The structure installed in the roof of the attic is called the dormer. A feature of such products is the ability to withstand heavy loads acting on the roof of the house. This is the main difference between the skylight and the usual one. How to make a choice, so as not to be mistaken? Study the characteristics, details and design features, as well as pay attention to the reviews of roof windows.
Species variety of skylights
Designs are classified according to two main characteristics: material and design features. Depending on the raw materials used in the manufacturing process, regarding the class of material, windows are divided into three types:
According to design features, there are five types of additions to windows:
- extensions - additional decorative window elements resembling a triangle or a semicircle in shape and located above the main part of the window;
- balcony window;
- attic window construction in the form of a light tunnel;
- an additional lower element, installed directly below the window in the same plane with it;
- another version of the cornice view, which is mounted directly above the dormer-windows, only differs in the vertical direction.
Depending on the type of opening, plastic skylights are divided into systems:
- with the center axis of rotation of the sash;
- with a raised axis of rotation;
- with combined steering axis;
- with a lateral axis of rotation;
- with an axis of rotation located at the bottom, which is typical for balcony windows, and this kind of design helps to open the system forward;
- with a remote opening system that is easy to control with the remote control.
In addition, it is possible to install an additional window control system with automatic programming, which allows you to close the structure as soon as snow or rain begins. The choice of skylights depends on the characteristics listed above.
Features of roof windows Velux
Designs are made according to the main types of opening, including the following types of skylights:
- The traditional mid-turn system, characterized by the opening of the sash along the central hinges in a circular motion. A feature of the product lies in the possibility of choosing the option of the handle for opening: it is installed from below or from above, choosing the option that is preferable.
- Double combined type of opening, which makes it possible to open along the central axis with switching to the upper hinges. Such systems are equipped with double accessories: the upper handle, which is responsible for opening on the central axis, and the lower, working with the upper hinges.
- Electric window systems with remote opening.
Which option to give preference
The types of windows considered are characterized by such features:
1. Windows opening on the central axis:
- mid-turning;
- the handle is driven by a rod;
- the opening lever is on top of the structure;
- high-quality, approved by GOST;
- convenient due to the rational arrangement of fittings, when installing the window system at an optimum height of 90 to 120 cm;
- a Velux dormer-window kit for windows that have high walls, will be a convenient option if you need to install a structure located at a height of 130-160 cm from the floor.
2. Panoramic systems:
- two handles: top and bottom;
- two options for opening.
3. Automatic, opening designs:
- an indispensable option with a high window position;
- the ability to control not only the window, but also all additional accessories;
- the presence of a backup handle for opening.
Distinctive features of Velux skylight kits
Variants of window structures are made from this kind of base material:
- Wood coated with a water-based protective varnish. This material is resistant to temperature extremes, and thanks to a special treatment it is resistant to moisture, mold and fungus. Among the most popular models are wooden variations.
- Plastic roof windows with additional protection against condensation. Thanks to a special plastic profile, it is possible to mount windows on inclined surfaces. A surface feature is inertness to a number of disinfecting household chemicals.
- Skylights, made of wood and covered with a polyurethane moisture-resistant layer of white color, are best of their kind, according to customer reviews, because they are characterized by:
increased rigidity and stability to temperature extremes due to the basic wooden structure; maximum moisture resistance due to the seamless monolithic polyurethane coating, which makes this type of windows best for installation in rooms with high humidity; the coating does not fade and does not turn yellow after some time.
In addition, paying attention to the markings indicated on the double-glazed window, you can understand the level of heat saving of this or that type of design.
Features of the installation of skylights
In this regard, it is better to trust the professionals, but it will not hurt to keep abreast of what is happening, therefore, follow the experimental path and listen to reviews on dormers, study the installation process to control the quality of work performed.
Please note that the cost of installation depends on whether the roof slopes are covered with roofing material or not.
Step-by-step installation guide
The installation of an attic window construction includes several stages.
- A place for a double-glazed window is being prepared. On the sides of the rafters retreat 2-3 cm to the right and left. The main stress falls on the lower beam and rafters.
- Then they proceed to install the waterproofing layer for the structure: the lateral parts of the waterproofing are pulled out, the lower edge is attached to the mounting base with a stapler. The upper edge is attached to the upper part of the cladding.
- Read the instructions for installing systems, it comes with the product. Follow the insert if you decide to cope with the installation yourself, it is because the window systems from different manufacturers differ in mounting systems and are mounted in different ways. Therefore, even if you have experience in installing windows in the attic, do not flatter yourself.
- Be sure to install waterproofing around the window that comes with the window. Although it’s easy to do it yourself. To prevent water from draining onto the window, organize a drainage chute above it.
- It remains to establish the salary of the dormer-window. Installation begins from the bottom up. At the first stage, a corrugated apron is mounted, then the side and upper parts, lastly the window linings. All parts of the structure are assembled, carefully joining each other, attaching them to the frame and crate.
Opinion of buyers and owners of skylights
Such designs form an ambiguous opinion among the customers of the companies that produce double-glazed windows. Those who have already purchased Velux skylights have a number of positive qualities and some disadvantages.
In general, buyers speak about dormers emotionally, regardless of the manufacturer. Of the negative qualities they say about:
- leaks;
- high cost;
- condensation.
In addition, they note the fact that in some cases, an incorrectly furnished attic turns into a real steam room, where it is too hot.
Reviews of roof windows, both positive and negative, will help you analyze the situation, get an objective view and make the right choice.
Positive features of products
But, despite this, most owners of cottages note positive features in mind:
- attractive appearance;
- a large area of light transmitting surface;
- variable arrangement of handles and levers;
- the ability to select hardware options.
All these characteristics attract customers by making roof windows, the advantages of which have been described, competitive in comparison with other models.
Product prices and popular distributors
Individuals have an excellent opportunity to purchase window structures by contacting an official distributor of the company. Only in this way the client does not risk receiving defective goods or defective products. In a specialized store you can get detailed information about dealers, prices and products, as well as find out how much the delivery and installation of the system will cost. In general, the service forms a round sum, therefore it is worth planning to purchase windows in advance, not forgetting to include this item in the budget for repair or construction.
So, for example, Velux windows will cost 137,000 rubles for the Cabrio model or 7,800 rubles for the GZL 1059 with an area of 0.2 m 2 .
What determines the cost of windows
The Velux product catalog includes about two dozen windows of various modifications and sizes, and the prices of roof windows vary greatly depending on the size and type of construction.
In addition to the offers of the company described above, there are many more manufacturers that produce decent windows for the attic, and these are thousands of price indicators that can be compared indefinitely. When buying products from distributors, according to an analysis of experts, be sure that the price of dormers approximately coincides with the cost of products in the main organization.
Now you know not only how the design of the roof window looks like, but also what features it has. Follow the recommended rules and recommendations described above when ordering the product. Pay particular attention to the installation of systems, even if you do not do it yourself, and in the end it will turn out to build an attractive cottage not only externally, but also in accordance with all requirements.