Placement of skylights. This solution gives the house a lot of advantages.

A prerequisite for turning the attic into a full-fledged living space is the installation of window openings in the roof, without which it will remain dark and uncomfortable. Obviously, as their filling, special structures should be used that can withstand the loads characteristic of the roof. Such windows are called skylights.

Types of skylights

Skylights are classified according to several criteria:

location;
the material from which the frames are made;
type of double-glazed window;
opening method, etc.

Location

Two options available skylights:

vertical;
oblique.

Vertical skylight

It is installed in the pediment or in the so-called cuckoo - a ledge in the roof, which has a vertical outer wall.

Vertical masard window is not subject to extreme loads

The advantages of vertical windows are as follows:

they are not affected by extreme loads, therefore, in terms of simplicity of design and cost, they do not differ from ordinary facade windows;
may be large;
located in the lower part of the room, such windows are the least conducive to heat leakage (warm air rises).

Despite all their advantages, vertical windows are not very common. If you install them in the gables, the central part of the attic will be poorly lit. And to install such a window on a slope, you have to build a "cuckoo", which somewhat complicates truss system and leads to the appearance of potentially dangerous places in terms of leakage (adjacent to the main roof). At the same time, both in the cuckoo and in the pediment, a vertical window gives less natural light than an inclined one.

"Cuckoo" should not be considered only as a burden that you have to go through for the sake of installing a vertical window. Such an element allows you to increase the volume of the attic, therefore it can be quite appropriate in small houses.

Inclined skylights

They are installed in the slopes and are located in the same plane with them. The ramp angle should be 15 degrees or more. If it does not satisfy this condition (flat roof), a window should be installed with a special structural element that will give it the necessary slope.

Sloping roof window provides comfortable natural light to the room

Sloped windows are superior to vertical ones in that they allow more light and do not require changes to the roof structure, but some of their features must be reckoned with:

due to significant loads, the dimensions are limited: the area of \u200b\u200bthe double-glazed window rarely exceeds 1.4 m 2;
when located in the upper part of the room, heat losses significantly increase, as a result of which it is recommended to pay attention to energy-saving models;
in the summer can lead to overheating of the room.

The latter circumstance should be taken into account when choosing the location of the window, more precisely, its orientation relative to the cardinal points. The hottest thing will be in the attic, the windows of which face south or west. It is recommended to equip them with blinds, with which it will be possible to regulate insolation.

To a lesser extent, the heat is created by windows looking into eastbound, and do not create at all - facing north.

Frame and sash material

At the moment, they produce aluminum, wooden and metal-plastic windows for the attic.

Aluminum

Actually, aluminum is not used in its pure form, but its alloy with silicon and magnesium. This type of window has the following advantages:

durability: the design will last at least 80 years;
resistance to UV radiation, oils, gases and acids;
strength;
incombustibility;
presentable appearance.

However, in a residential setting aluminum window would be impractical - too much heat is lost through it. It is customary to install such structures in large pavilions, airports, exhibition halls etc.

The aluminum frame is characterized by high thermal conductivity, which negatively affects the energy-saving properties of the window.

Windows with aluminum parts cannot be installed on roofs with copper sheeting: both metals corrode on contact.

Wooden

Made from glued laminated timber, which is assembled from well-dried and therefore non-shrinking boards. Usually softwood is used.

Outside, wooden elements are closed with aluminum overlays. For installation in bathrooms and toilets, wooden windows with a waterproof polyurethane coating are produced.

A wooden window harmoniously fits into the interior of the attic, finished with wood

In a living room, it is wood that looks most natural. In addition, this material retains heat well. But wooden windows also have a significant drawback: they are quite expensive.

The user should also take into account the fact that such products require careful handling, since the wooden elements can be damaged relatively easily. May need maintenance: needs to be restored lacquer coating in places of abrasion.

metal-plastic

The frames and sashes of such windows are made of galvanized steel profile enclosed in a PVC sheath. Various additives have been added to the plastic, giving it resistance to solar radiation and weather factors.

Metal-plastic windows, when heated, can release harmful substances into the living area

Metal-plastic windows are very practical:

do not require care;
more resistant to damage than wood;
are absolutely moisture resistant;
cost 4 times cheaper than wooden ones.

Plastic does not blend well with the interior of the living space. In addition, PVC can release harmful vinyl chloride gas into the air, especially when heated to some extent ( summer heat or battery heat may be sufficient). The sellers assure that harmful fumes, if any, are within acceptable limits, but the fact remains: in Western Europe plastic windows in residential buildings have not been installed for a long time.

In addition to the outer walls, there are piers in the steel profile that divide the inner cavity into longitudinal chambers (not to be confused with chambers in double-glazed windows). The more such elements there are, the warmer the window will be. According to the number of cameras, the profiles are divided into:

3-chamber: installed in regions with a warm climate;
4- and 5-chamber: designed for regions with cold winters;
6- and 7-chamber windows: they are significantly more expensive than the previous version, but they are slightly superior in thermal resistance, so the purchase of such windows is considered by many to be inappropriate.

The number of cameras in the profile is selected taking into account the climate of the region

In regions with especially severe winters, experts recommend installing windows with a wider double-glazed window instead of 6- and 7-chamber profiles.

Type of double-glazed window

Roof windows tend to be made as light as possible, so most often they are equipped with 1-chamber double-glazed windows, that is, consisting of two sheets of glass. Less often, 2-chamber double-glazed windows (3 sheets) are installed.

