Windows in the roof of the attic. Skylights. How much to put, additional options than to protect from the sun. Attic windows. Lucarnes and their features

The dormer window in the mansard roof is not just a decoration that helps to create a unique roof design, but also increases the amount of light in the room. It can be a fairly simple design that you can install yourself, or a complex design product that gives the roof an individuality.

How did dormer windows come about?

The dormer window on the roof first began to appear in Europe in the middle of the 19th century. They served mainly to create lighting in the attic, thanks to which the room became suitable for housing and household needs. After some time, architects began to use this technique not only from a practical, but also from an aesthetic point of view. Windows gained popularity in such areas as the Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque. Their appearance was very different depending on the country in which the building was built.

In Russia, for the first time such designs became known after the victory over Napoleon. Ten years later, a roof with a dormer window no longer surprised anyone, it became commonplace, especially for Moscow and St. Petersburg. Attics were most often used for living by people with low incomes, the premises were often given over to workshops.

What kind of windows are there?

Depending on the type and location of the dormers, they are divided into the following types:

Located in a gable wall.
Dormer, which can have a different shape:

1. triangular.
2. quadrangular, used if the roof has slopes.
3. trapezoidal.
4. segmented, most often such windows are called panoramic, they are used if the roof has the shape of a trapezoid.
5. arched.

Antidormer. The window is not located at an angle; a special step is made under it in the roof.
Inclined.
Skylight: it does not open, it is located at the top of the roof.

Design features

Depending on the type of roof, the dormer window on the roof will also differ, the design of which is selected in a special way.

In a gable wall. Such windows are equipped in the upper part of the wall, which is located at the end of the building. It has a triangular shape, roof slopes are located on the sides. The structure is located on the same plane as the facade of the building. Such a window does not need any additional structures, it opens, you can attach a ladder to it and get through it to the attic.
Dormer is located entirely above the roof slope. To install such a design, it will be necessary to strengthen the roof and take care of the high-quality waterproofing of the window. This type of window is most common due to its efficiency, there are a large number of models.
An antidormer is a dormer window on the roof, the design of which is designed in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the roof, while being in the same plane with the facade. This is a built-in window, because of this it reduces the volume of the room inside. It is easier to equip such a product than the one discussed above, however, due to the folding of the interior space of the room, it is not widely used.
Inclined type. Such a window is most often called a dormer, and it is not uncommon. Such a structure is inserted into the inclined plane of the roof, which is why it is also tilted. The shape of such a window can be any; it is usually made of metal-plastic.
Clerestory. It is made entirely of glass, the shape may be different. Thanks to its design, the lantern gives maximum illumination to the attic, it is most often used in non-residential premises, since there is no way to curtain it or open it for ventilation.

Skylight Usage Examples

Dormer windows can be used in almost any type of roof and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them versatile. Most often, such structures can be found on the slope of the roof or in the plane of the walls, but they can also be used for shed structures.

Hip roof dormer windows are quite widespread. . They are well suited to classic houses or period architecture. The frames are usually triangular in shape, the windows give good even lighting, a feeling of comfort and tranquility. This type of window is widely used for modern structures, especially when the roof is heavily lowered to the floor.

Triangular windows are quite simple in execution, they are cheaper than other non-standard shapes, while they provide the most even lighting, but the amount of light will be moderate. This is good if you are going to turn the attic into a bedroom, but not suitable for a nursery, games room or living room. Sometimes there are arched windows: they are small, but they create a certain design direction that draws attention to the house. Such windows provide minimal lighting, they can be used for ventilation if they have opening sashes.

Dormer windows can be placed either one by one or in groups, the main thing is not to violate the integrity of the supporting elements of the roof. The arrangement of structures can be both horizontally and vertically. If you want to achieve a wide view and good lighting, you can use a panoramic window, but a lot of heat usually escapes through it.

If the roof is trapezoidal, it will not have side walls, so the window is covered with roofing materials, special waterproofing is used. The dormer window of the attic floor is usually selected depending on the purpose of the room and the type of roof. There is a wide variety of options, so you can always choose the right one.

What are the design requirements?

A gable roof with a dormer window not only looks good, but also turns the attic into a room suitable for living or other use. However, certain rules must be observed when choosing a roof window.

First of all, you should take into account the direction of the world, which the future window will look at. The south side gives more light, so if you do not need bright lighting, you can install small windows or use tinting. The larger the windows, their number and slope, the more light will be in the room. The optimal size is calculated something like this: for one meter of glazing there should be 9 meters of floor. It is advisable to include a roof window in the project even before the roofing begins: this will greatly facilitate their installation, since special places will be provided for the windows, and it will not be necessary to disassemble the roofing material.

A gable roof with dormer windows can have different lighting depending on the future purpose of the room, so it is not necessary to limit yourself to one window: you can install as many of them as you need. The main condition is only that the frame must fall between the rafters without violating their integrity. It is necessary to comply with the requirements of SNiP, they are needed at the design stage, when the general concept of the room and its style are being developed.

If the building does not have a very convenient roof shape, a triangular dormer window can be placed on the wall of the attic floor. It can also serve as an entrance to the attic. Such windows can be used for non-residential attics or in combination with other solutions. The maximum window size is limited by the plane of the roof, and is calculated from lighting considerations. The larger the plane of the glass, the more light will enter the room. In addition, in order for the structure not to harm the roof, not to weaken it and to serve for a long time, it is necessary to comply with the requirements and norms of construction. SNiP includes the following requirements:

Inclined windows are installed if the angle of inclination is not less than 35 degrees.
From the outer walls of the building, superstructures can only be located at a regulated distance.
The minimum size of opening sashes should be 0.6×0.8 m, the allowable size on the roof is 1.2×0.8 m.
The facade should not be a continuation of the wall if it is planned to maintain a hipped roof window, the opening of which has a quadrangular shape.

How to make a dormer window - the practical skills of an attic master

The window opening on the roof serves as a source of light for the attic and attic. In addition, this element enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure. Attic windows, another name for dormer windows, can be decorated in different styles and have different designs.

Varieties of attic windows

Another name for a dormer window is a skylight. Regardless of this, it must meet the requirements of the highest level. Structural strength and compliance with the architectural style of the building are important, as well as the ability of dormer windows to provide light and ventilation in the right amount.

Dormer windows have been an integral part of buildings for a long time. Depending on fashion trends, their design and structure changed.

Window openings can have several types of execution:

A window aligned with the roof plane.
Dormer windows that have side walls, as well as a gable wall in addition to the plane of the house.
Windows with side walls and a pediment located in the plane of the building.
Dormer windows that do not have side walls, the pediment of which is located in the plane of the house.

The last three options have vertical glazing.

Openings for a window in the attic can be triangular and trapezoidal in shape, and also have the shape of an arch with glazing over the entire vertical plane.

Structures with side walls are divided into the following types:

With a pitched roof.
With double pitched roof.
Hip.
In the form of a bow or circular arch.
Flat French.

In order for the dormer window to blend into the overall exterior, you need to choose the right type of structure and its location on the roof and relative to the main windows of the house.

Drafting a project

Window openings, including a round window in the attic, must comply with certain Sanitary Norms and Rules, which must be followed during design and installation. The main regulatory documents are SNiP II-26 and SNiP 21-01. Only in this case, you can count on the reliability and durability of windows without compromising the quality characteristics of the roof.

The main requirements are as follows:

Windows can be installed when the slope of the main roof slope is more than 35 degrees.
When positioning the superstructure, you should adhere to the established distance from the outer walls of the house.
The minimum parameters of the dormer window sashes are 60 * 80 cm, therefore, the size of the window opening in the attic can be no more than 120 * 80 cm.
When installing windows with a hip roof and a quadrangular shape, it should be remembered that the facade of such a window should not continue the wall of the house.

According to GOST, dormers are lined with various materials, including copper, metal or tiles. The window structure can have its own roof and gutter, but installation can be carried out without these elements. Overall windows can be equipped with a balcony, which makes the roof more attractive. Lucarne windows are the name of a window in the attic with side walls and a facade glazed over the entire area.

Triangular windows in the attic gable roof

When installing windows in the attic on your own, preference should be given to openings in the form of a triangle with steep roof slopes. The popularity of this design is due to the following: the window pediment does not have a penetration into the roof, it is located in line with the load-bearing wall. At the same time, the location of the opening of the dormer window and the windows of the house should be combined. This will help preserve the architectural features of the building.

The slope of the roof slopes of triangular windows is about 60-70 degrees, so the usable area of the attic does not change. Window openings on the roof, having a triangular shape, make the appearance of the roof aesthetically attractive and allow you to make the layout of the attic or attic space more efficiently and in an original way.

When installing triangular dormer windows, it should be remembered that their roof is adjacent to a common roof. Therefore, there is no need to perform waterproofing of the junctions of the side walls with the roof. This makes the sealing process easier and faster, as well as gable roof cladding with dormer windows.

Assembly of the main part - how to do it right

The assembly of the window frame in the attic begins only after the construction of the gables and the truss system of the main roof. In this case, it is recommended to leave an opening between the rafters. The rafter system of the dormer window has some differences; in it, the rafters on the sides of the structure are reinforced with additional elements. Such a scheme will help the frame withstand significant loads.

