What are the remote windows on the roof called? How to make a window in the roof of a house. Dormer window - what is it?

10 minutes to read.

A dormer window is a window located in the roof of a building. Its main function is ventilation and lighting of the attic space. However, in addition to purely technical functions, dormer windows have a decorative value, being an important component of the external appearance of the building. In this article we will analyze the main types of dormer windows, their designs, the nuances of selection and placement.

A short excursion into history

For the first time, dormer windows began to be used in the architecture of medieval Europe, becoming especially widespread during the Renaissance (XV-XVI centuries). In Gothic buildings they were traditionally decorated with rich stucco or carvings, turrets, side pilasters and false columns. Structurally, they were a continuation of the wall of the building’s facade, and were located parallel to it. Visible from afar, such structures in an exquisite decorative frame became a real calling card of the entire building.

The construction term “dormer window” is used only in Russian, having no analogues in other countries. Thus, in Europe, windows in the roofs of buildings, since the Middle Ages, have traditionally been called “lucarnes” in the French manner.

Dormer windows - lucarnes

In England and the USA, the name dormer or skylight is more common - attic, skylight. Where did this rather strange name come from in our language? There are two versions of the origin of this name. One is given in V. Dahl’s Russian language dictionary, and the other is associated with the legend about the construction of the Moscow Manege.

The great Russian ethnographer Dal in his dictionary gives the following interpretation of this architectural term. “A hearing window made in the roof.” The word “rumor” previously in colloquial Russian also had the meaning of “vent”, “ventilation hole”. Dahl is inclined towards this interpretation, because “there is nothing to listen to in the attic through this window.” The legendary version associated with the construction of an arena in Moscow is also widespread. This building, now located on Manezhnaya Square of the same name, was erected in honor of the five-year anniversary of the expulsion of Napoleonic hordes from Russia.

As you can see, the playpen has many dormers

Initially, the Manege was called Exertsirgauz, and was intended for drill training of troops, as well as for reviews and parades during bad weather. The construction was initiated by the victorious Emperor Alexander I personally. The construction of the building was completed in a year, and the autocrat had to personally accept the building. But by the time Alexander visited the Manege, a big problem had occurred: the suspended ceilings, richly decorated with plaster stucco, were noticeably deformed for some reason. This did not escape the meticulous gaze of the emperor, who ordered the cause of the defect to be identified and eliminated.

The reason turned out to be simple: deformation of the rafters made of larch. The metal roof of the Manege heated up in the summer sun, and after it, the attic space, made without vents, also heated up. The civil engineer Slukhov was entrusted with correcting the situation, who found a way out in the device along the entire roof of two rows of ventilation windows. Since then, roof windows have become an integral part of the structures of all large buildings, especially those roofed with metal. And in Russian architecture, they are named after the engineer Slukhov, and the name “auditory” is supposedly assigned to them.

More information about the history of dormer windows:

Types of roof windows

Over time, dormer windows began to be installed in all houses, which was facilitated by the fashion for arranging residential attics in previously uninhabited attics. Today, all their varieties can be divided into several main types:

• Pedimental. They are installed in the end, gable wall of the house and are currently the most common and simple design. It is used for gable roofs and consists of inserting a regular window into a gable wall. Its geometric shape can be very different - from rectangular to round and multifaceted.
  
• Dormer. This design came to us from England, as evidenced by its name. In Russia it is often informally called “cuckoo”. It is located directly in the roof of the building, protruding beyond its boundaries. Dormer has several options, depending on the shape of the walls and external slopes. This type of dormer window is structurally quite complex, and entails additional costs of time and effort for its arrangement. However, it allows you to increase the internal volume of the attic space and has undeniable design advantages.
  
• Antidormer. A similar dormer window is also located in the roof slope. But, unlike the dormer, it does not go beyond the slope, but, on the contrary, seems to be buried in it. This design, although it has its aesthetic appeal, is not so popular due to the complexity of its implementation and the need for careful waterproofing. Also, the anti-dormer “eats” a significant part of the internal under-roof space.
  
• Dormer window. An option that is installed in the roof slope, but does not protrude or recess into it. The window is located at an angle, flush with the slope. This allows you to maximize the level of natural light in the attic. In terms of its design, this version of the dormer window is the simplest and most inexpensive. The downside is the need for good waterproofing of the joints of the window structure and roof slopes to avoid leaks.
  
• Clerestory. In a strict sense, skylights are not considered dormer windows, although they perform the same functions. They are installed on flat roofs and are designed to allow sunlight to enter the building. If the design includes skylights with opening flaps, they also serve to ventilate the premises.
  