For skylights, single-chamber double-glazed windows are most often used.

Glasses are of the following types:

float glass: also called thermopolished, it has a complete absence of optical distortion;
glass with a transparent metallized coating (I-glass): a variety with an energy-saving effect - the coating reflects infrared radiation, carrying away heat from the dwelling;
tempered: when cracked, it does not form large dangerous fragments, like ordinary glass, but a scattering of small ones, which also have blunt edges;
triplex: two-layer glass with a polymer film between the layers, which, when cracked, holds the fragments in place.

In triplex double-glazed windows, a polymer film is placed between the glasses, which increases its impact resistance.

Double-glazed windows with I-glasses are filled with inert gases - xenon, argon, etc., which, coupled with spraying, gives an increase in thermal resistance by 30%.

Double-glazed windows made of ordinary glass without spraying and filled with an inert gas, contrary to the assurances of unscrupulous manufacturers, are not energy-saving. Such a double-glazed window will be warmer than usual with air filling by no more than 2%, so you should not overpay for it.

Opening method

Most often, the roof window is rotary, that is, its sash rotates around a horizontal axis. Friction brake hinges are used, thanks to which opened window can be fixed in any position.

The horizontal rotary axis can be located in one of four versions.

At a distance of 2/3 or ¾ of the length of the window from its bottom. Such designs are called windows with a raised axis. This is the optimal solution for windows of great length, which, in a mid-hinged design, would block off half of the attic when opened. There are models with a pneumatic drive that pushes the sash outward so that it top part did not come out into the room. The use of a raised axis makes it possible to achieve greater illumination by increasing the window area, however, in this case, it is quite difficult to wash the outer glass.
At the top of the window. Products with an upper pivot axle, as well as mid-hung ones, have the usual dimensions. They are convenient in that when opening the entire sash is outside the attic, respectively, nothing prevents you from coming close to the window. But with this design, washing the glass from the outside is also quite difficult.
Above and in the middle. This opening method is the most practical. If the window needs to be washed, it is opened as a center-hung window, in other cases - as with an upper axis.
in the middle of the frame. Such windows are called mid-hung windows. They are the most common and have the lowest cost.

The advantage of the latter solution is that the user can easily clean the outer glass by turning the sash through a significant angle. The disadvantage is that the upper part of the sash in the open position protrudes into the room, so you can’t get close to the window, and besides, you can hit the sash.

Each of the options for the location of the rotary axis has its own advantages.

The handle on the swing sash can be placed both from below and from above. If the edge of the window is not too high, the top handle is more preferable: a small child will not be able to open the sash and it will be possible to arrange flowers on the windowsill. If the window is too long and you can’t reach the top without a stool, you should install the handle at the bottom.

There are also hinged roof windows that open like ordinary ones. Such models are used if access to the roof is necessary. They are equipped with a pneumatic shock absorber, which prevents gusts of wind from slamming the sash.

Video: how to choose the type of roof window opening

Options

The design of the roof window may contain:

Vent valve. Mounted at the top, it can be opened and closed regardless of the position of the sash.
Remote control system. A window with this option is purchased if it is supposed to be installed high relative to the attic floor. The remote opening device can be mechanical - in this case, the user opens the window using a pole attached to it and electronic remote controls. In the second case, the sash is opened by an electric or pneumatic drive (the second is for rooms with a high explosion hazard), and the user controls all processes by pressing buttons.
A rain sensor that signals the power window to close automatically in the event of bad weather.
Two sashes located one above the other, when opened, the window turns into a balcony. The lower one plays the role of a balustrade, the upper one - a canopy.

You can open and close the window using the remote control

Salary type

Salary is a part that seals the gap between the window frame and the roofing. The profile of the lower part of the flashing must correspond to the relief of the roofing material, otherwise the roof window will protrude too much beyond the roof plane.

Thus, various salaries are issued for:

soft roof that does not have a wave at all;
metal tiles;
corrugated board with different wave heights;
ondulin;
ceramic tiles.

In the marking of the roof window, the type of salary is usually indicated by one letter or another.

Video: roof windows - pros and cons

Roof window dimensions

With regard to roof windows, there is a size range that is considered to be standard:

54x83 cm;
54x103 cm;
64x103 cm;
74x103 cm;
74x123 cm;
74x144 cm;
114x144 cm;
134x144 cm.

The dimensions of the roof windows depend on the design

AT model range at different manufacturers may have their own sizes. In addition, the window can be made to order with any size that will be convenient for the buyer.

In order for the insulation to be fixed around the window, thereby eliminating its freezing and moisture condensation, the width of the frame should be 12 cm less than the distance between the rafters. If necessary, this parameter can be reduced, but it should not be less than 8 cm. From this follows the conclusion: it is necessary to select a window at the design stage of the roof - then the designer, in accordance with the choice of the customer, will assign the spacing of the rafters.

The dimensions of the roof windows and their number are selected in such a way that for every 8–10 m 2 of the floor there is 1 m 2 of glazing.

To make it convenient to look out the window, its bottom should be placed at a height of 90–120 cm (this value is taken based on a seated person), and the top at a height of 200–220 cm from the floor. With a gentle slope, it is difficult to follow this requirement, since the window in this case will have to be of considerable length. The solution is as follows: products with a so-called wedge are used, due to which the window is located at a steeper angle.

The smaller the angle of the roof slope, the longer the window should be

If the window is located in the upper slope of a sloping roof, where nothing will be visible through it anyway, then they tend to place it closer to the ridge in order to minimize the impact of falling snow and flowing water.