The pediment of the window, arranged in the roof, must have support from the side walls. They are installed at right angles to the outer wall, their height is 1.5 meters. The frame of the side walls should rest against the ceiling beams.

The side walls of the attic window are installed after the installation of the main truss system. Next, the binding of the horizontal crossbars and racks of the gable frame of the window is performed.

After that, the solution to the problem of how to make a dormer window on the roof is to perform the following actions:

The rafters that are adjacent to the walls are filed and aligned with the wall sheathing.
Jumpers are installed between the reinforced rafters, the fastening of which is carried out with metal overhead brackets. At this stage, it is forbidden to make cuts or tie-ins, as this reduces the bearing capacity of the truss system.
Check the verticality of the pediment of the dormer window.
The ridge is installed and the location of the gable frame is checked again.
In accordance with the template, the rafter legs of the roof window are cut out and fixed on the ridge and on the lower beam of the structure.
When sheathing the pediment of a dormer window in a mansard roof, you need to pay attention to the fact that the sheathing must match the wall sheathing.
In the manufacture of shortened rafters, you can use a universal template. This will help reduce the time spent on work.

Valley at the dormer window

A roof window can be arranged according to the principle of a multi-gable roof, but with some differences in installation technology. The different slopes of the slopes of a triangular window and a multi-gable roof require a non-standard solution to the problem, so the window and roof slopes are connected by non-standard grooves.

The design of the dormer window on the roof in this case involves the use of slanting rafters, they serve as a support for the shortened rafter legs. When installing a window of this type, it is necessary to correctly calculate the length and cross section of the valley, as well as the angles of the connection of the side walls with the ridge beam. Two grooves are installed for each opening.

Rules for mounting the bottom of the attic window

The window in the attic in its lower part has installation features, special attention should be paid to this. The inside of the roof should be hidden at the bottom of the attic window so that it is not visible from the inside. You can solve the problem with the help of a special installation of grooves.

The gutter beam is mounted directly on the roofing material of the common roof. It acts as a support for the rafters of the gable frame of the attic window. A crate made of moisture-resistant plywood is nailed onto the frame, onto which the roofing material is directly attached. Roof windows are sheathed, moving in the direction from the ridge beam to the lower part of the structure. But the finish coating is fixed in the opposite direction, from the bottom up.

Having decided to independently install window openings on the roof, it is necessary to carefully study all the subtleties of this process. When arranging dormer windows of complex design or original shape, it is best to seek help and advice from professional craftsmen.

Dormer window on mansard roof

The roof consists of many elements, some of them are decorative, while others are practical. The maximum roof area is occupied by flat slopes, which contribute to the runoff of rainwater, which protects the entire structure. In addition to slopes, auxiliary components play an important role. One of them is the skylight. It provides natural light to the attic, if it is on the roof, and also serves to remove moist air from under the roof. Thanks to these windows, the sun's rays fall at a more familiar angle than through horizontal windows on the roof. There are several types of such windows. Additional information will be discussed in the article.

There are plenty to choose from

The dormer window is not a novelty in the construction business. It has long been used as a practical element of the roof. There are exactly as many varieties of dolmers as there are varieties of roof shapes. The differences between windows of this kind lie precisely in what kind of roof they cover. Among them are:

flat;
lean-to;
hip;
gable;
trapezoidal;
arched;
round.

Each type is selected for specific needs and depending on the overall design of the house. If it is dominated by rounded shapes, then the shape of the window roof will be the same. In addition, the shape of the valves themselves can be not only rectangular. Some designers claim that such windows are less efficient than dormers. This is due to a lower bandwidth, since the rays are at the required angle for less time.

There are no restrictions as to which roof dormers can be mounted on. This adds some work to the masters who will be involved in the installation, but the result will definitely please. There is no strict binding to the shape of the roof on which the dormer windows will be located. For example, windows with a semicircular roof and the same shape will look great on a shed. Dolmers can be mounted not only in the slope, but also in the gable of the roof. In some cases, installation of dolmers on a flat roof is allowed, but in this case it will be necessary to provide for a method by which rain or melt water will be removed as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that it will accumulate under the windows, resulting in dampness.

To save money, instead of the side walls of the dormer window, you can make slopes of greater length. This results in a triangular shape. The advantage of this solution is the ease of docking with the ramp. In this case, it should be borne in mind that less light will enter the room. If penetrating light is a priority, then the slopes of the dormer window can be made transparent and you get a skylight. If in the attic, where the zenith windows are located, it is supposed to have a bed, then it is better to provide blinds. Someone prefers dormers instead of dormer windows, but it is important to understand that their cost is somewhat higher than that of dormer windows.

When is installation possible?

It should be understood that the installation of a dormer window is not always possible. There are certain norms of SNiP that regulate the process of installing dolmers. Only in the case of strict adherence to the developed rules, it is possible to achieve the maximum service life of hearing structures. Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing:

roof angle;
distance from external walls;
there are minimum sizes for dormer windows.

For proper water flow in the presence of a dormer window, the slope angle must be at least 35 degrees. With regard to size, it is worth saying that the size of the dormer window should be at least 10% of the total area of the attic space. But the minimum leaf size is 60 × 80 cm. If the dormer window is made on a hip roof, then it must be positioned so that it is not a continuation of the main wall. Most often, the finishing of the dormer window is done in the same way as the roof. But a separate design is also allowed, which implies the presence of its own roof with a separate flooring and drainage systems.

Construction process

Installation of a dormer window is divided into several stages, each of which requires a special approach. It all starts with building a frame.

frame

The dormer window in the attic is being built after the roof truss system is completely ready. However, it must be designed in advance. This is taken into account during the placement of farms. In the place where the opening will be mounted. At the same time, neighboring farms are slightly moved apart so that they do not have to be cut. This would result in a loss of strength. "Cuckoo" has its own truss system. Moreover, its construction is not inferior in complexity to roofing. Rafter legs, on which the entire load will be exerted upon completion of installation, are made triple or double.

For the front of such a structure or pediment, additional support will be required. In its role is the inner wall. Its height must be at least 1.5 meters. It is installed perpendicular to the gable and the main wall. Only in this case will it be possible to achieve the required strength. The walls themselves stand on beams that are ceiling. These walls are assembled after the roofing system is ready. Simultaneously with their installation, a window opening is fixed to them. Most often, such a design is performed in the same plane in which one of the walls is located. If so, then the supporting rafter legs should not go beyond its level.

They are cut flush with the main wall to achieve harmony. In order to strengthen the opening, an additional jumper is made. It is installed between the rafter legs of the opening, the cuckoo ridge beam also rests on it. Most often it is made of wood, which is reinforced with metal plates. The lintel beam is mounted in such a way that it is vertical in accordance with the pediment of the dormer opening in order to ensure the correct abutment of the window ridge beam. The rafters that are side for the window should rest with their upper part against the ridge beam of the roof truss system. If the window is in the same plane as the wall, then the sheathing must be done in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the wall. Moisture resistant plywood or OSB board can be used as a material.

valleys

The installation of a triangular opening must be approached in the same way as the flooring of a roof covering on a pitched roof. But there are some nuances that should be taken into account. Each roof slope usually has the same slope. But this is not so with respect to the "cuckoo", here the angle of the roof slopes of the opening can be several times greater. When docking, a problem arises, since it will be necessary to use valleys with different angles of the sides. If the opening is deaf, then additional shortened rafter legs are used for its manufacture, which abut against the roof rafters.

In order to achieve the correct connection and outflow of rain or melt water, it is necessary to correctly calculate the length of the valleys, as well as the cross section of the beam on which they will rest. Also, for grooves, you will need to know in advance at what angle the slope of the opening will be to the slope of the main roof. You need to prepare a couple of such beams in advance, but they must be in mirror image. When working, it is better to use a pre-prepared template.

Bottom part

The lower part of the structure requires no less careful approach than the rest. The lower part should be a support for a soft roof, which will be hidden inside it. At the same time, the side walls should cover it in such a way that it is not visible. A groove mounted by a simplified method will help to hide it. The beam under it is mounted on top of the main roofing. It serves as a support for the rafter legs of the triangular window. After that, a continuous crate for the window is made of moisture-resistant plywood, on which the flooring for the opening is laid. The lathing is mounted from top to bottom, and the roofing is vice versa. A video of the installation work can be viewed below.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are no two identical projects, each one is distinguished by the complexity and uniqueness of the design. In this case, there are basic rules that are important to follow. Without them, you can weaken the strength of the entire roof truss system, which will result in costly repairs or replacement of the main components. Never settle for the promises of masters who only want to try to build a similar structure. This always indicates insufficient preparation, for which the customer will have to pay. Do not settle for the “as simple as possible” options, but find a master who will be ready to embody the architect’s idea.

Dormer window on the roof: design and drawing

A dormer window is a glazed window frame on the roof, designed to illuminate and ventilate the attic or attic space, as well as direct access to the roof. This small architectural element has many names: "birdhouse", "dwarf's house" and the historical "lucarne". As a rule, the dormer window is located parallel to the facade wall or is its continuation. There are a thousand ways to make a dormer window on the roof and decorate it in an original way, giving the building its own unique look. A typical skylight on the roof of a cottage
An example of a story is a Gothic French lucarne

What is a skylight for?