Types of dormer windows

The dormer dormer window has the greatest aesthetic appeal and gives builders - both professional architects and self-taught carpenters - the greatest flight of imagination. Today you can find a variety of types of “cuckoos” located in rural huts and country mansions, public administrative buildings and country houses. The most common designs of dormers are:

• Single-pitch. The roof of the dormer window slopes towards the street.
• Gable. The shape of the roof of such a “cuckoo” repeats the classic gable roof of a conventional building.
• Triangular. A simplified version of a gable dormer, in which there are no side walls.
• Hip. Has a more respectable appearance. Traditionally, the slope of the hip is made at the same angle as the slope of the roof of the house.
• Flat, or French. They have a flat roof, equipped with small slopes on all three sides.
• Arched. A rather complex version of a dormer window with a roof rounded in the form of an arch.
• "Bat". A complicated type of arched dormer, having a curved shape, tapering and sharpening towards the edges. In Europe it is also called "bull's eye".

These are only the main, so to speak, typical versions of dormers. In fact, there are many transitional forms that combine elements of one design or another.

Technical functions of the dormer window

In addition to decorative and aesthetic functions, dormer windows also play a purely utilitarian role. Moreover, this role is the main one - the durability and ease of use of the structure depend on it. Among their main technical purposes are:

Depending on whether the attic space is residential or not, the dormer windows can be glazed or covered with decorative bars.

Glass provides warmth in the residential attic, but allows the room to be ventilated only when the sash is opened. If the attic is not residential, then glazing the roof windows is not recommended. It is better to choose an option with bars or blinds that prevent cats and birds from entering the attic, but do not interfere with natural ventilation.

Building code requirements

Codes of building regulations impose their own requirements on dormer windows. Thus, according to SNiP, the gables of a window installed in a pitched roof must be supported by side walls. The height of these side walls should not be less than one and a half meters. The side walls should rest on the attic floor beams, and the window pediment should additionally rest on the outer wall of the building. Therefore, in accordance with the standards, when constructing a roof frame, a rafter system is initially installed, and only after that the racks are tied to the rafters.

Next, the arrangement of the dormer window is carried out according to the scheme prescribed in GOST No. 12-506-81. The rafters adjacent to the side walls of the dormer are made double, and their ends are cut flush with the outer wall of the building. Then beams are installed between them with rafters, serving as jumpers. These beams must be secured to the rafter legs using overhead brackets. Cutting or cutting into rafters is not allowed, as this weakens the roof frame structure.

Gable frames are made strictly vertically, flush with the external load-bearing wall of the building. After installing the dormer ridge, the pediment is checked again for verticality. All connections are carefully secured using overhead brackets and screws, or through bolted connections. It is recommended to use moisture-resistant plywood for cladding the gable of a dormer window.

All provisions of GOST in relation to private construction are rather advisory in nature. Therefore, a home craftsman who independently builds a house can allow deviations from building standards, but not to the detriment of the technical characteristics of the structure. Thus, it is necessary to provide effective waterproofing of the roof and walls of the dormer, especially in the places where it interfaces with the roof of the house.

If the attic is residential, then the required level of thermal insulation should be ensured by covering the walls and roof of the dormer window with insulation and vapor barrier.

How to make a dormer window with your own hands, see the following video:

Features of choice

When choosing the type of dormer window, you need to rely on a number of factors. If the attic is not residential, and the window is needed only as a ventilation hole, then it is better to opt for the pediment option. This is the simplest and most low-budget type of dormer windows, which can be easily cut even in a ready-made roof.

When a home owner wants to decorate the roof with a decorative structure that gives the building an original and sophisticated look, you can choose one of the types of dormer windows. Due to their design, they are clearly visible from the outside and can be produced in various design options. They will also solve the problem of insufficient internal space in the attic.

For residential attics, sloping windows installed flush with the roof slope are most suitable. They provide excellent natural lighting to the interior space. At the same time, a dormer window is the simplest option for installation directly in the roof, which does not require the construction of additional frame structures in the form of walls and pediments. For good thermal insulation, it is recommended to install double-glazed windows in roof windows.

Dormer windows are not only an architectural and aesthetic element of the house design, but also perform important technical functions. Therefore, their selection and arrangement should be approached as responsibly as possible, taking into account all the factors influencing their operational characteristics.

Today we will touch on the topic of skylights. It is interesting because it is a non-standard option for the location of window openings. This is especially true for private housing construction, because until recently no one had heard of window structures of this type in Russia. We'll tell you about their varieties, features and installation rules, as well as which ones can be used. Once you understand this topic, you will understand what and why the craftsmen who have entrusted the installation of roof windows in their home do.