Installation of skylights

To install a window between the rafters, two transverse beams the same section as the rafter leg. On slopes with a large slope, the upper beam can not be installed - instead, the frame is simply attached to the crate.

Before starting installation, it is necessary to separate the frame and the sash

Before installation, the window should be disassembled by detaching the sash from the frame. This operation must be performed with great care and after careful study of the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, the hinges may be damaged.

Fixation is carried out by means of mounting brackets, which are screwed to the frame on one side and to the mounting bar on the other. Brackets are included.

A drainage gutter must be installed above the window - water will flow around the opening through it. This item is not always included. If there is no gutter, a strip of waterproofing material folded in half along the length can be used as this.

The gutter installed under the window is designed to drain condensate

The technology for sealing the gap around the window is largely determined by the type of roofing material used. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly, without trying to simplify it, otherwise water will seep into the room through the window.

In order for the roof window to serve properly, attention should be paid not only to external, but also to internal work:

It is necessary to properly fix the slopes: the lower - vertically, the upper - horizontally. Their arrangement will provide warm air blowing, without which the glass will be covered with condensate.
Slopes should be insulated with a thick layer of mineral wool. If instead of it a thin "Penofol" or something else of that kind is used, as is sometimes done out of ignorance, condensation will appear on the slopes in winter. Mineral wool must be protected from moisture penetration by vapor barrier.
Similarly, you need to insulate the side gaps between the frame and the rafters.
Under the window it is necessary to install a heating battery.

When blowing out the seams with polyurethane foam sealant ( polyurethane foam) It should be applied little by little, in several steps. This composition expands significantly when cured, so if applied liberally, it can warp the frame.

Violation of the order of installation of elements and components of the kit will lead to a negative result

When installing a window, do not use a flashing, seals or other parts from other models, even if they seem to be quite suitable in size. Minor, visually undetectable deviations are possible, due to which the window structure will let water through.

Video: installing a roof window on a finished object

Roof window manufacturers provide customers with the most wide selection producing a wide variety of products. The main thing is to carefully consider all the design features before installation in order to choose the most suitable model for your home. We hope the above tips will help you.

Hello dear readers and subscribers!

When visiting a site, measurers often have to work both as construction consultants and as consultants on the style and interior of the premises. Many questions arise in connection with the installation of skylights.

Inspired by ideas from magazines and TV shows, the client does not always clearly imagine the end result of the work. When choosing roof windows, the opinion of a professional is especially important.

It is necessary to take into account not only their size and number, but also the location of the openings, the material of construction, the methods of opening, and others. important nuances. Therefore, skylights are on the agenda, or rather, reviews and opinions of those who have already had the opportunity to get acquainted with this type of transformation of premises under the roof of a building, and today share their experience.

As children, we all wanted so much to visit the House on the Roof and fool around a little with Carlson. But he lived in a typical attic. Kai and Gerda lived in the attics of adjacent houses, characters in the fairy tale by H. H. Andersen “ The Snow Queen". The invention began its march through the Parisian quarters in the second half of the 17th century, with light hand enterprising French architect Francois Mansart.

AT modern Russia The attic boom began at the beginning of the 21st century, when there was a demand for individual and at the same time inexpensive housing. Attics are being built all over Europe, Finnish technologies are used. Such interesting metamorphoses have taken place over 300 years with this cozy room under the roof.

Windows in the attic floors are often located directly in the roof. This inclined design places special demands on quality. Strength, tightness, Mansard windows are produced by Roto (Germany), Velux (Denmark), Fakro (Poland). At construction forums, products of these European firms are usually discussed.

Visitors to specialized forums are primarily concerned about the problems that may occur, and actively discuss design flaws. Therefore, on the sites you can find negative, very emotionally saturated statements. Let's start our review with the cons.

sometimes leak

“The skylights are leaking. In winter, the snow melts, freezes, melts again, begins to drip. Frost forms between the frame and the window. Still getting condensate. Already cleared the snow, but it still forms. How to be?

This question is most often exaggerated on the forums. And the answer is given by users. “It seems to me that all sorts of troubles, such as drafts and leaks, are in most cases associated with self-installation. And then people sin on poor quality windows, not hands. Guys, boots should be made by a shoemaker, and pies should be baked by a confectioner, then there will be much less problems, believe me.

hot in summer

“Here, so that it is cool in the attic in the summer, what can you tell me to do. The parents in country attic stuffy in summer."

This issue is also solved quite simply, and even in different ways:

Increase thermal insulation layer under the roof
install reflective screens (for example, from foil) on the windows, blackout curtains or blinds
correctly design the roof (in winter the sun constantly shines through the window, and in summer the overhang of the roof creates a falling shadow).

Are expensive

“They installed a roof wooden window, successfully entered it into the interior, it does not attract attention to itself, it looks harmonious. But, the price is two and a half times higher than the cost of a conventional plastic structure.

Each consumer decides this question for himself, choosing an acceptable combination of price and quality.

Owner reviews: advantages of skylights

Aesthetic appearance

"Rooms on attic floor worked out very effectively. I personally feel very comfortable in them! Nice to watch at night starry sky through skylights."

Large light absorption surface

“We installed four skylights in the bedroom and office. It's light and cozy."

Indeed, according to experts, sloping skylights let in 40% more light than vertical ones. The viewing angle at the same time is quite wide and from a sitting and standing position. It is important to correctly calculate the size, number and height of the windows.