Initially, the auditory openings on the roof were conceived to equalize the air pressure between the outer atmospheric and the inner underroof. From the point of view of the laws of physics, excess pressure is more likely to knock out fragile glass than lift and deform a heavy roof.

In addition to its practical function, lucarna often has a decorative value. Decorated with carved platbands, stucco framing and other decorative elements, it serves as a decoration for both the exterior of the house and the interior of the attic.

What are dormer windows?

The variety of types of roofing superstructures is determined by the given shape of the window opening and the architecture of the roof.

Dormer windows are distinguished by the shape of the window frame:

rectangular,
triangular,
arched (semicircular).

According to the design of the slopes:

lean-to,
gable,
hip.

Types of dormer windows

According to the method of location in the roof structure:

Dormer - is made in the form of a ledge in the roof slope, requires increased waterproofing. The most common in the practice of construction work.
Antidormer - built into the roof structure, therefore, it does not require additional waterproofing, which is why it is easier to perform. However, it takes up internal space from the attic and, apparently, is rare for this reason.
An inclined window is the same as a roof window.
In a gable wall - a dormer window is arranged in the end wall of a gable roof. The frame is often triangular, trapezoid, or arch-shaped.
Skylight - a window or glass structure on a horizontal or flat roof with a minimum allowable slope (5-15 0).

Also, attic "birdhouses" are made with and without side walls. They are located with a pediment in the same plane with the facade wall or outside its plane, a little higher and further on the roof slope.
An example of a hip roof with a gable dormer window

What is the difference between a skylight and a skylight?

A variant of the glazed opening on the roof is a roof window. Only it is not installed vertically, but at an angle, and lies in the same plane with the roof slope. By virtue of its structural arrangement, such a window must withstand the same loads as the material covering the roof: rain, hail, the severity of snow cover. A significant advantage of skylights is that they let more light into the under-roof space than vertical window openings closed from above and from the sides by a “birdhouse” box.
Aesthetic roof windows made of the latest materials perfectly decorate the interior of a modern attic

If it is possible to make the roof window opening large enough, then you can turn it into a balcony door and organize a roof balcony, as in the photo below.

Since roof windows should not let in external moisture, it is unlikely that you will be able to make a waterproof salary for them yourself. It is recommended to purchase ready-made plastic and wooden double-glazed windows from an official manufacturer. Such window blocks are manufactured in compliance with the production technology and, as part of the roofing, meet all the necessary requirements.

Dormer window in the form of a skylight

Historically, a lantern in architecture is a beam architectural form that crowns the dome of a building and serves as a source of overhead lighting and ventilation. Lanterns decorated with decorative details were installed on temples and cathedrals. Nowadays, the lantern is the glass part of the horizontal roof. It is performed in the form of a flat window, dome, pyramid or in the form of a greenhouse. They visually increase the height of the attic space and let in more sunlight.
Varieties of antiaircraft windows

Roof window: practical and aesthetic

Because of these examples, one might get the impression that dormer windows are needed only in residential premises, and they are not appropriate in uninhabited attics used as storage for all belongings. This is not entirely true, since roof outlets are needed to ventilate the attic space and to provide technical access to the roof. Forms of roofing and options for roofing superstructures can be very diverse. Lucarnes are placed both on roofing slopes and gables - the end walls of a gable roof. Made with a creative approach, they will become a decorative decoration for your entire home.

Regulations

Sitting down to think about the design and starting to draw up a drawing of the future dormer window, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the requirements of sanitary norms and rules, better known as SNiPs.

If the project provides for the arrangement of several auditory openings in a row, the distance between their outer edges should be at least 80 cm. Compliance with this requirement will allow you to freely arrange routine inspections of the roof, clean it from snow or leaves, and replace roofing material. On some roofs, you can see auditory openings in two rows, made one above the other. In this case, it is recommended to comply with the same standards: a step from the bottom edge to the floor and between the openings themselves from 0.8 m.

Getting Started

As mentioned above and as will be seen from the drawings below, the most popular roof dormer design is the dormer. Therefore, in most sources, the description of the construction of an attic window involves the construction of just this type of dormer opening.

Installation of the roofing "house" is carried out only on the already installed load-bearing rafter "legs". With its constructive structure, the auditory opening resembles the structure of a roof, only in miniature. It has its own truss system, crate, and with a gable roof - a skate.
Diagram of an attic dormer in cross section

As for the inclined roof window, inscribed in the roof surface, its construction does not require the construction of a separate frame. However, there are additional requirements for the quality of the window unit. Since one of the purposes of the auditory opening is attic lighting, the owner should take this into account and plan a dormer on the south side of the roof. At worst - in the east or west, but most importantly - not in the north.

Manufacturing process

In the place where the dormer window is arranged, the supporting beams are sawn out and removed. It is better if the supporting rafters are at the same time the edges of the opening to be equipped.

Ideally, the width of the dormer window is equal to the distance between the inclined rafters.

Since it is better to install dormers without disturbing the truss system, several roofing superstructures are often constructed in the gaps between the beams. Then, reinforced vertical racks, a window frame and a top covering of rafters are mounted. As a rule, the frame of the "birdhouse" is made of beams, although, if the foundation and load-bearing walls of the house allow, the pediment and side walls of the "dwarf's house" are laid out with bricks.

Vertical racks are installed on the lower horizontal frontal board. Their tops are connected by another horizontal beam - a jumper above the window. Vertical racks are connected at the top with a run, and inclined rafters are mounted on the run - the basis of a mini-roof above the auditory opening. At the top point, where the rafters meet, a ridge beam is laid. Scheme of assembly of a standard dormer window

Outside, the structure is sheathed with board, plywood, other facade and roofing materials. Since the auditory opening is part of the roofing system, it must have reliable moisture and heat insulation. Therefore, special attention is paid to sealing joints and using a suitable insulating material: bitumen, insulation, silicone and acrylic sealants, vapor barrier film. All parts are fastened with metal corners and strips using self-tapping screws or construction nails. Dormer design with a square gable and a gable roof

After installing all the elements and completing the exterior finish, they move on to the interior design of the attic or attic exit. Here the owner has unlimited freedom for creativity. The wooden parts are covered with protective primers or paints and varnishes, the areas below and above the dormer window are made to match the overall interior of the under-roof space. Curtains or blinds are used as curtains from excess sun. If the attic is heated, then under the window, as is customary in standard city apartments, you can hang a radiator.

Conclusion

So, the dormer window has a functional and decorative value. On the one hand, it serves to ventilate and illuminate the attic space, and provides access to the roof. On the other hand, it adds variety to the architecture, gives the building a unique look. The homeowner who has decided to build a dormer window on his roof is faced with a choice: hire an experienced construction team or assemble the structure with his own hands according to his own drawings.

Modern roofing eurowindows have turned non-residential attics into cozy, bright attics. Skylights have transformed everyday buildings into contemporary pieces of architecture, bringing light into the space and filling the home with fresh air. Attic eurowindows have brought a new trend to the architecture, allowing you to harmoniously fit the hatches necessary for maintenance into the facade of the building. A roof window allows designers to create a unique attic interior, a romantic bedroom, a nursery, a personal office, a bathroom, or an exquisite winter garden.

Types of skylights

Roof windows meet a number of requirements and perform several advantages:

During the day, natural light penetrates the house, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person.
Skylights are easy to install and save space in the room below.
Mansard roof eurowindows are reliable, ergonomic and easy to use.

Before installing a skylight, you must select the type of construction. The following types of roofing eurowindows are divided:

Auditory are structures that are vertically located in the roof and are necessary for ventilation and lighting of the attic. Their installation requires a separate erection of rafters mounted in the roof. Dormer windows are:

protruding beyond the roof (dormer);
recessed inside (antidormer).

Inclined eurowindows differ from auditory ones in that they are mounted directly into the roof at an angle. Wind windows were invented in the 19th century, and dormer windows in the post-war fifties of the 20th century. Inclined eurowindow is characterized by tightness, practicality, high light transmission and sound insulation. With an excess of sunlight entering the room, the roof window is closed with a canvas or blinds. The light output of an inclined eurowindow is 35% higher than that of a gable or dormer window.

The gable window is mounted vertically into the gable wall using a gable collar. Gable frames can be opening and non-opening. Such models serve to increase the overview of the surroundings.

Roof hatch window

The roof hatch should organically fit into the appearance of a private cottage. A wonderful solution is the hatch window, which is built into the roof without any problems and looks like an ordinary sloping Euro-window. The hatches are wonderfully in harmony with the external appearance of the entire building and the windows installed in it. Types of roof hatches:

The emergency roof exit looks like an inclined eurowindow. It is endowed with all the functions of simple windows. It is used for technical inspection and access to the roof. To open the sashes, you just need to press the handle and the hatch will open automatically with the help of gas shock absorbers. Such structures are installed on the roof with a slope of 15 to 55 degrees.

opening angle up to 70 degrees;
combined system of opening and ventilation;
laminated internal glass;
the outer layer is a hardened surface treated with a self-cleaning agent;
size from 700 x 1200 mm to 1006 x 1200 mm.