Types of window structures on roofs

In principle, the classification includes only two positions: the already mentioned attic and auditory. They differ from each other mainly in location. The first are installed on the slopes of attic roofs, the second in the gables of pitched roofs. Now let's look at them separately and start with auditory ones, you will understand why.

Windows on the pitched roof of a private house Source pinterest.com

Dormer windows

This type of roof windows got its name not because they could eavesdrop on something through them, because there is no one to listen under the roof structure. They were first invented by an engineer named Slukhov, who was responsible for the construction of the roof of the Moscow arena. It was there that the first windows on the roofs appeared.

The classification of dormer windows is not broad. Based on their location, they are divided into pediment and pitched. The design is divided into three types:

in its pure form, a window opening located on the gables of the roof structure, that is without additional elements;

on the pediment with side walls and visor;

on the slopes with side walls and visor.

The last two models are popularly called “cuckoos”.

Purely conditionally, a division can be made according to the configuration of the canopy, although architects believe that it is the shape of the window roof that often plays an important role in creating a single building design. There are visors:

single-pitched;

gable;

arched;

flat, they are French.

Auditory structures located on the roof slope Source prohor-stroy.ru

It would seem that dormer windows are a simple and functional solution. But the architects again warn that the type, design, and location are chosen strictly taking into account compatibility with the architecture of the building. Otherwise, this element will look alien.

It should be noted right away that a set of norms and regulations (SNiP) under number 21-01 was compiled for roof dormer windows. It clearly outlines some of the requirements associated with with installation location window design of this type:

install dormer windows only on slopes whose inclination angle more than 35° ;

minimum size of window sashes – 0.6-0.8 m, accordingly, the dimensions of the entire opening should be 1.2x0.8 m;

if the windows according to the project are installed on a hip roof, then the slope on which the window structures are mounted should not be a continuation of the building wall.

SNiP has a recommendation that architects themselves know about. It is believed that hearing products should be installed on the same vertical line as the windows in the walls of the house. In this way, the architectural proportions of the building are not violated.

Dormer window on the roof gable Source vivbo.ru

How to make a dormer window correctly

If this concerns the pediment, then there is nothing complicated.

In the process of cladding the gable part of the roof, it is left between the supports for the rafter legs. opening, minimum width 1.2 m.

into it install two cross bars, determining the size of the opening in height. That is, the window opening is finally formed with the required dimensions.

Order under the opening window design made of wood, plastic or aluminum.

After production carry out installation using standard technology, like in the wall of a house or apartment.

How to make a window on the roof gable Source cconstruction.co.uk

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer installation services for windows and doors of any configuration. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

If a dormer window is a “cuckoo” window, then the installation process here is not limited to just installing glazing. It is necessary to build a rather complex structure in the form of a house with a roof. Let us first stipulate that the “cuckoo” is assembled between two roof rafters:

Between the rafters at the level of the window sill and the ridge of the dormer window install crossbars from the same material as the rafters themselves.

If necessary strengthen the structure, then one or two pieces of boards are laid between the rafters up to the eaves in the form of a shortened leg to form an overhang. Exactly the same elements are laid at the roof ridge. The first ones rest with their upper edges on the lower crossbar, the upper ones with their lower edges on the upper one.

Now form house walls. From slats with a cross-section of 50x50 mm, racks are installed along two rafter legs in increments of 40-50 cm. They are cut so that at the upper ends they are located on the same horizontal line.

Now all the racks are at the upper ends oblige all with the same 50x50 mm rail.

This is what the frame of the “cuckoo” projection for the dormer glazing structure looks like Source dekorrapi.jew.access.ly

ridge visor The rear end should rest against the upper cross member between the rafters. They attach it to it.

Install at the opposite end stand, which with its lower end rests against the element of the upper trim (facade).

Install canopy rafters, resting on the ridge and on the top trim.

Insulate the entire structure is sheathed on the outside and inside, and the canopy is covered with roofing material.

Install window on the roof of the house using standard technology, that is, vertically.

Dormer windows

In general, there is complete confusion with attic windows. Some people believe that auditory structures installed in an attic roof can also be considered attic. Someone denies this and claims that this category includes window structures that are installed in the plane of the roof slope. All others are auditory type.

Therefore, ordinary people are confused about the names, often calling one variety another. There is nothing wrong with this, because it does not affect the attic window itself in any way. But to be honest, they started talking about attic window models as a separate group only when they began to be built into the planes of roof slopes. So, we will assume that this is the attic variety.

Now about the window itself. There are strict rules for the window area that must be present on the roof. Its value should not exceed 10% of the area of ​​the entire pitched structure. For example, if the roof area is 100 m², then the window area should not exceed 10 m². With such a difference, natural light inside the attic will be normal, and heat losses will not exceed acceptable standards.

