Skylights: views, features and installation

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

The word "attic" comes from the surname of the 17th century French architect Francois Mansard, who was the first to decide to make living space from the attic. There were no holes for the penetration of light in such a room, the darkness and the sultryness were constant companions of the person who lived there. Changes in the design occurred only during the Second World War, when Danish engineer Willum Cann Rassmunsen suggested making glazed openings in the roofs, allowing fresh air and natural light to be let into 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.Rooms are filled with comfort and mystery. If necessary, the opening in the roof makes it possible to get out of the house or, on the contrary, to get inside.

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

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

The arrangement of vertical windows in the lower part of the room prevents the leakage of heat. Birdhouse allows to slightly increase the area of ​​the upper room, but, on the other hand, complicates the truss system and may lead to possible leaks at the attachment points to the main roof.

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

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

One of the key differences in roof windows is how they open. The most popular - mid-turn models. The single leaf opens with a turn around its axis, located either in the center or 3/4 closer to the top edge. Such models are easy to operate and maintain. However, full access to the outside can be difficult.

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

Sometimes the architectural features of the roof do not allow to install full-size models. Then the perfect solution would be the windows-hatches with a "light tunnel".They are a tube, one end of which goes upstairs, the other remains in the room.

Such hatches are used in non-residential premises, but without the “light tunnel”. The design consists of one leaf, which rises to the top.

Swing models are another popular option for an attic. However, it is not very convenient to use them - in order to wash them, it is necessary either to stretch out strongly, or to go to the slope.

The roof window can be equipped with a rain sensor and an electric drive. Remote control technology provides the ability to adjust the design without getting up from the sofa and even staying on the lower floor of the house. Instead of remote control, you can use wall switches.

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 like at the time of construction - this will allow to avoid the extra costs associated with the reconstruction of the ramp. Installation of this product in a private house can be done by hand.

Skylights are located so 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 when mounting on metal tiles are improper installation of insulating salaries, poor insulation of slopes and the use of foam. Anyway, Before you begin installation work, you should 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 with argon gas contained inside is inserted into the sash, which provides excellent thermal insulation. The standard equipment includes aprons for waterproofing and vapor barrier, drainage gutter, salary, insulation material and internal slopes.

Before you begin the installation work, you need to prepare the tools: tape measure, construction level, electric drill and scissors for cutting metal, hacksaw, electric scissors, stapler, screwdriver, pliers.

Installation is made on the timber 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 installation height: 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 - below.

Sheet cover can be cut in any part. If the surface is covered with ceramic tiles, it can not be cut, and the hole can only be made above the completed rows.

On the waterproofing material make a mark where the holes will be located, the cut is made taking into account the stock - about 20 cm on each side. On top of waterproofing for waterproofing put waterproofing apron. Next, remove the roof cover, cut the crate, stepping back 2 centimeters from the support, and from the bottom they beat the timber - about 10 centimeters from the batten.

Before installing the frame, you must remove the glass and salary. On the box put mounting brackets. It is important to remember that models from different manufacturers may have a different shape and be mounted differently: only on rafters or on rafters and crate. To the top of the box is attached insulating material, which is later pressed down to the timber. As soon as the bottom edge is adjusted, the bottom brackets are firmly tightened.

Next, you need to check the operation of the sash, to ensure that there are no distortions and cracks. After the adjustment is completed, the lower and upper brackets are tightened again.

To improve the waterproofing around the perimeter of the window opening is placed waterproofing apron. Usually it is included in the package, but you can make it yourself. Above the frame, remove part of the crate along the width of the drainage gutter. The gutter is carried out under the waterproofing material, cut in the middle, and set along the perimeter of the frame. The top of the apron is pulled under the gutter, and its edges under the crate. Himself apron stapler attached to the box.The design allows water to flow into the gutter.

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

Inside it is recommended to install slopes - slats, framing the frame. There must be a stick to open. Correctly installed slopes (the top one is parallel to the floor, and the bottom one vertically) help to carry out soft air circulation and natural heating. In addition, they perform an aesthetic function.

Skylights produced from various materials. Depending on preferences, opportunities and goals, you can choose wooden, plastic or metal products.

In country-style mansions and chalets, small houses and cottages wooden structures look great. The main raw material is northern pine.The high density of laminated wood makes the products flexible, allowing the use of fewer fasteners. The big advantage of wood is the manufacture of products of various shapes and sizes - arched elements, balconies.

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

Products from a plastic profile, unlike wooden, do not require special care. It is waterproof, resistant to rotting and deterioration 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 made such products very popular. The problem point is that plastic profile when heated can release vinyl chloride - a gas harmful to living organisms.

Sometimes skylights 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 operated for a long time (at least 80 years) in aggressive environmental conditions at very different temperatures. They are unpretentious in leaving, have protection against rainfall and ultraviolet rays. A wide choice of colors allows you to adapt the profile to any version of the design of the roof and the house itself.

Products made of aluminum are cold and warm. Cold are used for glazing openings of non-residential premises. Warm designs are installed in the attics of residential buildings. Their profile consists of three parts with insulating insert. Such a 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 have a significant effect on the profile.

One of the requirements for structures installed under the roof is low weight. Often they consist of a single-chamber glass unit with four types of glass: thermo-polished (float glass), with a transparent metallized coating, tempered and triplex. Thermal polished glass prevents the appearance of optical distortion. Glass with metallized coating reflects ultraviolet rays.