The operating exit looks like an ordinary mansard hatch-window and serves to exit to the roof. It is installed on roofs with a slope of 15 to 55 degrees, equipped with a supply valve for ventilation of the attic. Opens outward along the side axis.

the eurowindow is opened with a handle;
the hatch is equipped with a multifunctional double-glazed window;
the sash can open both to the right and to the left;
hatch size - 500 by 930 mm.

A hatch window is installed in the attic rooms of buildings for technological inspection and access to the roof. You can choose the type of opening and side. Equipped with a provision for ventilation of the room. Mounted on roofs with a slope of 20 to 65 degrees.

the lower overlap of the frame serves as a step;
sash fixed in 3 places;
opening angle up to 89 degrees;
size - 490 x 760 mm.

How to choose the right skylights?

When choosing an attic eurowindow, a number of features should be taken into account:

the presence of protection against moisture;
the presence of seals;
profile or frame material;
opening method;
glass strength.

Design features of roof windows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlwbG2I_Hss In the design of inclined windows, a single-chamber double-glazed window is used, which greatly facilitates the load on fittings and supporting elements. For dormer-windows, a frost-resistant heat-saving double-glazed window is used, which is filled with argon.

Double-glazed windows made using the "triplex" technology will save the inhabitants of the attic from fragments of accidentally broken glass. Since two glasses are glued together with a special film that allows you to hold the fragments. The Easy Clean coating breaks down the dirt accumulated on the eurowindow under the action of sunlight, which makes it easier to clean the glass.

Important! It is important to pay attention to the location of the window handle. It should be at a convenient height for use.

Additional options, such as: roller shutters and retaining supports will protect the house from noise, hail, sun and serve as protection against penetration into the home.

Roof window design features

The simplest design of a recessed eurowindow. You can use an already erected ceiling and mount a window under an already finished roof. Such windows are mounted at any time.

The protruding roof window must be designed at the construction stage. The design can be mounted for flat and gable roofs. It is much easier to mount protruding ceilings on a flat roof. The mounted side walls of the structure are sewn up with boards and covered with roofing covering material, which covers the entire roof.

An internal window in the roof can be installed between the beams that hold the roof rafters. The support board is installed between the supports, then the window frame is placed on it. From above, the frame secures the fixing beam. The side walls and drains are covered with a covering material that covers the entire roof.

Roof window installation

After the final choice of the model and location of the attic eurowindow, they proceed to its installation. Tilt window installation sequence:

in the roof it is necessary to cut an opening for installing the frame;
the roof is reinforced with additional lags and a frame for the window frame is mounted;
insulation and waterproofing are laid;
roofing material is laid;
window block is installed.

Types of skylights

What are roof windows

If you are faced with the choice of a roof window or you are just interested in what kind of roof windows are - below we will tell you about the types and types of roof windows.

In modern construction, skylights have found wide application in roofs. They bring natural light, create room ventilation, coziness and comfort.

It so happened that the construction industry of the 21st century is actively developing, bringing new technologies and materials. Likewise, skylights have received significant additions, upgrades and improvements.

But first things first.

Types of windows for roofs

To begin with, in order to divide windows by type, you can consider all companies that are manufacturers of roof windows. By the way, there are not many of them on our continent.

Roof window manufacturers

VELUX from Denmark

The company VELUX (Velux) for the production of skylights was founded in Denmark in 1941. Velux is the world leader in this industry.

FAKRO - Poland

The origins of the Facro company date back to 1986. FAKRO is a positive example of how a carpentry shop has become a well-known manufacturer of skylights and stairs on a continental scale.

Roto from Germany

Roto roof windows are also manufactured in Poland and Russia.

Windows by type of material:

Wooden windows

The most common and popular. The frame and sash of the window are made of glued beams.

Windows with polyurethane coating

The frame is made of wood covered with polyurethane, which does not fade or turn yellow over time.

PVC roof windows

Windows with a plastic (PVC) profile - for installation in rooms with high humidity - bathrooms, kitchens.

armored windows

Armored skylights are heavy and are typically installed in "concrete roofs" (made from cast-in-situ concrete structures).

Manufacture and delivery of armored windows occur on an advance payment within 1-3 months.

standard windows

Standard skylights are rectangular in shape. They consist of a frame and a window sash. Their main difference is the type of opening.

Windows by type of opening:

Roof windows with top pivot
Skylights with raised pivot
Roof windows with a central axis of rotation
Roof windows with two pivots
Skylights with side pivot

Tilt-and-turn roof window (window with two axes of rotation) has two opening systems controlled by one handle. The hinged position of the sash provides safe and comfortable access to an open window. The sash does not enter the room and does not protrude beyond the window opening. The axis of rotation of the sash in ¾ of the height of the window guarantees effective ventilation and allows you to look out of the window while standing at full height. Safety is guaranteed by the automatic fixation of the sash in the position for washing the window, and the supply of fresh air is ensured by a two-stage ventilation gap.

All above mentioned standard roof windows with manual opening. But in the modern era, skylights have become globally automated. They appeared - "smart windows".

smart windows

Skylights with remote control. Powered by remote control, solar power and more!

Modern "smart windows" in the roof allow you to save the installation on the remote control and enjoy the fresh air at the touch of a button.

You can also connect not only windows to the remote control, but also roller shutters, curtains, and even blinds.

The rain sensor closes the window automatically when the first drops of rain appear, while the ventilation valve remains open and allows the room to be ventilated.

All of these skylights are for installation in pitched roofs with flat planes. It is possible to install both one window and two or three or more side by side.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the arc skylight.

arc window

Arc windows are a structure in which, depending on the radius of the roof arc, the window frame, its sash, double-glazed window and fittings are bent. The arc window fits perfectly into the arched and vaulted roof, allowing you to create an original and modern architectural composition of the building.

Combination windows

Direct combo box:

Facade or cornice windows:

Windows placed on facade joints allow for the implementation of individual attic building options. They combine the properties of both ordinary windows and dormer windows. This type of solution is always an eye-catching element and adds a special charm to the whole house. The use of such solutions gives more lighting and opportunities for interior design. The standard transverse drain bar guarantees optimum water flow and prevents clogging of the façade.

Facade windows can also be combined with additional ones:

Skylights as skylights

Skylights and vertical window elements can be used as an alternative to a traditional dormer, letting in more daylight and providing natural ventilation to the space.

Balcony windows (balcony window)

Installation of a balcony window is carried out in the same way as for a conventional roof window and does not require additional extensions.

extensions

Both triangular and semicircular extensions are used. Such an addition harmoniously fits into the exterior of the building and looks good in the interior of the attic room.

light tunnel

The light tunnel is used when there is also a small attic above the attic living space. The tunnel window is installed on the slope of the roof above the attic, and the room is illuminated through a reflective tunnel-pipe.

At the output, a ceiling diffuser is installed at the same time.

Flat roof windows

There are also specially designed windows for flat roofs. Such windows are also called skylights. They look harmonious in the roof and create a feeling of increased space due to additional light.

attic wall

Fachwerk

Dormer windows on the roof

Can these be used indoors? I consulted and they tell me that I can come up with such a design. But, I'm interested in other opinions.

Advise which manufacturer to choose? What is the first thing to look for when choosing a window?

First of all, the window frame must be suitable for the roof. This is first of all.
As for the manufacturer, there are three brands - Velux, Roto and Fakro. They have been on the roofing market for a long time. I've never come across any fake ones.
For each of the manufacturers, windows have some design features of their own - the location of the handle, the way of opening, etc. There should be an individual approach to the choice, so that later it turns out that “the pen is not there. “, “and we wanted the windows to open differently. ".

Of course wooden windows are better. There are also metal-plastic ones, but they are not particularly impressive.

One of the problems that often arise with skylights is installation errors. Often.

Windows on the attic floor - features and choice

Windows on the attic floor can be very diverse. If earlier the attic was perceived as a kind of addition to the common space, and if there were windows on it, then they were not the most difficult, at present the status of the attic floor has changed significantly. Housing with such a floor has become considered elite, and the windows for it are quite complex, functional and beautiful.

What is an attic floor?

The attic, in fact, is not a full-fledged floor: it is an attic space that is used as a residential or technical room. Thus, from the empty space, you can get a usable area if you ennoble it, properly insulate and install windows.

Most often, these floors are used as bedrooms, lounges, guest rooms. Less often they are adapted for workshops, pantries. The attic floor can take the form of an ordinary room, and several walls can also be at an angle. It is possible to stand at full height on such a floor, however, not in all parts of the room. From the attic floor, you can make one large or several small rooms suitable for habitation. The disadvantages of such a structure include the lack of natural light. Most often, windows in such structures are not planned, so you have to look for a solution after the construction of the house is completed.

Installing a window in a hole cut in the roof

What are attic windows for?

Without natural light, the attic cannot be considered an attic floor. To use the premises as residential, you need windows in the attic, the options for which can be quite diverse, ranging from inclined structures that are installed directly into the roofing material, and ending with display windows that occupy space from ceiling to floor. The main task of window structures is:

Creation of the necessary illumination of the room.
Blocking warm air inside and isolating cold air from outside.
Giving the desired appearance to the room, because the design is significantly influenced by what kind of window the window will have.