Dormer windows in the plane of the roof slope Source trade-point.co.uk

This was rule number one for attic windows. Now the second rule. It goes like this: it is better to have several small windows than one large one. Therefore, there is an unspoken rule that reflects area ratio glazing with number of windows:

glazing area 1 m² – 2 windows;

2 m² – 3 windows;

Classification

There are several criteria by which windows of this type are classified. One of the most minor (we’ll start with it) is fixed or opening windows. We must immediately make a reservation that well-known manufacturers of roof windows do not produce blind variations. But they can make an exception for a large order. True, in terms of price, blind ones will not differ from opening ones.

As for the latter, there is quite a wide choice:

open around the central axis installed in the middle of the window;

Models with opening doors around a central axis Source dachgewerk.de

around an axis located at the top frame window structure or slightly lower at ¼ of the height of the window itself;

Models with an axis at the top window frame Source concept-casa.ro

swing design with side opening of the sash.

Attic model with swing doors Source nova-co.ru

There is a modern model called balcony windows. The design consists of two doors: the first opens around a horizontal axis located at the upper frame. This sash opens to a horizontal position. And when open, it represents a canopy over the window opening.

The second sash opens in exactly the same way as the first, only its axis is located at the bottom frame. Its maximum opening is vertical. That is, when open, it represents a glazed fencing of the opening along the front side. In this case, the window is equipped with sidewalls along the lower sash, which create a side fence for an improvised balcony.

Attic glazing structure of the “balcony” type Source nesmetnoe.ru

Dormer window installation technology

The modern market offers a huge number of attic windows from different manufacturers. Each of them has its own requirements for the installation process. Let us designate the most common differences:

Models from Fakro and Roto companies install only for the rafter system, and from Velux for the sheathing.

At Fakro, before installation you need remove double glazed windows, Velux has no such need.

Depending on the type of roofing material, roof windows from Fakro are installed to a certain depth, which is indicated in the product passport with the letters: V, N or J.

So, first of all, a window opening is formed. Here, as in the case of the auditory option, it is necessary to determine the installation location. To do this, transverse elements are installed between the rafters.

A box is assembled from four boards and inserted into the opening. And where it is fastened with self-tapping screws through the rafter legs and laid cross members. The most important thing is the elements of the box. Grooves are made in them using a milling cutter, marking the place where the skylight window frame will fit. It seems like it would be possible to make grooves on the rafter legs and cross members. But in no case should the rafter system be weakened even on two elements, because this structure bears a large load and is the center of the roof.

Forming an opening for installing a roof window

The window is inserted into the frame, to which it is attached with special brackets and screws. There is one subtlety here:

first secure top brackets, but not completely;

bait lower, but do not attach them to the box;

exhibit window structure exactly in the opening, taking into account gaps;

then delay the upper brackets and secure the lower ones.

Now the additional elements are being installed. This is an apron made of waterproofing film, which is laid around the perimeter of the window. On top of it is a metal apron, the elements of which form an assembled canopy structure. They are attached to the box with self-tapping screws around the perimeter. At this point the installation is completed, the builders move on to laying the roofing material on the roof.

If it is necessary to install a window in the roof of an attic that is already covered with roofing material, then the technology is slightly modified. The differences are that you will have to first dismantle part of the roofing. Then cut the layers of the roofing pie: waterproofing membrane, insulation and vapor barrier. And here you need to accurately measure and cut. Everything else is exactly the same as in the described process.

Video description

The video explains step by step the technology for installing a roof window:

Conclusion on the topic

The information given in the article should help you understand what dormer and dormer windows are and which ones exist. In fact, the technology for installing them is simple. The craftsmen who represent manufacturing companies are trained in specialized centers, so their skills can be trusted. Many portals write that installing roof windows is a simple process. Nobody argues with this. But you shouldn’t take risks, especially with models built into slopes. Self-activity will only get in the way here. The low quality of the final result is guaranteed in many cases. In addition, many window manufacturing companies only provide a guarantee if the installation was carried out by a certified construction company.

The installation of roof windows should be carried out according to the instructions and the quality and completion of the necessary installation steps should be constantly checked. Otherwise, your roof will be of poor quality and leak at the slightest natural damage.

Dormer windows in the roof and three vertical windows - lucarnes in the attic roof

It is important to remember the main stages of installing dormer windows in the roof and their types in order to equip your home as efficiently and efficiently as possible and make the most of the opportunities in the modern construction market.

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

In order for your structure to be lighter and the window to be installed faster and more firmly, you should install a horizontal beam at the bottom of the window and attach it to the rafter system.

During the installation of the attic structure, it is worth leveling the lower half of the window and screwing all the corners with self-tapping screws, which are necessarily included with the purchased structure.