Variable handle position

The question of where, after all, it is most convenient to place the pen can rightfully be considered sore. For many, the option is preferable when the handle is at the top of the sash, while others want it to show off much lower. In addition, it is not clear which opening mechanism is considered optimal.

Many manufacturers make windows that open with the turn of a handle. You can meet attic window systems which are opened by pulling a small lever. One thing is clear, if there are children in your family, then for safety reasons it is better to choose the top position of the handle.

Hardware selection

For skylight windows, special fittings are used, which differ from the traditional fittings of plastic windows. This type is not supplied separately, as window companies usually offer fittings for ordinary windows.

Fittings for skylights are made to order and cannot be found on a wide sale. By the way, attic fittings are not only a window handle, along with a constipation controlled by it. This is a whole system that is similar to the locking system of modern PVC windows.

Roof windows are a universal solution for both residential buildings and office buildings. What do their owners value in these designs and what do future buyers warn against?

Problems with skylights

In recent days, many citizens come with complaints about headache about leaking skylights installed by unidentified persons. Of course, it is impossible to ignore this problem, and it begins to acquire the proportions of an epidemic when the temperature outside the window increases. That's what happened this time as well. Here is how it was.

Yesterday, at about 4 p.m., citizen K. turned to me with a complaint that the skylights, installed in accordance with all the rules of science and technology, were leaking in the area of the lower porch of the window sash. The issue of condensation inner surface double-glazed window fell off due to the lack of such in the atmosphere of this house in sufficient quantities.

A site visit was made. The words of citizen K. were confirmed by the most objective reality of this problem. Inspection of the window structure did not establish any defects, installation errors were not detected. The problem turned out to be an excess snow layer that had accumulated on top of the window.

The thick layer of snow formed as a result of this winter has led to the fact that with an increase outdoor temperature snow melts on the glass surface. The water formed in this way flows down the inclined surface of the glass onto the surface of the window block and solidifies on it in its solid state of aggregation, giving a load to the sealant. After some time, this leads to the fact that the ice deforms the seal and water begins to pass into the inside of the window block, which we observed once again.

After a complex of procedures, the problem of this headache disappeared and did not appear again. Thus, the method of eliminating this problem is recognized as effective if there are no errors in the installation of the roof window and errors in the thermal calculation of the roof roof, and there is sufficient ventilation in the room. Citizen K, the owner of the house and skylights, ended up incurring costs in the amount of the cost of the specialist's working time spent on the road and on inspection, which is an excellent result.

source: forumhouse.ru

If you look at almost any forum on roof windows, it turns out that the discussion is going on mainly on one issue: do roof windows flow at 100% or only at 50?

Moreover, some users claim that over time the products of all manufacturers of roof windows begin to flow, while others hint that something depends on the brand of the window and the professionalism of the installers:

“Expensive windows start leaking too. Only a year and a half or two years later than cheap ones "

Cons of skylights

Reviews on skylights like: “A friend has windows for 15 years, washes glass once a year, is happy to the point of madness”, or “Velux is 10 years old, do not leak!” (Sti-Club website). Involuntarily, you begin to think that 10-15 years ago Velux was supplied to Russia from Denmark, ROTO - from Germany, now - from Egypt or from a former cloth and worsted factory somewhere near Starye Pyrky.

Where is the reason to say so? - An analysis of the posts on the forums suggests that the roof windows are leaking, after all, not because of the flaws of the installers, on whom it is customary to blame all the troubles, but because of defects in the factory assembly. After all, skylights do not leak during heavy rains or snowfalls.

The flow mechanism is different:

in winter, after heavy snowfalls, snow lingers on the glazing;
during the day, under the sun, it thaws, and after an evening frost, frost forms on the window, firmly “soldered” to the window frame. Under it, snow and ice begin to melt from the heat coming from inside the attic;
but the resulting ice crust does not allow the melt water to drain.

As a result, water fills the gap between the sash and frame and seeps through the seal, either loose during assembly or worn out during the opening and closing cycles of the ill-fitting frame.

This is evidenced by the black color of moisture flowing into the attic; if the smudge is more transparent, then this indicates that the window acted as a “collector” of condensate.

Note!

Conclusion: the seal must be periodically lubricated and changed. In addition, it has been observed that hatch windows leak less than windows with opening around a central axis. Therefore, it is better to buy windows with opening around the upper axis or an axis located at a height of ¾ of the window: the sealing gum wears out less in them.

Advantages of skylights

They have, in addition to minuses, skylights and pluses. At least, there were no complaints about poor thermal insulation or blowing. Moreover, users note the concern of manufacturers about the introduction of effective ventilation systems into the design of roof windows and the launch of the Velux-Aereco program (Aereco is a French company that managed to implement the design of a fully self-regulating supply valve ventilation).

There are posts whose authors (website forum-okna.ru) set the manufacturers of ordinary wooden windows as an example of the products of mansard manufacturers made of wood: the latter are completely not subject to decay, serve for years without painting, etc. care. The developed technology of impregnation and application of protective coatings has an effect.

Admiration appeals to the strength of skylights. One of the members of the forum (from the site farmhouse.ru) describes the case of how he tried to get home through the dormer window - the lock was jammed. The glass was broken only with great difficulty.

User satisfaction is caused by the program for the free replacement of worn out and defective window elements, which is now accepted by all three world leaders in the industry - ROTO, FAKRO and Velux.