Where is the best place to install a window, and which one?

The design of rooms with skylights can be the most diverse, from a simple room upholstered with clapboard to a complex structure that strikes with comfort and splendor. Much depends on what type of windows will be chosen: they should not only isolate heat and create the necessary illumination, but also fit into the interior in the same style.

The size of the windows on the attic floor must correspond to the dimensions of the room, the calculation of the dimensions takes place taking into account the illumination that the design will provide. If the windows are installed between the rafters, their size is usually standard, but if the attic is large, several designs are selected so that the lighting is uniform. Windows need to be wide enough to be placed between the rafters, otherwise the roof will have to be redone, which is expensive and unjustified.

Vertical windows in the attic

In addition, you will need to take into account the slope and height of the roof slopes: if you plan to equip a rest room, study or nursery, it is better to give preference to large windows. The bedroom requires less light, so the size of the window can be smaller. There are three standard sizes:

If larger windows are required, standard designs of 94x140, 114x118 or 114x140 cm can also be ordered. Less common are very small windows, the size of which is 55 or 66 cm; Please note that buying a standard window is much more profitable, as it will cost several times cheaper than one made to your size.

Auxiliary diagram for selecting windows from the angle of the roof slope

Which windows do you prefer?

Choosing roof windows to the attic floor , it is important to take into account not only their appearance, shape and size, but also pay attention to such factors:

Protection from moisture and precipitation.
What are the frames made from?
How the window opens.
What type of glass is used.

Windows can seriously differ structurally, the most important role is played by a double-glazed window: the thicker it is, the heavier the window will be, which is not very good for the attic floor, therefore, a single-chamber double-glazed window is often used, equipped with a heat-saving system and filled with argon. This allows you to reduce the weight to a minimum, reducing the load on the structure and fittings, while reliably protecting the room from freezing.

It would not be superfluous to use triplex technology: thanks to a special film that glued the glass, if such a window is broken, there will be no fragments in the room, and it is quite easy to replace the double-glazed window. In addition, you need to pay attention to where the window handle will be. If it is too high and it is inconvenient to get it, you can equip the window with a variety of drives that will help you either lower the handle lower or control the structure using the remote control.

Remote window control

What other windows are there?

There are not only inclined structures that need to be mounted directly into the roof. Some projects have a perfectly suitable design in order to build floor-to-ceiling windows on the attic floor. Most often, such a decision is laid even during the construction of the house, otherwise then the entire floor will have to be redone. Such windows are an excellent design solution, they give a lot of light, and if the house has a good view, you can admire it while relaxing or before going to bed. It is worth noting that such windows have a number of features:

The complexity of the design and its large size, therefore, the price of such a solution will be much higher than for windows mounted in the roof.
Heaters cannot be placed on the wall directly below the window. You will have to remove them to another wall or install them in front of the window using special fasteners that are screwed to the floor.
The use of curtains also causes difficulties; a special frame is required that is attached to the ceiling.
Such windows have a large area, so it is quite difficult to keep the heat in the room.
A warm design will have a large mass.
It is necessary to calculate that such windows will be even when planning a house. As a rule, it is impossible to install them after construction is completed, or the entire floor has to be dismantled.
Lighting with the help of such windows will be the most correct and natural, however, they give a lot of light, therefore, if you want to equip a bedroom on the attic floor, it is better to think in advance that the windows do not face east. If the design faces south, get ready for the fact that it will be quite hot in the summer, although the problem can be solved with a tinting film.
More than one glass wall cannot be used. In addition, the wall in which there will be a floor-to-ceiling window should not be load-bearing.
The large weight of beams and partitions should not press on the structure.
Washing such a window is quite problematic.

Is self-installation possible?

Most often, when buying a skylight, the owner wonders how to spend less money. You should not save on quality, buy cheap fittings or low-quality double-glazed windows. Such savings in the end will cost you more than buying an initially good window. The easiest way to save money is to install the structure yourself.

To do this, you need to clearly know how to make a window on the attic floor. In fact, it is not difficult, you only need to strictly follow the instructions; it is recommended to get an assistant, since any installation is much more convenient to carry out together. The easiest way is to use the eurowindow: it is inexpensive, relatively easy to install, meets all the requirements for illumination, safety and convenience. Such a window can be installed at any stage of the readiness of the house, it is not necessary to lay down their layout right away.

Attic window installation sequence

If it is planned that it will protrude on the roof, then it must be laid during the installation of the roof, since a special box is required for it. This usually requires a flat gable roof: it is easiest to do the necessary preparatory work on it. To do this, mount the side walls, nail boards to them, cover the structure with roofing material. Such a ledge is sometimes called a cuckoo.

When using a standard internal window, it is installed between the roof beams. They are fixed by the truss system, a support board is installed for the window, which is attached between the rafters, after which the window frame is attached to it. In order for the frame not to fall out, a fixing beam is placed in its upper part. The sides of the window and the drain must be insulated with roofing material similar to the roof covering.

The sequence of actions during work should be as follows:

An opening for a window is cut out in the roof, corresponding in size. The rafter system should not be affected.
For the window frame, a frame is mounted, special support logs are installed.
Lay waterproofing and insulation.
Cover the sides with roofing material.
A window is inserted.

Before starting work, it is necessary to strengthen the roof structure well, mount a reliable frame into which the window frame will be inserted, and you can strengthen the structure using adjacent rafters. Jumpers are attached to them, to which beams are attached to fix the window. The unit is mounted without glass, it is inserted later. The frame must be above the level of the roof, otherwise water will not leave it.

Choosing and installing a window is not the most difficult thing, there are a large number of design solutions that can be implemented when developing a house plan. If it is already built, you can use convenient standard solutions.

Attic windows. Lucarnes and their features

Regardless of the type of skylights, they are all attached to the truss system of the building, and lucarnes also have a truss frame.

Highlights of the installation of skylights

Skylights are also called flat windows built into the roof. But windows are built only into the truss structure, and not to the window battens. The roof window can have a frame made of wood, plastic or metal-plastic. Lightweight structures of skylights are installed by means of lower horizontal beams attached to the rafter system.

During installation, it is important to maintain the horizontal and vertical installation. At the first stage, the lower half of the window is leveled using a building level, then it is fixed in the corners with self-tapping screws. The second stage of installation aligns the length of the window and aligns the parallel with respect to the rafters, then in the corners of the window, preliminary fastenings are made on self-tapping screws that are not completely screwed in order to allow subsequent straightening. The final fastening is carried out only after the full alignment of all dimensions and accuracy of orientation of the entire window structure. The attic window will maintain a stable position with the exact alignment of the frame relative to the rafters - the distances must be equal, such alignment will allow the structure to be firmly held after being fully fixed. The last step is to once again check the accuracy of the installation vertically and horizontally and screw the screws completely.

For skylights, high-quality waterproofing is very important, durable and reliable, since the window is a structural part of the roof and takes on the same atmospheric influences as the roof of the house - snow, rain, wind, etc. Insulating materials are laid in a special way - only from the lower levels to the upper ones, for the most accurate fit to the window frame. Overlaps and excess waterproofing material are not needed, and all joints with insulation require additional fixation on self-tapping screws.

When installing a roof window into a corrugated roof, special profiled or corrugated rails with nozzles are used that fit exactly with the roof deck profiles. These nozzles are installed at the bottom of the frame and have side protrusions.

Double-glazed windows or skylight sashes are installed in the frame after waterproofing. Insulation of attic windows is carried out from the inside, from the room. Insulating materials are laid completely over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe frame; foil heat-insulating materials serve as the top layer. Fastening is made on self-tapping screws and must be airtight and not create cold bridges, for this there is a special fastener.

Preparing to install skylights

Before installing windows in the design of the attic, you should familiarize yourself with their types and the capabilities of certain models. The main requirement for structures is strength and reliability, as well as complete tightness when closed - the window should not let rainwater and moisture through.

The possibilities of the attic are huge - these are additional rooms where not only bedrooms or dressing rooms are placed, but also kitchens, and even sanitary facilities. Provide street lighting, in winter - windows help to heat from the sun's rays. Cozy and practical attic rooms usually become favorite places for relaxation for all residents of the house, since the special atmosphere of the attic - height and lightness - cannot be compared with anything. The popularity of skylights is understandable and justified, since it is window structures that save on home lighting, while at the same time giving the home an exclusive look, originality and charm.

The orientation of the roof windows is important, in accordance with the area and the climate of the area. The southern windows will give more sun, the north-western direction will allow you to hide the room from the summer heat without creating a lack of lighting. The attic and its windows must be kept in exact proportions, combined harmoniously. All parameters and dimensions of each window should be organically combined into a common architectural composition of the building. It is easy to make a house with an attic unique and make it a designer find, in no small part due to the dormer windows and their diversity.

Lucarnes and their features

Lucarnes are called window openings in attic slopes and roof domes. The name is derived from the Latin word lux - light. Lucarnes have vertical frames, closed at the sides and at the top. Lucarne frames can be in the plane of the facade walls, or they can continue these walls, or be located in parallel planes. An example of a lucarne is dormers in the attic.