Next, you need to align the length of the window parallel to the rafters and screw the screws into the oblong holes at the mounting corners. You should not screw them in completely, since after installation you can carefully check everything and, if necessary, adjust the parameters and position of your window system.

A roof window can support itself if its position is correctly and accurately aligned so that there are approximately equal distances between the frame and the rafters.

After a final inspection of the structure and checking all distances and positions, the screws can be screwed into the structure to the base.

It is important to note the fact that attic structures must also have high-quality waterproofing installation made from durable material, which will maximally protect your room from moisture and atmospheric influences.

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

When installing roof windows for a profile roof, it is worth using a special rail on which a corrugated addition is attached, which can be smoothly attached to the profile. This rail should be 10 cm from the bottom of the frame and extend out to the sides by 30 cm.

After the installation of the attic structure is completed, a special sash or double-glazed window is attached to it.

Insulating operations with a window are carried out from the inside, by laying insulation over the entire area of ​​the frame and closing it from moisture with a heat-insulating material such as foil. Special fasteners can be placed on the insulating structure, which are made by using self-tapping screws or sealants.

If you are the owner of a cottage or private house and want to install an attic structure, you should study in detail all types of these structures and make sure the reliability and strength of your structure.

With the help of an attic you can create an additional room, a bedroom, as well as a kitchen and even bathrooms. Lighting through the windows will allow you to create maximum comfort and decorate your attic room in such a way that it becomes a favorite place for all household residents.

Dormer windows are very popular and in demand at this stage of development of construction technologies, as they allow you to save on lighting and create a certain style and charm for your home.

It is very important to decide in which part of the house you need to install an attic structure and what number of windows will be the best option so that the shape and dimensions of your attic correspond to the parameters of the house and achieve a unique and effective design effect.

Installing an attic window is a very important and responsible task, the correct solution of which will determine the external design of your home and its aesthetics.

Lukarna - window in the roof of the attic floor

Lucarna(French lucarne, from Latin lux “light”) - a window opening in a roof slope, usually an attic, or a dome, with a vertical frame closed on the sides and top.

A hatch, for example, is the well-known dormer window on the attic roof of a house.

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

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

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

There are several types and shapes of windows - lucarnes.

Lucarna lean-to

A hatch with a flat roof can be made quite wide, even the entire length of the room. Then the attic room with a wide hatch will not have sloping sections of the ceiling.

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

Lucarne with gable roof

Lucarnes with a gable roof look good on the roofs of a house with a slope of more than 30 degrees.

The width of a hatch with a gable roof is usually included in 1 - 2 pitches of rafters. Wider skylights often spoil the appearance of the house.

Indoors, the ceiling of the lucarne is made flat.

Lucarne with gable roof

A lucarne with a gable roof looks good on slopes of any steepness and shape. From the outside, the roof of the lucarne is not noticeable from the ground. It is easier to harmoniously place such a hatch on the roof of a house.

A hatch with a gable roof can be made wider - by 2-3 rafter steps (up to 2 - 2.5 m)

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

Lucarne with low side walls

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

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

The low walls of the hatch limit the possibility of using the space near the window to place tall furniture.

Lucarne with semicircular window

From the outside, the roof covering smoothly flows around the hatch from above and from the sides. It is better to use bitumen, metal or ceramic tiles as roofing here.

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

"Bull's eye" with a wide oval window

A bull's-eye window with a wide semi-oval window is usually placed on a large roof slope on the side of the main facade. The soft and smooth line of the roof above the sunroof looks impressive from the outside. The bull's eye lucarna serves as the main decoration of the house.

It is better if inside the attic the window is located entirely in one room. A room with such a window turns out to be very bright and attractive.

Triangular hatch

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

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

Inside the room, the ceiling of the lucarne niche follows the shape of the window.

Size of lucarne window in attic roof

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

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

For a person 176 cm tall, the line of vision passes at a height of 165 cm if he is standing, and 121 cm if he is sitting. To view the surroundings from the attic window, the bottom of the glazing should be at a height of no more than 120 cm from the floor of the room, and it is recommended to place the top of the window above 165 cm.

If the hatch window opens, then in order not to fall out of the window, the bottom of the opening frame must be located at a height of at least 85 cm from the floor. The window may be lower than this height, but in this case everything lower is protected with a metal fence.

• Windows built into the roof structure are quite common, especially since attics have long ceased to be used only for storage of old things. And they provide additional lighting. The rationalism of our time does not prevent us from taking a creative approach to converting the attic into various useful spaces: a bedroom, an office, and more.