Roof window selection. Main characteristics

The price corresponding to the quality is the obligatory minimum that the owner of the attic, who is going to buy windows, expects. Goods that have an acceptable cost at the existing level of quality. As for windows, attic structures, despite quite affordable prices, are provided with all the desired advantages:

They are safe. Unlike standard plastic windows, skylights are made of safety glass triplex (installation of the same is carried out on the windshields of cars). With significant damage to the window, the glass does not crumble, the cracks form a web, remaining in the plane of the window.
They are reliable. At the production stage, roof windows were tested for the influence of various weather conditions. So installing them on the eve of winter will provide you with complete insulation from winds and frosts, windows endure dozens of freeze-thaw cycles. On clear summer days, the rays of the sun scatter through the glass, preventing furniture from fading and delamination of wooden interior elements. A careful choice of materials for the production of windows has provided a well-deserved reputation and recognition among buyers.
They are durable. The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty on all original roof windows. You can buy them in Russia right now on the Vekro website. Build a career, start a family, skylights will be with you!

source: vekro-msk.ru

Answers and frequently asked questions about skylights

Most people experience building a house once or twice in their lives. Therefore, it is not surprising that every person who decides to build a house has a lot of questions and clarifications. In this section, we have collected the most frequently asked questions about skylights, which were answered by Chief Engineer Prozarovskaya Marina.

If you did not find the answer to your question, send it to us and we will definitely answer you.

How do roof windows differ from a regular vertical window? What are the pros and cons of the first one? Can an ordinary plastic window be placed obliquely into the roof?

The first fundamental difference is, of course, the scope. Vertical windows are used for installation in vertical walls premises - residential, administrative, public, etc., and skylights are installed directly into the roof. All other differences follow from this.

In particular, the special design of the roof window, which can withstand the same loads as the roof. There is also a special system for installing skylights in the roof using flashings. Vertical windows are not intended for installation in the roof.

How much does a square meter of such skylights cost compared to vertical ones?

To talk about the cost of 1 m² of a roof window, in our opinion, is inappropriate, because we are selling a whole structural element, and not its individual fragments. This value depends on the size and modification of the roof window.

For example, the basic model of a 78x118 roof window costs 9,800 rubles. This is the cost of the window without salary.

The salary is intended for connection of a window with roofing material. For profiled roofing materials, a salary of 78x118 costs 4150 rubles. This price does not include the cost of installation kits - hydro-heat and vapor barrier.

What materials are used in the manufacture of skylights? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them?

The main material from which skylights are made is northern pine wood. It is this material that has the smallest thickness of annual rings, and due to this the tree is dense and warm. In addition, it is the most common type of wood in our country and is popular.

Plastic roof windows made of PVC are manufactured by Fakro and Roto. But we have a model that is fundamentally different from classic wooden roof windows and PVC roof windows - wood in polyurethane. The core is made of glued wood, and the entire profile is covered with polyurethane on the outside.

This model is designed specifically for wet rooms so that moisture does not penetrate into the wood structure of the roof window. Polyurethane is the most dense and durable material that does not crack when heated, does not turn yellow.

Why are skylight manufacturing technologies not used for vertical windows?

We need to talk about the appointment of windows. If we talk about the heat engineering of the entire building, then the main heat loss occurs through the roof. And to avoid heat loss, it is necessary to put warmer structures on the roof.

Skylights, like vertical ones, are a building envelope, so the situation with condensate is similar. Since the roof window, no matter how good it is, has a slightly lower thermal performance than the roof, we also face the problem of condensation. The solutions are similar.

First of all, proper organization air convection. Based on this, the rule of location and installation follows. internal slopes on roof windows: the lower slope from the roof window must be made strictly vertically, and the upper slope must be strictly horizontal.

It is in this position that the movement of air around the surface of the roof window is ensured with the help of a heating device standing below. In the case when the lower slope is still horizontal, we form a ventilation gap in the window sill structure and make gratings so that the flow of warm air falls on the entire surface of the roof window.

What are the features of double-glazed windows installed in skylights?

Features stem from the purpose of the roof window installed in the roof of the house. In this case, the person is directly under the skylights. Therefore, there are increased safety rules for double-glazed windows.

Firstly, as the outer glass on the roof windows, strained glass, more durable than standard bulk.
Secondly, the inner glass for roof windows is made using the triplex technology - two glasses are fastened together, and there is a film between them. When glass breaks, which happens extremely rarely, it does not crumble, but remains on the film. It is enough to replace the double-glazed window, and the roof window will continue to serve.

To select a new double-glazed window or accessories for already installed window, it is necessary to read the information on the plate located at the end of the window. To do this, you need to open the window and the upper part of the window will lower into the room and on the right end you will see a plate (nameplate) on which the class and size of the window and the type of double-glazed window are indicated.

The photo shows nameplates from the old window (310 is the size of 78x160) and from the new window (M06 is the size of 78x118). detailed information about double-glazed windows on skylights is in a special section.

You've landed on a roof window sale and the question is, "Which roof windows should you choose for your home?"

Vertical and inclined roof windows

Eyes run wide. Here and different forms skylights, and various designs skylights, and many types of profiles, double-glazed windows, etc.

First of all, we agree to call skylights in the roof, in its inclined slope.

dormer window

Vertical skylights are also available. They can be divided into two types:

First- auditory, or attic, or, as the classics of architecture call them, "lucarnes". These are structures in which glass is mounted in a vertical wall protruding from the roof and connected to the roof by a gable canopy. They do not suit us: they give little light, and there is much more fuss with their device than with the installation of skylights in the finished roof.