The advantage of lucarnes over planar window structures is the additional volume for rooms, additional areas of attic rooms with high ceilings, as well as getting a bonus - an excellent view from the attic. The view from the lucarna allows you to see not only the sky, but the entire surrounding landscape.

The house should evoke a sense of harmony and completeness with its appearance. The number, shape, dimensions and position of lucarnes are assigned based on the main parameters:

Facade and its features, both architectural and type of decoration
roof view
Roof slope

Lucarnes radically change the entire design of skylights and are the basis of the interior design of the entire attic.

Lucarne types

Lucarnes with one slope

Shed lucarnes are built into roofs that satisfy the condition - the slope of the slope must be at least 40 degrees. If the slope is gentle, then a flat lucarne with one slope will look unattractive. The flat roof of a shed lucarne can have a considerable width. This width may even be equal to the total length of the attic room. The advantage of this design is the absence of bevels on the attic ceiling, additional volume, excellent lighting and visibility. In such rooms, it is possible to arrange a workplace near an illuminated latch wall, or a place to relax.

Lucarnes with two slopes

They look great when the slope of the roof slope is more than 30 degrees. In terms of width, lucarnes with two slopes have an architectural limitation - as a rule, they do not fit more than two rafter steps. A wide gable lucarne does not really decorate the house, the roof looks heavy and “unstable”. From the inside of the attic room, such lucarnes are usually sewn up with a flat ceiling.

Lucarnes with three slopes

Such lucarnes are in a special position, they look great on roofs that have any slope angles and any shape. From below, these window models are seen as compact and not very noticeable. The most harmonious windows for any attic. The width of such lucarnes can be more than two meters, or three intervals of rafters. The ceilings of three-pitched lucarnes are made at will and for reasons of harmony in the proportions of the attic room - flat or trihedral, repeating the three-pitched roof.

Low sidewalls for lucarnes

Vertically, the wall of the lucarne can end without reaching the floor level of the attic room - up to two meters. In such cases, the roof of the lucarne will have two slopes, and the window will have five corners. The shape of the ceiling in the niche of the lucarne will repeat the outlines of the roof. Such types of lucarnes have restrictions on the placement of tall interior items and furniture near the window opening, due to the low walls of the lucarne.

Triangular lucarnes

This type of roof window is small, compact, but they do not add volume to the attic. Choose a triangular lucarne in order to ensure the illumination of stairs, bathrooms or dressing rooms. From inside the room, triangular lucarnes have similar triangular ceilings, sharp broken lines.

Semicircular windows and windows in the form of "bull's eye" in lucarnes

Very soft, streamlined shapes for the exterior, interesting architecture and an exclusive look. But the restrictions on the type of roofing are only "elastic" types of tiles - bituminous, metal and ceramic tiles. View from the street - a smooth pattern and flow around the lucarne with roofing from the top and sides, and from the inside, the ceilings in the niches of semicircular lucarnes have arched, conical or cylindrical shapes.

Semi-oval windows in the form of a "bull's eye" are decorations of the main facades of houses. Very effective due to the softness of smooth lines on large roof slopes. The interior layout of a room with an oval or semi-oval window is preferable with one solid window, in this case there will be a lot of light, and the room will have attractive proportions.

Do-it-yourself attic construction: how to make the building warm and bright

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 to this day, moreover, given 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, the best version of the roof profile for arranging an attic room is the so-called sloping 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 a 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 design 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.

In this case, a material such as basalt wool or its equivalent is suitable for roof insulation.

Some craftsmen use polystyrene foam. Any roofing material is suitable for covering the roof, but it must be remembered that there are materials that will require constant ventilation, such as metal tiles and their 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.

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 an attic, one large window will give slightly less light than two small ones installed at a small 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. The ideal ratio is 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. The 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 size of the window exceeds the width of the rafter pitch, then it is possible to either make cutouts in the rafters or install a sheathing under the window, 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 support pillars under it, just as shown in the figure below.

And this is a very beautiful, economical and compact house with a building area of 6x9 m2. Total area: 86.86 m2.

House with an attic and a veranda 6x9 Floor plan of a house with an attic 6x9

See more projects of frame houses of different sizes in the "House projects" section.

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.

A do-it-yourself attic will not require significant costs, and even more so, it will cost much less than building a house or an extension to a house that has a similar usable area.

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The design of the attic should work like a roof

Attic frame without insulation

For the manufacture of an attic in a 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.

The subtleties of construction

Complicate the life of builders, the need to install windows, because of this, you either have to 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

Attic insulation

The work associated with it is associated with certain difficulties, namely, it is quite time-consuming and complex, and some developers go to 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.

In this case, a material such as basalt wool or its equivalent is suitable for roof insulation.

Some masters use. Any roofing material is suitable for covering the roof, but it must be remembered that there are materials that will require constant ventilation, such as metal tiles and their 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

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.

Windows in the attic

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

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.

Window-balcony in the attic

Balcony under the roof

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 want to offer you a few to choose from.
For example, the first option. House 6x6 meters, total area - 30 m2

House with an attic and a veranda 6x9

See more projects of frame houses of different sizes in the “House projects” section.

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.

Those who are lucky enough to have a home should find out everything about skylights. Knowing their features, types and advantages will help you choose the most suitable option for installation.

The roof window is located on the slope of the roof, so it can be called part of the roof. It has a special device compared to ordinary windows. Indeed, he should withstand all loads falling on the roof of the house.

At one time, skylights gave light to the poor who huddled in the attic. Now, they are more likely to be used by wealthy citizens to admire the views from the mansions and the well-lit interiors of the attic floors.

Skylights look like this

Types of windows for the attic roof

Depending on the design:

vertical or straight. They are installed on the end parts of the attic or add-ons made especially for them. A feature of the windows of this design is the obligatory presence of a visor in the upper part, covering from natural moisture. The downside is that they let in relatively little light.
oblique. They are located directly in the plane of the roof, coinciding with its plane or protruding a few centimeters. As a rule, they have thickened glass filled with gas for better thermal insulation. They are protected from precipitation by platbands in the upper and lower parts of the frame.

Materials used for ordinary windows:

aluminum. Lightweight and durable windows, do not deform from changes in temperature and humidity. Disadvantage - let the cold through
wood. They have an attractive appearance, are resistant to cold, have good thermal insulation, and are environmentally friendly. But rotten and burn well
plastic. Cheap compared to other materials, easy to install, not afraid of precipitation. But in case of damage to one of the elements, a new window will have to be installed.

It depends on where the axis of the roof window sash is located:

up. This is a roll-up window. Convenient, provided that the lower part of the window is higher than a meter from the floor
on the side. Traditional version with a mechanism that locks the sash in the desired position
across the window in the center. Such a sash rotates around its axis, turning 180 degrees.

When choosing windows for the attic, you will have to take into account not only your own preferences and financial capabilities, but also the features of the house project.

Source: https://mansarda-life.net/okna-v-kryshe-mansardy/

Types of skylights, manufacturers and variety of shapes

What are roof windows

If you are faced with the choice of a roof window or you are just interested in what kind of roof windows are - below we will tell you about the types and types of roof windows.

In modern construction, skylights have found wide application in roofs. They bring natural light, create room ventilation, coziness and comfort.

But first things first.

To begin with, in order to divide windows by type, you can consider all companies that are manufacturers of roof windows. By the way, there are not many of them on our continent.

All roof window manufacturers

Velux - Denmark

The company VELUX (Velux) for the production of skylights was founded in Denmark in 1941. Velux is the world leader in this industry.

Fakro - Poland

The origins of the Facro company date back to 1986. FAKRO is a positive example of how a carpentry shop has become a well-known manufacturer of skylights and stairs on a continental scale.

Roto - Germany

Production facilities are established in Poland and Russia.

What are roof windows

Windows by type of material:

The most common and popular. The frame and sash of the window are made of glued beams.

Windows with polyurethane coating

The frame is made of wood covered with polyurethane, which does not fade or turn yellow over time.

Windows with a plastic (PVC) profile - for installation in rooms with high humidity - bathrooms, kitchens.

Armored skylights are heavy and are typically installed in "concrete roofs" (made from cast-in-situ concrete structures).

Manufacture and delivery of armored windows occur on an advance payment within 1-3 months.

standard windows

Standard skylights are rectangular in shape. They consist of a frame and a window sash. They differ in the following:

Windows by type of opening:

Another variety - roof windows with two axes of rotation:

Tilt and turn window has two opening systems controlled by one handle. The hinged position of the sash provides safe and comfortable access to an open window. The sash does not enter the room and does not protrude beyond the window opening.

The axis of rotation of the sash in ¾ of the height of the window guarantees effective ventilation and allows you to look out of the window while standing at full height.

Safety is guaranteed by the automatic fixation of the sash in the position for washing the window, and the supply of fresh air is ensured by a two-stage ventilation gap.