  In architecture, an attic window is defined as a window opening made in a roof with an attic. Thus, what the attic window, lucarne, dormer, dormer or even birdhouse is called, essentially does not matter. All of them are needed for ventilation and lighting of the under-roof space. The only question is how convenient it is to open them, and whether they close at all or not.

  What are attic windows for?
  

  • First of all, attic windows are designed for ventilation, and this applies to almost any of them: both attic and technical.

  On a note

  In a cold attic, they also help equalize the pressure inside and outside the room during strong winds. Otherwise, the lifting force generated by the hurricane wind will tear the roof off the house. Proper installation of a dormer window in the attic (see photo) will eliminate such a nuisance.

  • Another purpose of window structures is to illuminate the attic. Not only must the sun's rays penetrate under the roof, but there must be enough light in the under-roof space. This requirement is important not only for residential premises, but also for technical ones, because mold also develops in semi-darkness. The only thing is that you need to choose the right shape to ensure the necessary luminous flux for a given room.
  • An attic window is also used to access the roof.

  Classification by design features

  The name “window in the attic roof” speaks for itself. Before you begin installing windows in the roof, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of such structures and the requirements of SNiP.

  Structures can be arranged in different ways. According to this principle they are divided into:

  • Vertical or end. They are located on the end wall. Simple and easy to use and maintain, they are easy to open and close, wash and paint;
  • Horizontal. Significantly increase the illumination of the interior space, but make it difficult to clear the snow accumulated on the roof;
  • Balcony or recessed. Through them you can go out onto a balcony terrace or balcony. If we talk about providing illumination, then from this point of view they are not very effective;
  • Inclined. A window in an attic roof of this design appeared relatively recently, but immediately became in demand because it can almost double the illumination of the interior space. In addition, it fits perfectly into the roof structure of the house;
  • . This is a completely transparent structure that is mounted on a flat attic roof. It provides fairly good illumination and does not cast shadows;
  • Light tunnels. A structure resembling a pipe in shape, which rests on a lamp inside the attic, which evenly scatters the light;
  • Cornice. They combine the features of horizontal and inclined windows. Their installation is possible only if there is a high partition of at least 180 cm.

  Classic species and their new varieties

  

  Window designs for attics differ, in particular, according to the type of roof:

  • Complex attic windows usually have an unusual geometric shape and add a certain style to the house. On the one hand, they fit perfectly into the roof, and on the other hand, they interestingly change its shape and design.
  • The round window looks like a porthole. It is made either entirely of glass or in the form of stained glass - this is how mansions are often stylishly decorated. For flat roofs, dome structures are sometimes chosen using translucent materials.
  • A rather interesting solution is a semicircular shape, which is distinguished by smooth, elegant lines of the roof. For example, a “bull’s eye” design is impossible not to notice, it is so impressive. In addition, it is very functional.

  Attic windows and their size

  

  The size and shape of attic windows are determined based on the design features of the roof, and their functionality is largely determined by their location. They should not be too small - through such a small window in the attic in case of emergency, say, in a fire, it will be impossible to get out.

  There is a certain relationship between the size of the window structure and the distance between the rafters. For example, for a flat roof with a slope of up to 30˚, the length should start from 1.4 m, and the width should be 40–50 mm less than the distance between the load-bearing elements of the rafter system.

  On a note

  When installing a tiled roof, the width of the window is chosen as a multiple of the width of the tile.

  Installation

  

  • The simplest design is considered to be a hatch, which is placed between adjacent elements of the rafter system. At the same time, the load-bearing system of the roof remains unchanged: the facade pillars are rested with the lower end on the rafters, and the upper end is nailed to the frames. The side walls are laid on short racks. The width of the structure is limited by the pitch of the rafters and is usually equal to either 60 cm or 90 cm.
  • If you need to increase the width of the hatch, the rafters will be reinforced.
  • if necessary, cut through one or two rafter legs, and double the outer rafters that frame the contours of the attic window;
  • Between the outer rafter legs, beams are placed at random, which connect the cut ends of the rafter legs in the lower and upper parts. Otherwise, the installation repeats the design of the previous type.
  • If the expected width is even greater, the best solution would be a self-supporting structure. It is also valuable because it does not create additional load on the roof.

  Let's consider the technology of constructing a more complex attic window

  Bull's eye hatch structure

  

  A similar design is thought through at the design stage. First of all, this concerns the load-bearing frame and the front wall.

  An essential point when designing the latter is the relationship between the height and length of the front wall, which varies depending on the roofing material used.

  “Bull’s eye” is mainly covered with tiles: flat, say, “beavertail”, ceramic grooved or cement. If desired, you can use environmentally friendly wooden shingles or straw. The easiest way is to use flat tiles for covering.

