Roof window: which one to choose and how to install it?

If we generally think of walls and partitions for installing openings in a house, roofs are also sometimes areas where installing a window is necessary. If you are wondering why to install a roof window, how to choose it, and if there are any regulations to follow, find out without further delay our answers and our advice.

WHY INSTALL A ROOF WINDOW?

The attic has very interesting development potential. The turn into living rooms enlarges its habitat and add rooms, game rooms, bathrooms, or additional offices, installed under the roof. The first thing to do to properly arrange an attic is to install roof windows that will allow air and daylight to enter it.

For optimal brightness, know that the total glazed surface must be at least 15% of the surface of the room. It is therefore sometimes necessary to install several windows side by side, or on both sides of the roof. To make your attic habitable, choose a number of roof windows and models that correspond to the total area of ​​the attic. It is important to be able to benefit from the best comfort in terms of light.

The range of roof windows has grown significantly in recent years. There are custom or standard roof windows. Their very varied dimensions make it possible to dress all the rooms, even the most cramped.

It is also possible in some cases to combine a classic skylight with a fixed skylight or other opening windows to create a large opening and a clear view to the outside. The choice of your roof window will also depend on the slope of your roof since different types of openings correspond to different angles.

Installing roof windows is quick and easy. They are available in all materials, aluminum, PVC, wood roof window, with frame covered with molded plastic for wet rooms and even zinc, and equipped with all possible types of glazing. You can reach out to Cape Town based roof window company, to discuss the available and suitable to your needs windows for your home.

ROOF WINDOWS: WHAT TYPE OF OPENING?

From the start of your project, ask yourself what type of opening matches the slope of your roof, your needs, and your lifestyle. There are 3 different types of opening for roof windows:

The roof window with a rotation opening: this type of window opens inwards. By pulling on the opening bar at the top of the window, the sash pivots on its horizontal axis. This type of opening takes up little space in the room and is suitable for roofs with a slope of 15 to 90 °. The pivot allows the window to be left ajar in several positions. To clean the exterior surface, simply tilt the leaf 180 °. This type of opening is also safe for children.

The side-opening roof window: this type of roof window has a hinge on the side and therefore opens outwards in the same way as a door. It therefore does not clutter the room at all and offers a clear view of the outside. However, it gives easy access to the roof and is therefore not suitable for a children’s room.

The roof window with a projection opening: on this type of window, the hinge is placed at the top and the opening handle at the bottom. By pushing the handle, the window opens completely outwards and allows you to enjoy a wide opening angle. This type of window is ideal for low slope roofs.

The motorized opening roof window: very practical for windows that are difficult to access, the motorized opening makes it possible to control the opening and closing from a distance using a remote control or a switch. It usually opens by rotation or projection. Solar roof windows are the most environmentally friendly since they run on energy supplied by the sun. There are also roof windows with motorized roller shutters.

ROOF WINDOWS: WHAT TYPE OF GLAZING?

Attics are particularly prone to humidity, heat loss in winter, and the greenhouse effect in summer. To protect yourself from all these climatic hazards and preserve your comfort, preferably choose well insulating glazing. As a rule, all glazing in modern roof windows is designed to properly insulate a room. However, you can opt for reinforced double glazing or even triple glazing.

If your roof window faces a busy street, railroad, school, or other noisy environments, you can also choose a window with reinforced sound insulation fitted with special double glazing. Choose acoustic double glazing with an attenuation coefficient of around 30 dB for good noise reduction.

Finally, you can also choose security glazing that protects you from break-ins but also from hail. You have to opt for glazing with laminated or tempered glass.

Note that there is of course glazing that combines these 3 qualities of thermal, sound, and safety insulation.