Currently, dormers are used only in non-residential attics, for ventilation and lighting.

Second type- these are triangular skylights that are arranged in the gables of buildings with gable roof. Actually, they are oval, and hexagonal, and semicircular, but for triangular ones it is easier to cut glass, and pick up a profile, and an opening in brickwork do. There are more of them, and according to the predominant type, such a name was assigned to them.

Attic gable window

Gable windows also let in little light; they are usually not used for ventilation. Standard fittings for hinged or tilt opening are designed for rectangular windows, triangular and other complex shape it is more difficult to attach it, and the fittings wear out faster on them. Therefore, the dormer windows on the gables are usually made deaf and they serve mainly to decorate the building.

And for lighting, ventilation and other utilitarian purposes, a roof window in a metal tile or in any other type of sloping roof is best suited. If only because it gives 40-200% more light than a vertical window.

Light flow through skylights

The general rule for selecting a roof window in the roof is that its area should be 8-10 times smaller than the area of \u200b\u200bthe room (the smaller the angle of the roof, the smaller the window area). Then the luminous flux will be sufficient; at the same time there will be no large heat leakage

Based on the fact that the width of the roof window is given by the distance between the rafters, it will not be difficult to calculate its length.

The second rule is that several small windows are better in the attic than one large one. Experts advise: if the area of attic glazing exceeds 1 sq. m, it is better to make two windows, not one. With glazing in 2 sq. meters - three windows; 3 sq. m - divided into four windows, etc. Lighting will be more even.

Classification of roof windows according to the method of opening

Blind skylights

What are the types of skylights?

The best thing about blind roof windows is the price. And that is only theoretically. Because the main manufacturers of roof windows -, - in this configuration on consumer market skylights do not offer. Obviously, it just doesn't work for them. Therefore, they will have to be done custom order, and the price of a blind roof window will become comparable to the price of an opening one.

On the other hand, why do we need a blind roof window? Attic - a room directly under the roof. In summer (and even in winter on sunny days) ventilation is needed here.

The best skylights are opening ones. The whole question is, which opening method to choose?

Windows with different opening

Manufacturers diligently offer options for roof windows with opening around a central horizontal axis. Fittings for such a window are simpler, it wears out less, because. the window is better balanced.

But think about why you need a window in your attic, from the opening of which half of the massive sash will stick horizontally into the room? Not to mention the fact that, with the lower position of the handle, you can easily, when opening the window, hit yourself on the top of the head with this “inner” half? Or, moving in the dark, to run into this sash with your forehead?

Therefore, to the question: “Which roof window is better?” - we will answer this way: the opening of which occurs either around the upper axis, or the axis raised by ¾ of the height of the window (usually the fittings of such windows are designed in such a way that they completely bring the sash out of the frame).

Roof window in the bathroom

The exception is the roof window in the bathroom. Simply because the design with opening around the central axis and the top placement of the handle with a low window position allows you to manipulate it without getting out of the bath. The most enjoyable job, by the way!

Usually these windows are mounted on plastic profiles or in wooden frames with moisture resistant impregnation. Often equipped with a valve for forced ventilation.

There is also such a variety as "mansard hatch-window". It serves not only for lighting and ventilation, but also for access to the roof. As a rule, it opens like a door, around the lateral vertical axis - to the right or left.

Roof window

But the Carlsons among us have long since disappeared; no one without special need goes to a sloping mansard roof. So swing structures are not in high demand.

Is mechanization and automation necessary? - Roof windows with electric drive and remote control are good in high rooms. But the height of the attic rarely exceeds 3.5 meters. Given the slope of the walls, the windows are placed even lower. The electric drive, together with the remote control and installation costs, is more expensive than the window itself. So decide for yourself which roof windows are better - with or without automation ...

Balcony window

The choice of skylights will not be justified if you do not know about another variety of them - skylights-balconies. This is a design with two wings located one above the other. Both open outward, with the upper sash around the upper axis, forming a canopy for an impromptu balcony. Bottom - around the bottom. It is fixed vertically, turning into a balcony railing (on the sides of it there are folding sides that prevent a person from falling out of this "balcony" to the right or left).

Approaching such a window, you find yourself outside the attic, on a kind of loggia. And all this pleasure - for the price of about six ordinary windows! (For example, Velux sells a Cabrio balcony window for 136,700 rubles, while its counterpart with a regular opening costs 23,300 rubles.)

Expensive? Are blind roof windows cheaper? But how many times do we live in this world?

Skylights, photo gallery

Abundant lighting from roof windows Elegant combination of roof windows and cornice windows Skylights - for light, gable - for access to the balcony
All the variety of roof windows on one roof If the attic is larger than the room on the floor, then it needs a lot of light! Shared bathroom with skylight

Installation of skylights should be carried out according to the instructions and constantly check the quality and implementation of the necessary installation steps. Otherwise, your roof will be of poor quality and leak at the slightest natural damage.

Skylights in the roof and three vertical windows - lucarnes in the roof of the attic

It is important to remember the main stages of installing skylights in the roof and their types in order to equip your house as efficiently and efficiently as possible and use the maximum possibilities of the modern construction market.

The first rule to remember when installing a roof window is that it must be attached not to the window frame, but to the truss structure (wooden or metal-plastic window frame).