  Let us note these ratios for popular roofing materials.

Greetings, dear readers!

The construction term denoting an important part of the roof called a “dormer window”, according to Dahl’s explanatory dictionary, means an opening prepared “for hearing.”

This is not an accurate definition of the functional abilities of a window with the definition of “auditory” suggests that Vladimir Dal, of course, was a writer, ethnographer, doctor and a very educated person, but had nothing to do with construction.

If he were a builder, he would give a different definition to this element, which is installed on almost all pitched roofs and is not at all intended for the unhindered penetration of sound waves.

Why and how dormer windows are installed correctly, you will learn by reading this article.

Dormer window - what is it?

A window opening in a roof slope, in which a vertical frame is installed, closed at the top and sides, is called a dormer window.

Initially, such a window was conceived as a way to ventilate the under-roof space, but over time it became one of the elements of the roof structure that can simultaneously perform several functions.

To add a “zest”, to revive and decorate the roof of any house - this is one of the purposes of a dormer window acquired over many years of its use.

Changing its appearance and its dimensions, the window began to evoke different visual associations and received many original names: “bull’s eye”, “frog’s mouth”, “pike window”, “gnome’s house”, “bat”.

When houses in densely populated cities could no longer accommodate all their residents, they had to look for a way out: how to expand the living space. And an interesting solution to this problem was found - to arrange attics in the attics.

Simultaneously with the arrangement of the attic space, another important function appeared at the dormer window - to serve as a source of natural light.

Thus, as a result of all kinds of additions and changes, an ordinary “birdhouse” on the roof has become an architectural and structurally necessary part of the roof structure and the room under the roof.

Subsequently, in order for dormer windows to perform efficiently all the functional duties added over time, they began to be installed in certain areas of the roof space, which are located in the southern direction.

When a dormer window is installed in an ordinary non-residential attic, and its main purpose is to ventilate the space under the roof, then instead of a frame, a simple ventilation grill can be inserted into the opening.

It allows the dormer window to cope as much as possible with the responsibility initially assigned to it.

As a result, there are no such negative phenomena in the attic space as:

• condensate, into which warm air is converted, penetrating under the roof from the lower floors and sharply cooling in the under-roof space. In the absence of proper ventilation, this phenomenon not only has a detrimental effect on the roof, but can have a destructive effect on load-bearing structural elements and significantly reduce their trouble-free operation;
• formation of fungus and mold, which, under comfortable conditions, may well find a way and move into the room located under the attic. Sometimes residents of the upper floors of residential buildings try for a long time to deal with black spots in the corners and under the ceiling in their apartment, without finding the true cause of this phenomenon. But installing a dormer window can help them completely solve this issue - for additional access of fresh air to the under-roof space.

There is another meaning in installing a roof element called a “dormer window” that does not lie on the surface, but has a special meaning for the reliability of the roof structure and its operation in strong winds.

Only a flat roof is not subject to air pressure.

All single-, double-slope, and also broken protruding roof structures are built with the expectation of providing decent resistance to wind loads.

If left unattended, the wind load factor can destroy the roof, gradually creating vibration and weakening the supporting structure.

Destruction can also occur simultaneously when, due to the high speed of air flow, a vacuum of air is created outside the building under the roof. The stronger the wind, the greater the pressure difference outside the roof and under it, and this in some cases ends with the entire roof lifting, like a balloon taking off.

The installation of a dormer window in the roof is designed to counteract this scenario - at first glance, an ordinary ventilation opening, but in fact a structural element that takes into account the complex laws of physics.

It is this window that is the valve that, if necessary, will operate and relieve the under-roof space from excess pressure.

Even if the dormer window is closed not by a ventilation grille, but by a glazed frame, the air flow is more likely to squeeze out the glass than to have a destructive effect on the roof itself.

Technology for installing a dormer window on the roof in the video:

Design features of a classic dormer window

A standard dormer window is a rectangular structure, which is an additional roofing superstructure.

Its purpose is to, without letting precipitation into the under-roof space, provide access to fresh air and daylight there.

A conventional dormer window is installed in the space between the rafters so as not to disturb the supporting structure of the roof. If it is necessary to ensure greater air access, it is possible to install several dormer windows in the spaces between the rafters in one row or one above the other.

A classic dormer window looks like a glass window frame with ventilation holes around it, covered by a ventilation grille in the form of blinds.

If the window is small, then, as a rule, it is closed only with a ventilation grill.

Often, this type of window openings combines the function of doors for free access to the roof surface if the building is not equipped with a fire escape.

For the attic space, a difference of about 5-10 degrees compared to the air temperature outside the building is considered optimal.