When cracked tempered glass forms many small particles with blunt edges, thus avoiding cuts. Triplex is a two-layer glass with a special film that holds cracked fragments.

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

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

It is necessary to approach the choice of the size of dormer-windows very carefully. From this will largely depend on the lighting, the appearance of the house, its perception. Some aesthetic preferences in determining the size is not enough. You should consider the area of ​​the room and the possible location of the window openings.

In accordance with accepted standards, the area of ​​the window must be at least 1 square meter per 10 square meters of space. 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, to create a sense of beauty and freedom, you can set one large window, in others, coziness will create several small ones.

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

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

A high window allows you to enjoy the beautiful view. However, the choice of height depends not only on beauty. The main influence has a roof layout. On a flatter roof make a hole of greater length. For a roof, a slope of 35 degrees is optimal for a length of 160 cm, for a roof, a slope of 70 degrees is 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 a distance not lower than 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.

The windows under the roof 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 chosen design gives a sense of organicity, romance, freedom, comfort, grace.But before you choose the design, you should figure out whether it is necessary to provide protection against hacking, from the sun, or simply as a decorative element.

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

Another option for sun protection is thin mesh, the so-called awnings. They transmit light, dissipating it and thereby reducing the flow of heat. Separately installed awnings also function as a mosquito net.

Curtains are a classic way to design window openings. On the vertical structures using ordinary curtains, on the inclined - two cornices. The first cornice is installed on top, and the second is placed where it is convenient - it will not allow the canvas to fall and hold it in the desired position.For fixing the cloth used Velcro, eyelets, braid, clamps, clamps. These elements are used as decoration. Curtains bring elegance and tenderness to your visit.

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

For non-standard forms of window openings are irreplaceable pleated. The canvas is held by a special cord or electric drive that allows you to assemble the curtain or hold it in the desired position.

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

The most famous manufacturers of roof windows, presented on the Russian market, are the Danish company Velux, the German Roto and the Polish Fakro.

The Danish company Velux has been manufacturing window products for over 70 years. Today, this manufacturer offers wooden profiles, made from extremely durable northern pine, impregnated with antiseptic. In addition to the finished product is applied a special varnish or monolithic polyurethane.Double-glazed windows are manufactured using the “warm perimeter” technology - a dividing strip of solid steel rounded at the corners is used, which reduces the amount of condensate.

The inner part is filled with argon, and silicone is used for sealing, the service life of which reaches up to 20 years. A three-level seal around the perimeter allows you to retain heat and eliminate drafts. The design uses a unique ventilation device and a removable filter that provides protection from dust and insects. Velux windows are operated at the lowest temperatures. Smooth, streamlined shapes allow you to harmoniously fit them into any architectural solution.

The model range of this manufacturer is represented by four central-swivel and two upper-swivel models, balcony and other structures. The standard warranty period is 5 years.

Among the disadvantages are the high cost of production and the location of the handle at the top of the frame, which can be very inconvenient for a high window arrangement.

Roto products have been present on the world market for over 50 years. The company is a leader in the production of accessories for windows and doors.The innovative idea of ​​this manufacturer is to create a structure with a rotary axis located above the center. Since the 90s of the 20th century, the company has been manufacturing plastic profiles in 6 colors: white, golden oak, black oak, walnut, mahogany, pine.

The model range is represented by four models: with a central axis, a raised axis, two axes of rotation and a PVC model for rooms with high humidity. Handles are installed at the bottom of the frame. Operation of products is possible at low ambient temperatures. The company supplies an electric model with a rain sensor.

Other advantages of Roto products include a dual circuit seal, a special block for thermal insulation, and the ability to control the gaps between the frame and sash. Good quality Roto makes products popular with customers. The warranty is valid for 5 years.

Polish manufacturer Fakro produces windows from laminated veneer lumber, which is impregnated with antiseptic and varnished. In the double-glazed windows also used argon, durable tempered glass, resistant to adverse environmental factors.Special fuses prevent squeezing the glass. The ventilation valve prevents condensation from accumulating and provides fresh air. The handle is located below. The fittings fix the sash in 6 positions. Products have a lower price compared to their competitors.

Warranty terms are also valid for 5 years.

You can make sure that the skylights - a complex product, the quality of which depends on the comfort of living. Properly chosen size, configuration and appearance create harmony with the outside world. It is nice to be in such a room, to welcome guests, to admire nature and just to have fun. When choosing windows, you should not chase the price, ignoring the quality and compliance of products to specific conditions.

Poor quality, inappropriate size, material can deliver a lot of unpleasant minutes and, possibly, lead to additional costs that exceed the initial cost of the product.

When installing the window, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. Only this will ensure the quality and durability of the structure, and avoid unnecessary conflicts with the supplier and the manufacturer. It is desirable that all elements of products, including fittings and insulation materials, are original and comply with the recommendations of the manufacturer. Lack of a waterproofing apron or improperly selected salary, plastic fittings reduce the quality of the product.

All window elements require additional maintenance during the entire period of operation, especially with regard to wooden parts.

Skylights will help you significantly warm the house. Their repair and replacement will not require a lot of effort, if you have at hand the scheme of works and drawings.

Important is a neat approach to the design of skylights. Location on the roof, openness to the aggressive influence of the environment imposes additional requirements on the installation of the shutter, the choice of decorative elements: curtains, blinds, roller shutters.

You can watch a master class on mounting a Velux skylight in the next video.