any design of the roof and the house itself.

Products made of aluminum profile are cold and warm. Cold ones are used for glazing openings in non-residential premises. Warm structures are installed in the attics of residential buildings. Their profile consists of three parts with a thermal insulating insert. This structure prevents the penetration of cold air inside, and warm outside. The space between the thermostats is filled with polyurethane foam or extruded polystyrene.

On sale there are windows made of wood-aluminum profile. The outer side is made of aluminum, and the inner side is made of wood. Thus, external adverse conditions do not significantly affect the profile.

One of the requirements for structures installed under the roof is low weight. Often they consist of a 1-chamber double-glazed window with four types of glass: thermally polished (float glass), with a transparent metallized coating, tempered and triplex. Thermally polished glass prevents optical distortion. Glass with a metallized coating reflects ultraviolet rays.

When tempered glass cracks, many small particles with blunt edges are formed, which helps to avoid cuts. Triplex is a two-layer glass with a special film that holds the cracked fragments.

Reflective double-glazed windows, which help to keep cool in constantly lit rooms, are made to order.

There are also self-cleaning double-glazed windows - their outer surface is covered with a special agent that destroys organic pollution under the influence of the sun.

When choosing windows for the attic, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the material from which the frame is made. It is important to make sure that the fittings are of good quality - handles, hinges and others. It is preferable that the fittings used be original and made of stainless steel.

Dimensions

The choice of the size of the roof windows must be approached very carefully. Lighting, the appearance of the house, its perception will largely depend on this. Aesthetic preferences alone in determining the size are not enough. The area of ​​​​the room and the possible location of window openings should be taken into account.

In accordance with accepted standards, the window area should be at least 1 square meter per 10 square meters of the room. For the living room, studio and bedroom, the proportions may be different, for example, 1 to 8. Smaller proportions are possible for the toilet, bathroom, wardrobe, pantry and other utility rooms. However, the given proportions can be realized in different ways: in some cases, one large window can be installed to create a feeling of beauty and freedom, in others, several small ones will create coziness.

When designing an attic, it should be remembered that, according to experts, two or three window openings on opposite sides of the bevels will provide better lighting than one large one of the same area.

The gaps between the openings and their width depend on the distance between the rafters. Usually it is 80 cm, because the standard width of the roof windows is 78 cm. For a rafter system with a larger step, frames with a width of 94, 114 cm are used. If the distance between the rafters is small, you can purchase products with a width of 55 or 60 cm.

The high window allows you to enjoy the beautiful view. However, the choice of height depends not only on beauty. The main influence is the layout of the roof. On a flatter roof, a hole of greater length is made. For a roof with a slope of 35 degrees, the optimal length is 160 cm, for a roof with a slope of 70 degrees - no more than 120 cm. The length is also determined taking into account the fact that the lower edge of the structure should be at least 1 m from the floor.

So, the standard frame sizes are as follows: 78x118 cm, 78x140 cm, 78x160 cm, 94x140 cm, 114x118 cm, 114x140 cm. Non-standard glazing options are made to order.

Registration

Roof windows are an interesting architectural solution. Their design can be original, attractive, and an excessive amount of additional decorative elements, in turn, can harm the external and internal image of the house. Properly selected design gives a sense of organicity, romance, freedom, comfort, elegance. But before choosing a design, you should figure out whether it is needed to provide protection from burglary, from the sun, or simply as a decorative element.

External shutters, so-called roller shutters, are usually used to protect mechanical damage and excessive sunlight; they provide sound insulation. It is better to install them outside, because being installed inside, they contribute to additional heating of the glass and the entire internal space of the attic.

External shutters, however, are not very beautiful and elegant and are more suitable for people who prefer functionality.

Another option for sun protection are thin nets, the so-called awnings. They allow light to pass through, scattering it and thereby reducing heat gain. Separately installed awnings also perform the function of a mosquito net.