In order to make your structure lighter and the window can be installed faster and more firmly, a horizontal beam should be installed at the bottom of the window and attached to the truss system.

During the installation of the attic structure, it is worth leveling the lower half of the window with a level 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 screw the screws into the oblong holes at the corners of the attachment. They should not be screwed in completely, because after installation you can carefully check everything and, if necessary, adjust the parameters and position of your window system.

The roof window can hold itself up if its position is correctly and accurately aligned in such a way that there are approximately the same distances between the frame and the rafters.

After the final inspection of the structure and verification of all distances and positions, the self-tapping 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 from durable material, which will protect your premises from moisture and atmospheric influences as much as possible.

Laying insulating materials should be carried out from the bottom up in order to fit it as closely as possible to the frame and avoid overlaps and excess material residues. In the end, all places where the insulation is connected are screwed and fixed with self-tapping screws.

When installing skylights for 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 at a distance of 10 cm from the bottom of the frame and extend 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.

Insulation operations with a window are carried out from the inside, by laying insulation over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe frame and closing it from moisture heat-insulating material foil type. 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 a private house and want to install an attic structure, you should study in detail all types of these structures and make sure that your structure is reliable and durable.

With the help of an attic, you can create an extra 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 home residents.

Skylights are very popular and in demand on this stage development construction technologies, because they allow you to save on lighting, 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 the attic structure and how many windows will be the best option so that the shape and dimensions of your attic match the parameters of the house and achieve a unique and effective design effect.

Installing an attic window is a very important and responsible business, from right decision which will depend external design your home and aesthetics.

Lucarna - a window in the roof of the attic floor

Lucarna(fr. lucarne, from lat. lux "light") - a window opening in the slope of the roof, usually attic, or dome, with vertical frame closed on the sides and top.

Lukarnaya, for example, is the well-known skylight on the attic roof of the house.

The presence of a lucarne allows in the attic rooms get more usable area with a high ceiling. Through the window of the lucarne, you can see not only the sky, but also explore the surroundings.

Lucarna on the roof significantly affects appearance Houses. To maintain harmony in the appearance of the house, the number, shape and location of lucarens must be determined taking into account the type of facade, type and steepness of the roof.

The dimensions, location and shape of the lucarna determine the interior of the room in which it is located.

There are several types and forms of windows - lucarnes.

Lucarna lean-to

Lucarne with flat roof can be made wide enough, even for the entire length of the room. Then the attic room with a wide lucarne will not have beveled sections of the ceiling.

In a room by the window, furniture for relaxation is usually placed or a table is set for work.

Lucarna with gable roof

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 lucarne with a gable roof is usually entered in 1 - 2 steps of the rafters. Wider lucarnes often spoil the appearance of the house.

Inside the room, the ceiling of the lucarne is made flat.

Lucarna with gabled roof

Lucarna with a gable roof looks good on slopes of any steepness and shape. Outside from the ground, the roof of the lucarne is not striking. It is easier to harmoniously place such a lucarne on the roof of the house.

A lucarne with a gable roof can be made wider - by 2-3 steps of rafters (up to 2 - 2.5 m.)

The ceiling of the lucarne in the room can be flat, or it can repeat the shape of the roof of the lucarne (in the figure).

Lucarne with low side walls

The vertical side walls of the lucarne can end at a height of less than 2 m from the attic floor. In this embodiment, the roof of the lucarne is made gable, and the window is pentagonal.

Inside, the ceiling of the lucarna niche follows the shape of the roof.

The low walls of the lucarne limit the possibility of using the space near the window to accommodate tall furniture.

Lucarne with a semicircular window

Outside, the roofing smoothly flows around the lucarne from above and from the sides. As roofing here it is better to use bituminous, metal or ceramic tiles.

Inside, the ceiling in the niche of the lucarne is made in the form of an arch of a cylindrical or conical shape.

"Bull's eye" with a wide oval window

A bull's-eye lucarne with a wide semi-oval window is usually placed on a large roof slope from the side of the main facade. The soft and smooth roof line above the hatch looks spectacular 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 entirely in one room. A room with such a window is very bright and attractive.

triangular lucarne

A small triangular lucarne is most often made to illuminate the stairs, dressing room or bathroom.

A triangular lucarne can also be used to illuminate larger rooms. But such a lucarne adds very little to the space with a high ceiling in the attic.

Inside the room, the ceiling of the lucarna niche repeats the shape of the window.

Lucarna window size in the attic roof

The dimensions of the lucarne in the attic roof are determined from the following considerations.

To ensure the illumination and insolation required by sanitary rules, the glazing area window openings the room should be at least 1/8 of the floor area.

In a person with a height of 176 cm, the line of sight 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 lucarne 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 below is protected by a metal fence.

A room equipped in the attic is called an attic. It was invented in Paris back in 1630 and the relevance of this architectural solution has not been lost so far, moreover, taking into account the growth in suburban construction, it is constantly used.

The design of the attic should work like a roof

The design of the attic is determined by the type of roof itself. Historically, it has been best option roof profile for arranging an attic room - this is the so-called broken roof. The figure shows the ratio of the volume of this room in the case of a gable and a broken line.

Even with the naked eye, it is clear that the size of the room under the sloping roof is larger than under the gable one. It can also be seen that it is larger in area than the one located on the ground floor, this is due to the design feature of the house itself. Yes, and it is somewhat easier to make.