All above mentioned standard roof windows with manual opening. But in the modern era, skylights have become globally automated. They appeared - "smart windows".

smart windows

All of these skylights are for installation in pitched roofs with flat planes. It is possible to install both one window and two or three or more side by side.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the arc skylight.

arc window

Combination windows

Direct combo box:

Facade or cornice windows:

Front windows can be combined with additional ones:

Skylights as skylights

Balcony window

Installation of a balcony window is carried out in the same way as for a conventional roof window and does not require additional extensions.

extensions

Both triangular and semicircular extensions are used. Such an addition harmoniously fits into the exterior of the building and looks good in the interior of the attic room.

light tunnel

A light tunnel is used when a small attic is also located above the attic living space. The tunnel window is installed on the slope of the roof above the attic, and the room is illuminated through a reflective tunnel-pipe.

At the output, a ceiling diffuser is installed at the same time.

Flat roof windows

There are also specially designed windows for flat roofs. Such windows are also called skylights. They look harmonious in the roof and create a feeling of increased space due to additional light.

Roof types

What is an attic An attic is an attic-type living space that is formed on

pitched roof construction

What is fachwerk Fachwerk is a type of building structure in which the supporting base

Source: https://krovli.club/kryshi/okna-na-kryshe/vidy-mansardnykh-okon

Why do you need skylights?

Skylights are installed in the roof slope and are intended for installation in a room located on the attic floor. They really have a certain charm. But their main disadvantage, because of which they are so rarely seen in country houses, is the price.

Moreover, both the cost of the windows themselves and the installation are quite high. Therefore, many refuse to use them in favor of installing standard windows in a gable or wall. But they are used not only from a decorative point of view.

Below are the reasons why dormers are still needed

1. Skylights let in more light

Due to the fact that they are located in the slope of the roof, the angle of sunlight increases, which means that more light penetrates. And as you know, it is daylight that is good for both health and vision. For example, the Velux company claims that their models let in 30-40% more light than usual, vertical arrangement. And after modernization, it is 10% more than the old and similar models from other manufacturers.

2. Viewing angle is better

Also, due to the inclined position, the viewing angle improves, opening up excellent panoramic views to the residents. The excellent review is provided practically at any arrangement of a frame.

3. Emphasizes the style of the attic room

Skylights have been specially designed for attic roofs. Therefore, they fit very harmoniously into the overall interior. You can even say much better than those installed in the wall, which look rather ridiculous if the wall is low, or even those installed in the pediment. They successfully emphasize the style of the room located in the slopes of the roof, making it even more comfortable and unusual.

4. Uniform illumination

Roof windows can be placed almost anywhere in the attic room, unlike standard ones, which require a vertical surface. Thanks to this, you can control where and how much light will be in the room. And combined salaries allow you to create a whole block, creating a panoramic view right on the roof

5. Rooftop balcony

A rather expensive, but at the same time original and convenient solution is a balcony window. In the closed position, it is no different from the standard one, but when opened, it transforms into a small balcony. Agree, having a balcony on the roof is original and unexpectedly pleasant.

Summing up, we can safely say that, despite the high price, skylights still deserve a place in the house. They will give the attic an original atmosphere, increase its illumination and allow it to be controlled.

A variety of specialized accessories allows you to customize them to your taste. And even with a little work with the brackets, you can also adapt ordinary curtains, which will look very original and gentle, hanging at an angle.

And you can read about how to use the attic in our article: “How to use the space of the attic room by 100%”

Source: http://www.diy.ru/blog/itera_group/post/9230/

Do-it-yourself mansard roof drawings with dimensions

An attic in a private house is an ideal solution for expanding a residential or useful utility area without completing the top floor.

The arrangement of the attic in the attic space is an original and new exterior of the house, saving energy by reducing heat losses in the roof, and increasing living space.

But the large size of the house is not a reason to start work on arranging the attic: you need to have a foundation with a sufficient margin of safety for the weight load, since the finished attic space will have to be thoroughly redone.

Finished attic

Features of the attic

The main thing that distinguishes the attic from ordinary rooms is that it has almost no walls in the usual sense, since the walls are a modified truss system constructed from many inclined roofing surfaces. Therefore, the design of the window will be very different - it should not interfere with natural light, and should take on the load in the form of precipitation and strong winds - the impact of weather conditions on a sloping roof is stronger than on the massive elements of the building.

Important! The SNiP regulation stipulates that the area of the window opening should not be less than 10% of the floor surface in the common room. Therefore, when dividing the attic space with partitions, it is also desirable to make a window in each newly formed room.

Attic window area

It is easier, cheaper and faster to mount an inclined window in the attic roof than to make a special vertical ledge under it, violating the design calculations. In any case, the window opening must be waterproofed or a window with reinforced glass and a reinforced metal-plastic profile should be ordered.

Benefits of installing an inclined roof window:

A large stream of natural light, smoothing chiaroscuro;
There is no need to radically alter the shape of the roof and change its relief;
Simple installation, feasible for the owner himself.

Skylights

The degree of illumination depends on the area of the opening, which is proportional to the angle of the roof. Therefore, the conclusion is obvious: the steeper the broken mansard roof, the wider and higher the window opening should be.

The thickness of the metal-plastic profile should almost fit into the distance between the rafters, so that there is something to attach the window to without destroying the rafter system. If you order a wider window, you will have to make a reinforced jumper that fastens the rafters cut at the insertion point.

If you need to install a wide window, you must first think about the option of installing two small adjacent windows so that the roof remains intact.

Lintels in the attic for the window

When installing a dormer window (a vertical dormer window, it requires the frame to be moved outside the attic), the geometric shapes of the roof must be complicated by the installation of the upper and side valleys, and the laying or installation of the roofing also becomes more complicated. At the same time, it is much more difficult to remake a finished rafter system than to lay a new dormer window into your individual house project.

Valleys must be carefully waterproofed, as their location and geometry relative to constant atmospheric influences make these places the most vulnerable to the penetration of moisture and cold. In regions with an average annual high precipitation, it is recommended to make snow retainers above the dormers.

But the main advantage of the dormer - you can stand next to it in full growth - outweighs all the disadvantages that can be eliminated.

A window recessed into the roof is made if an exit to the balcony is organized through this window. In other cases, this is an unattractive option: poor natural lighting, unjustified complication of the roof geometry, high labor costs with a minimum of effect.

Dormer in the attic

The most affordable option is a window at the end of the attic - a cheap and practical solution that is fully implemented without outside help.

Attic truss system

In individual construction, a house with an attic is often built with a sloping roof, although this is an expensive solution. Broken mansard roofs, due to their design features, greatly increase the useful area of \u200b\u200bthe interior of the attic. With the same width of the foundation of the house and the floor, the rooms in such an attic will have a larger area due to ledges and niches than rooms under the roof of a conventional design.

Mansard truss system

The standard design of a sloping roof allows you to lower the overhangs of the eaves much lower, not only making the exterior of the house very original - such overhangs protect the walls and foundation of the house from wind and moisture, directing atmospheric precipitation away from housing.

The more complex the sloping roof with your own hands, the stronger the dependence of the reliability of the structure on the materials from which the roof is made, on climatic conditions, on the thickness of the beams of the truss system and other factors. The classic do-it-yourself mansard roof, the drawings of which are given below, has a ratio of inclination of the lower slopes to the floor of 60 °, of the upper slopes - of 30 °.

Classic attic

SNiP stipulates a comfortable ceiling height in attic rooms - at least 2 m. Therefore, a scheme with a roof slope of 600 is fully justified, and structural reliability is ensured by thicker floor beams and rafters than when arranging a conventional gable roof.

With the classical construction of the attic, the force of the wind and the load from the weight of snow on the sides of the roof with a large slope are not taken into account. Snow will accumulate on the upper surface of the roof, made with a slope of 300-450. The greater the angle of inclination of the roof, the stronger the windage of the roof, therefore, in climates with strong winds, it is necessary to build roofs with a small slope, and this is a problem for arranging the attic - the area of \u200b\u200bthe house in such conditions should be quite large.

Broken roof schemes

The sloping roof frame is constructed from pine lumber of the first or second grade. For calculations, such parameters as the cross-section of timber and batten boards, the dimensions and weight of the roof from various building materials, snow and wind loads, and the rafter attachment step are regulated.

hanging rafters

The design of the roof with a hanging truss system is justified if at the base of the triangle (in the upper figure) there is a size ≤ 4.5 m - this determines the width of the attic. If the width is greater, then layered rafters are equipped, which are mounted on the wall.

How to calculate a broken type roof

The step between the rafters is often determined by the width of the insulation - this solution allows you to save on rolled materials, and the distance between the rafters is chosen 2-3 cm less than the width of the insulation material. For example, with a mineral wool slab width of 60 cm, the distance between adjacent posts should be 57-58 cm.

Attachment points in sloping roof

The boards of the rafter legs are also calculated in width, based on the parameters of the insulation.

To ventilate the layers of thermal insulation, it is necessary to provide a ventilation gap of 20-30 mm, otherwise the accumulated condensate will cause the wood to rot, and then damage the insulation.

For the conditions of the middle strip, the thickness of the insulation can be no more than 230-250 mm, therefore the minimum width of the rafter legs is 230 mm with a board thickness of ≥ 50 mm. The greater the wind, temperature and snow loads in the region, the thicker the rafters should be made.

Sloping attic roof

Recommended: To save lumber, the insulation can be laid in two directions: along and across the rafters, making a thin and rare crate between the layers. With a minimum stone wool slab thickness of 100 mm, a 50 x 150 mm board can be used, leaving 50 mm for the ventilation gap.