Curtains are a classic way to decorate window openings. On vertical structures, ordinary curtains are used, on inclined structures - two cornices. The first cornice is installed on top, and the second is placed where it is convenient - it will not let the canvas fall and keep it in the desired position. Velcro, eyelets, braid, clips, tacks are used to fix the canvas. These elements are also used as decoration. Curtains bring elegance and tenderness to the visit.

Less original and aesthetic are blinds. However, they are easy to install and adapt to openings of various shapes, which makes them quite a popular attribute.

Pleated blinds are irreplaceable for non-standard forms of window openings. The canvas is held by a special cord or electric drive, which allows you to collect the curtain or hold it in the desired position.

In the interior, you can decorate windows exclusively to your liking. All decoration and finishing can be done independently.

Only owners of private houses can feel the beauty of the attic, if there is one, of course. But since this is not an ordinary room, in many ways the design concept is decided by the right lighting. But how to choose a roof window so that it ennobles to the maximum and favorably emphasizes all the charm of the room.

An inclined version of the installation of the roof window allows much more sunlight to pass into the room.

Some nuances

The modern market for the production of window structures is large enough, and in order not to get confused in it, you can follow the following recommendations:

Schematic drawing of a roof glazing with an indication of the main components.

1. Glazing area. In this case, the masters deduced the basic rule and proportion - 1 to 10, that is, 1 square. m. of the attic window account for 10 sq.m. gender. But if you decide to place a nursery or living room in the attic, then in this case, choose a proportion of 1 to 8. The selection of windows should follow only taking into account these proportions and nothing else.
2. There should be at least one window in the room. Unless natural lighting is not required by a wardrobe, pantry, boiler room. In fact, some people try to make a window in the bathroom, placing it under the ceiling.
3. The location of the roof windows. Here the shape of the roof plays a role in many respects. In order for the room to have more light, it is necessary to install a window structure on both slopes.
4. Roof window dimensions. This parameter is influenced by the fact what purpose is given to the window. Which roof windows are best used for lighting alone, and which ones are better for contemplating the surrounding landscape? In this case, you need to pay attention to the level of the roof slope - high (long) forms are used for sloping roofs.

Even during the development of the project, the width of each window is calculated, since the step of the building structure of the roof directly depends on this. This issue is resolved together with the designer, as he will be able to correctly suggest what you need to pay attention to: the correction of the size of window or truss structures.

Standard sizes of skylights. The main characteristic of such products is that they have their own standard size range. Manufacturers often produce their products in stock from 6 to 14 sizes. Therefore, before preparing a window opening for a window, it is necessary to find out in advance exactly what sizes are in stock, so as not to blunder.

Serial number of roof window. Such a concept as a "series" implies the technical characteristics of a window structure, namely:

• double-glazed window;
• material;
• window opening axis;
• function "micro-ventilation";
• the presence of one or another window fittings.

Back to index

Construction material

The most common material is glued laminated timber. It is so popular due to the fact that it is harmoniously suitable for all rooms, except for bathrooms and bathrooms (due to the high level of humidity). For these purposes, either metal-plastic windows or wooden ones with a polyurethane coating are used, as they withstand moisture and sudden changes in temperature well.

Roof window opening axis. There are the following options for execution: in the middle, at the top and at two-thirds of the height of the window. Most often they put exactly the first option, since they have a fairly optimal price. In other models, there is one advantage - the window opening scheme is so convenient and comfortable that there is no need to constantly think that you can hit your head on it. But if you wish, you can choose a roof window with a combined opening system.

Back to index

Double-glazed windows

The installation height of the roof window depends on the way it is opened.

The components of a quality window are tempered glass and filling with argon (an inert gas). Since the roof window is still located on the roof, it has several times more load from natural phenomena (wind, snow, hail, rain, etc.) than the usual one. Therefore, the use of tempered glass is due to such a need. Inert gas (argon), in turn, contributes to good thermal insulation.

If there is no limitation in finances, then more expensive models can be considered, the design of which can be quite diverse:

• argon is replaced by a gas with a higher level of thermal conductivity;
• a special glass production technology allows, in case of damage, to disintegrate into non-sharp pieces (like car glass);
• glasses can have a special coating with different purposes: whether it is heat reflection inside or outside;
• better thermal conductivity can be achieved by increasing the internal distance in the double-glazed window;
• increased glass thickness will also contribute to strength.