Attic frame without insulation

The construction of the attic room implies that it automatically becomes an integral part of the roof structure. That is, the beams that are used to make the walls and ceiling of the attic, take on the load from the roof structure, making it more durable and stable.

For the manufacture of an attic in frame house it is necessary to use the same materials that were used in the construction of the main walls and the ceiling of the first floor.

That is, if a beam of 150x50 mm was used for the walls, then the same one should be used in the arrangement of the attic room.

As supports, under the wall beam, logs of the ceiling of the first floor are used. Fastening is carried out using nails or a corner and wood screws. How exactly to fix the beams is chosen by the developer himself based on his experience and knowledge.

The subtleties of construction

Complicate the life of builders, the need to install windows, because of this, it is necessary to complicate the construction of the roof or use windows that are designed for use in the attic. Another point that can complicate the life of the developer is insufficient natural ventilation, that is, it will be necessary to take measures to create forced ventilation in the attic. In addition, a complex roof entails an increase in labor intensity in the arrangement of thermal and waterproofing. But all these difficulties are outweighed by the attractive appearance of a house with a mansard roof, and an extra room never hurts.

Non-bearing elements of the attic frame

The non-bearing elements of the attic room include those that are used for wall and ceiling cladding, as well as for heat and vapor barrier of the room itself. In this case, it may be necessary to create an additional frame on the vertically installed beams of the room wall frame. To finish the room, lining is usually used, the main thing is that when it is nailed, it is unacceptable for pieces of thermal insulation to get into the cracks.

Attic insulation

The work related to the insulation of the attic is associated with certain difficulties, namely, it is quite time-consuming and complex, and some developers violate the order of work in order to speed up the work.

The thickness of the insulation depends on in which part of our country the house is being built, if we talk about central Russia, then it would be optimal to use a heat-insulating mat 150 mm thick.

For roof insulation in this case, a material such as basalt wool or its equivalent.

Some craftsmen use polystyrene foam. Suitable for roof covering roofing material, only at the same time it must be remembered that there are materials that will require constant ventilation, these include metal tile and its analogues. In other words, the developer will have to provide a gap of 20–30 mm between the metal tile and the film covering the thermal insulation.

roofing pie

Theoretically, subject to all the subtleties and high-quality work, the roof should not let moisture through and condensation does not form. If, however, flaws were made during the arrangement of the roof, then the condensate formed under the tiles will settle on the surface of the film, which prevents it from getting inside the insulation. And after a while it just dries up.

The insulation is placed between the rafters, and if the width of the board is less than the thickness of the heat-insulating mat, then you can either nail an additional bar to the rafters or fix a drywall sheet, but in this case, the surface of the sheet and mat must be separated by special vapor barrier paper. Such a design will guarantee normal vapor permeability, in other words, the steam generated as a result of the temperature difference between the room and the inner layer of insulation will settle on the surface of the paper and gradually evaporate. To ensure its evaporation between the insulation and the waterproofing layer, it is necessary to leave a gap of about 10–15 mm, through which the steam will be removed.

Another small detail, for guaranteed removal of steam, it is desirable that the ridge of the roof be cold, for this, small viewing windows can be arranged in the pediment, this approach allows you to avoid the formation of condensate even in severe cold weather.

Window

In order for the attic room to have natural light, it is advisable to arrange windows. Before deciding which windows and how many to install, remember that a rooftop window always lets in more light.

In the case of the attic, one window big size will give a little less light than two small ones set a short distance from each other. For greater efficiency, it is advisable to place windows as high as possible from the floor of the attic room, but it is necessary to take into account the height of the person who will live in this room.

When calculating the window area, you can use an empirical formula, that is, derived from practical experience. Ideal Ratio 1 to 8, that is, with a room area of 16 square meters, the window area should be 2 or more square meters.

Windows in the attic

Windows in the attic are placed in the space between the rafters and are installed simultaneously with the roof. Window frame can be attached directly to the rafters.

If the dimensions of the window are smaller than the width of the rafter pitch, then it is necessary to make a crate under it, that is, fill additional burs on the rafters and, if necessary, install a support beam. If the window is larger than the width rafter pitch then it is possible to either make cutouts in the rafters, or install a sheathing under the window, in such a way as shown in the figure below

Roof structure

Balcony

Balcony area for the attic can be arranged in several ways, from the side of the pediment or from the side of the slope.

To arrange a balcony from the side of the roof, the craftsmen use a window-balcony combination. This design is shown in the figure below. It is installed according to the same rules as a simple window.

Window-balcony in the attic

The balcony on the side of the pediment can have several versions, for example, the wall of the pediment is arranged at a distance of two or three steps of the rafters, and the floor is covered in the vacated space and a railing is installed flush with the cut of the roof.

Balcony under the roof

If there is a desire to make a remote balcony, then even during the construction of the interfloor ceiling, you can take out the beams to the required length. By the way, to increase the reliability of such a design, it does not hurt to install under it supporting pillars, exactly as shown in the figure below.

Balcony remote from the total volume of the house

Projects of houses with an attic

And this is a project of a house 6 by 4 meters, the total building area is 24 m2. Total area: 36 m2.

House with mansard roof 6x4

Plan of the 1st floor and attic floor

We would like to offer you a choice of several options for projects of houses with an attic.
For example, the first option. House 6x6 meters, with total area– 30 m2

House with an attic and a veranda 6x9

More frame house projects different area see the section "Projects of houses".

Video

We invite you to watch a video about building a house with a mansard roof on your own with a step-by-step photo.

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