Mansard roof installation

Mauerlat on the mansard roof is equipped with standard techniques - fastening the beam to the wall with knitting wire, anchors or studs. If the house is timber or log, then the upper crown of the log house, impregnated with an antiseptic and substances that increase the moisture resistance of wood, can serve as a Mauerlat.

Mounting rafters on the Mauerlat

For a Mauerlat in a house made of cellular concrete, a monolithic reinforced grillage is poured on top of the walls, and the Mauerlat itself is attached to the rods concreted into the wall.

For walls made of brick or reinforced concrete, such a concrete grillage is not necessary - the wall material itself is quite durable and will withstand any method of attaching the truss system.

It will only be necessary to make a two-layer waterproofing around the entire perimeter of the house, and treat the Mauerlat beam with a section of 150 mm with an antiseptic.

Roof installation

To assemble the elements of the truss structure, long nails are used - 150-200 mm. At the corners and at the intersections of the load-bearing walls with the internal partitions of the house, it is better to make bolted connections, or use double-sided threaded studs. Also, all intersections of roof elements are recommended to be additionally reinforced with metal plates-overlays.

Assembly of elements of the rafter system

Installation of the attic truss system can be carried out in two solutions:

Assembling the elements on the ground, lifting the finished structural units up. First of all, vertically corner elements are attached, which form future gables. The remaining elements of the roof structure are vertically inserted into the grooves made in the Mauerlat beam at a calculated distance and rigidly fixed. To give rigidity and correct geometry, you can temporarily fix the elements with spacers and braces, and after mounting the side beams, when the structure acquires the desired rigidity, the spacers can be removed;
The second method is the sequential assembly of the mansard roof in place. It is more efficient and more convenient to work this way, because with a voluminous rafter system it will be problematic to lift the assembled roof manually - you will have to rent a crane. After assembling the structure, floor beams are laid, to which vertical beam racks are attached to the grooves, and temporary braces are installed to stiffen and make the system vertical. Then comes the assembly of the upper and side rafter legs, the jibs and struts are mounted in the same way.

Installation of rafters of the upper slopes

The last stage is the installation of the upper beams, which are made according to the template, and the grooves for the rafters are immediately sawn into them. Since the mansard sloping roof does not have a ridge, slopes are mounted on the beam in the middle, which are designed to fix the upper triangle of the attic roof.

It is believed that the arrangement of a residential attic is more complicated and more expensive than the construction of a conventional non-insulated roof with a cold attic. There are reasons for this:

It is necessary to qualitatively insulate the attic.
It is necessary to correctly mount the vapor barrier and the superdiffusion moisture and windproof membrane.
It is required to install skylights, as required by the manufacturer.

The last point is often problematic. Errors in the installation of windows on the attic floor negate all the advantages of this room. As a result of jambs of illiterate builders, skylights leak in the rain, and condensate drips from the ceiling, damaging the finish. It is not surprising that many developers are distrustful of attics, believing that it is better to build a cottage in the old fashioned way. To avoid the most common mistakes when inserting a roof window into a roofing pie with flexible tiles, our video and photo instructions will help you, which tells you:

How to calculate the size of a roof window depending on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
How to choose a place in the attic roof for window installation.
How to prepare a window opening for installing a skylight.
How to install a roof window box and salary.
How to install a condensate drain.
How to make waterproofing at the junction.
How to install the salary of a roof window and make heat and vapor barrier.

Roof window installation: planning

You can mount a roof window both at the construction stage of the attic, and on a finished insulated roof with an already laid finish coating and layers of vapor barrier and hydro and wind protection. In the first variant, work is carried out sequentially, step by step, and usually does not cause difficulties. In the second case, you need to rack your brains on how to cut a window in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, going through the entire attic roof pie with flexible tiles.

The main difficulties of installing a roof window left “for later” will have to be carefully dismantled or cut through, moving from inside to outside:

inner crate for finishing the attic;
vapor barrier;
insulation;
superdiffusion membrane (moisture and wind protection);
crate and counter-crate;
sawing OSB boards under the opening;
partially remove flexible tiles around the opening under the window.

The width of the roof window is set by the pitch of the rafters. If the builder does not want to install a narrow window, fitting it under rafters mounted at a distance of, for example, 60 cm from each other, then one rafter leg will have to be cut, strengthen the structure, etc. This increases the likelihood of errors by installers, the timing and cost estimates for the work. From here:

The installation of skylights should be planned at the stage of designing a house and calculating the truss system.

For reference, we are guided by the following figures:

Skylights are recommended to be cut into roofs with a slope angle of 15 degrees or more.
The window area is selected according to the formula: per 10 sq. m of the attic floor should account for 1 sq. m glazing.
The upper part of the roof window (from the floor) is located at a height of about 2 m, and the lower part is about 1.2 m.
The opening under the roof window should be at least 4 cm wider than it, optimally 6 cm.
The length of the opening is approximately 4.5-5 cm longer than the length of the roof window.

Stages of installation of a roof window

alexnrg FORUMHOUSE Member

I decided to install a roof window in the house myself. Roof pie: rafters - a board with a section of 15x5 cm, a vapor-permeable moisture-windproof membrane, horizontal and vertical lathing, OSB, lining carpet, flexible tiles. Questions arose:

How to properly install a skylight?
How to prepare an opening?
How to fix a window in the attic?
How to remove condensate?
What is a salary and how to set it?

Salary (metal frame) is a system of gutters for hermetic connection of a roof window with a roof covering. The flashing removes rainwater and moisture from the roof window when snow melts.

All work on installing windows in the attic is divided into a number of successive steps:

Opening preparation.
Assembly and installation of a heat-insulating contour.
Installation of a roof window frame in a thermal frame.
Installation of a shutter (double-glazed window).
Adjustment of the side clearance and window rebate.
Installing a condensate drain.
Installation of a waterproofing apron.
Salary setting.
Insulation of slopes around the window and restoration of the vapor barrier circuit from the inside of the room.

Let's talk about the key stages of installing a roof window and how to avoid mistakes.

Preparing a window opening for installing a roof window

In the video instruction, the specialist tells how to prepare a window opening for installing a roof window if a roof has been built and roofing has been laid.

When driving vapor and waterproofing, the films are cut in an envelope (crosswise) and wrapped inside the room (vapor barrier) and out (wind protection).

The upper and lower parts of the opening are reinforced with lintels (between the rafters).

And batten bars, so that the edge of the OSB sheet does not hang in the air.

The lower support bar of the crate must be leveled in order to accurately set the box of the roof window and avoid, noticeable by eye, a height difference on the side slope.

Important! If OSB has not yet been laid on the roof- base for flexible tiles, then from above the opening is framed, made from striped OSB or plywood.

Assembly of thermal insulation and installation of a roof window box

The heat-insulating contour is mounted on a steel frame, which is easily assembled with latches.

The thermal insulation circuit is installed in the prepared opening.

Then disconnect the turnable part of the sash with double-glazed windows from the frame of the roof window.

Mount the mounting plates and install the box in the opening.

Important! Mounting plates(4 things.) are installed at the corners of the roof window, in the places prepared at the factory in the frame, into holes pre-drilled by the manufacturer for self-tapping screws.

With a large length of the roof window (more than 1.4 m), additional intermediate mounting plates (corners) are placed in the place of the pivot mechanism (hinges).

The roof window frame is installed in the finished opening. How to do it correctly, as well as adjust the side gaps and the rebate, is shown in the video.

Secrets of installing a condensate drain

The most important element of the roof window waterproofing system is a metal trough for condensate drainage.

The gutter is installed at a distance of up to 50 cm (optimally 20-30 cm) above the window in the same plane with a hydro- and windproof membrane.

In order for the condensate to flow down the chute, it is installed at an angle ( slope at least 3 degrees). Then the moisture will be removed to one of the sides (ventilation channel formed by the crate).

Difficulties with installing the gutter arise if it needs to be mounted on a finished roof. In this case, you will have to manually cut the openings in the crate, and do it carefully so as not to damage the wind protection film.

The easiest way to install a gutter is if the crate has not yet been installed on the roof, there is no base for flexible tiles and a soft roof has not been laid.

Preparing the site for the installation of the gutter consists of the following steps:

In the middle of the rafter leg (on both sides of the prepared opening), a vertical cut is made on the film of the superdiffusion membrane.

A chute is laid on the seat.

I will lower the gutters, using it as a ruler, a horizontal cut of the film is made, so as to combine the vertical cuts.

The result is a windshield valve that slides into the gutter and catches all the condensate.

Steam and waterproofing at the junction of the roof window

At the end of the work, a waterproofing apron is installed, which protects the junction from moisture.

The waterproofing apron is glued to the frame going from bottom to top. Installation is simple - the protective film is removed from the adhesive layer (strip) and the apron material is gently smoothed over the top of the frame. Then the waterproofing apron is fixed around the window with staples.

Important! The upper part of the apron is wound under a gutter that drains condensate, and a valve cut from the windshield is wound onto a waterproofing apron. To prevent moisture from getting into places where they are made vertical cuts in rafters, them waterproofed with butyl sealant.