In addition, for a greater indicator of your wealth, you can purchase automated skylights. They are controlled by wall switches or a mobile remote control.

Back to index

Requirements for double glazing

In order for roof windows to fully perform their functions, their double-glazed windows must meet certain requirements:

1. High-quality double-glazed windows should provide good security and high thermal insulation.
2. If you want to purchase a luxury window, then at the very beginning you need to ask the seller about the availability of additional functions. You need to pay for each “chip”, so it’s better to immediately think about this or that supplement in home use.
3. There is a small point that sellers do not always focus on. The level of thermal insulation of a double-glazed window and the level of thermal insulation of a whole window are two different things.

The attic is a fairly practical solution to the housing problem. 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 a really suitable option among a fairly large assortment? 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 the total area of ​​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 glazing area, can supply a fairly powerful stream 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 consider both natural lighting, which will fight against fungus and mold, and ventilation. Roof windows can combine these two functions. Thus, you can ensure healthy and comfortable living conditions.

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 select this indicator for the individual characteristics of 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 you deliberately build a residential room under a mansard roof, 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. In addition, 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. The presence of protective coatings that 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. At the same time, a greater distance contributes to 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. Therefore, before overpaying for a more functional option, it is advisable to decide which features you really need.

The basic models take into account the average level of security, 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 has excellent insulating qualities, and the sealing gum or the frame material leaves 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. In this way, you can achieve better lighting and visibility. 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.

With a large assortment of accessories, it is advisable to purchase them together with windows from one 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 choose from the brochures the characteristics of windows from various manufacturers and mark those that 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 the mistakes of installers that often lead to the fact that even the highest 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 receive free service. 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. Read the 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 a building level. The check is carried out after the installation work is completed, when the sash is hung.
• The adjunction 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 for warm air to freely wash the double-glazed window and prevent 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.

The Russian market is dominated by wooden roof windows. Although two of the three leading manufacturers of this type of product - the German company ROTO and the Polish FAKRO - along with wooden ones, also produce PVC roof windows. Why plastic skylights have not taken a position in their segment of consumer goods, equivalent to the position of their plastic counterparts among ordinary windows, is a mystery.

Comparison of skylights by operational properties

PVC roof window Roto

The advantages of wooden skylights are not obvious.

Environmental friendliness?

But the wooden frame and sash, for the sake of increasing the service life, are impregnated with so many compositions, varnishes, paints that there are hardly less chemicals in them than in plastic profiles. Yes, and wooden windows have long been made not from solid wood, but from glued beams.

Are construction and repair teams and just cobblers more accustomed to working with wood than with plastic?

PVC roof window FAKRO

Also not a factor: both companies have developed quite digestible installation technologies for all types of skylights, available to low-skilled installers.

At the same time, there is no reliable information that plastic roof windows would keep heat better, they would leak less, etc.

Both designs have been worked out for decades. Their performance properties are about the same. The only significant factor is the price of PVC roof windows.

Comparison of types of roof windows by prices

Although it is read that “everything natural is more expensive”, both ROTO and FAKRO charge prices for plastic skylights much higher than for wooden ones.

Roof window FAKRO made of wood

And so - for all dimensional rulers and modifications. The prices of the world's third manufacturer of roof windows - - are at the same level as the prices of FAKRO wooden windows.

Velux wooden window

The prices are taken from the price lists of official representative offices of companies in the Russian Federation, the reader can go to them using hyperlinks in the text.

Another paradox: specialized "dormer" forums and review sites are literally teeming with posts that plastic dormer windows from both manufacturers are cheaper than wooden ones. Where does such conviction come from?

Either this is a skillfully staged advertisement for plastic profile manufacturers, or lower-level retailers are doing something with price tags that makes wooden roof windows, contrary to the official recommendations of ROTO and FAKRO, become more expensive than plastic ones ...

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 adjusted 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 for 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 nets are best taken 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.