Temperature values ​​that differ upward will be fraught with the formation of condensation on the internal structure. And this, in turn, may require the use of special materials that can withstand high humidity.

• Such troubles are dealt with by installing dormer windows, which come in different shapes and design features. The most popular are:

• single-pitched. One of the longest used and structurally simplest auditory roof structures. The roof angle of this window should be about 15 0. Increasing this size is permissible only if the roof itself has a significant slope. If this rule is not followed, water may flow in at the junction of the main roof with the roof of the dormer window, which will require additional measures to waterproof this area;

A distinctive feature of the gable auditory structure is the relative complexity of its installation. To do this, it is necessary to correctly calculate the connection of all its components, both among themselves and with the structure of the main roof. But the complexity of manufacturing a gable dormer window (compared to a single-pitch one) is fully justified by its greater practicality in terms of distribution of water flows.

Visually, the two slopes on the roof of this window look like a complete architectural form and do not require any additions.

The materials for the side and front gables of the dormer windows can be the same as those used on the façade of the building, but immediately take on the appearance of a decorative element if their exterior decoration is made in contrast with the decoration of the facade.

Dormer roofs, unlike gables, are usually covered with the same material that covers the main roof.

Why is there a window on the roof?

If you look at a dormer window from the street, the answer to the question of why it is on the roof comes by itself: in many cases, to decorate the overall appearance of the building.

The builder will explain the need to build a window with practical benefits, citing several purely technical arguments as proof.

A person living under a roof in an attic will talk about the comfort that a dormer window creates. In particular, it will tell you about the daylight and fresh air coming through it, and most importantly, about the opportunity to look at the world from a point of view other than through the windows below.

A building with original dormer windows becomes unlike others that do not have such an element in their design.

Here we can draw an analogy between buildings and people - some hairdresser will transform his client so much with an elaborate hairstyle that his own mother will hardly recognize him. A dormer window on the roof, just like the bouffant on a fashionista’s head, can be one and only.

Over time, fashion trends have not bypassed this element of the roof structure. The ornate dormer windows, into which residents of cozy attic spaces looked out three hundred years ago, have been replaced by inconspicuous dormer openings in rapidly constructed houses of the last century.

But fashion and freedom of thought are now making themselves felt again with the appearance on the roofs of many private houses, seemingly a thing of the past, “houses for a gnome” and a “bull’s eye” look.

Our time has not been able to wash away the patina of centuries from dormer windows, except that it has added a few changes in the form of double-glazed windows in the frame and automatic closing of the window in case of bad weather.

But for the attic space not equipped for housing, the dormer window remains exactly the same and performs the same functions: maintaining the performance qualities of the roof structure and the material covering this structure.

The principles of installing dormer windows on a roof with a cold attic in the video:

Types

The definitions by which dormer windows are classified correspond to the visual characteristics of the roofs installed over a particular opening.

For example:

• flat roof. It is used mainly for purely technical purposes and does not affect the appearance of buildings. The angle of inclination relative to the main roof ranges from 5 0 to a maximum value of 15 0;
• the roof is pitched. Very similar to flat, but differs in the angle of inclination, starting from 15 0 and increasing in parallel with the increase in the slope of the main roof;
• gable. In addition to the mandatory functions, it also has architectural significance for the appearance of the building;
• hip roof. A type of gable roof, with a cut front slope located at the same angle as the main roof;
• triangular roof. Minimal daylight source;
• glass roof. Designed to provide maximum access of daylight to the attic;
• semicircular roof. The famous "bull's eye". A stylish option that differs from all others not only in its attractive appearance, but also in the significant cost of work on its installation.

Acute dormer window

A dormer window with a triangular or, as it is also called, a “sharp” roof can often be found on buildings of historical value.

The main task when installing windows with such a roof is to ensure that they are not too large or too small in relation to the total volume of the roof. Their sides should have the same angle as the main roof. If these conditions are not met, the triangular window will look like a foreign fragment on the roof.

Another condition for the compliance of acute-angled windows with the general style of the building is the correctly selected locations for their installation. They must be on the same axis with the façade windows located below them.

The advantage of these dormer windows over other options is that they can be located at a higher level.

Another advantage of acute-angled windows is the simplicity of waterproofing the junctions. Since the roof covering of the window is connected at a straight angle to the main roof, their joint is designed as an internal connection on ordinary sloping roofs - internal and external.

Installing triangular dormer windows does not significantly increase the volume of the attic space, and this factor is their main disadvantage.

Design features of the installation

There are no clearly defined rules and strict instructions for installing a dormer window. The main requirement relates to maintaining the rigidity and reliability of the entire roof structure.

The installation location depends on the individual requirements of the developer and the aesthetic perception of the entire appearance of the building.

Before drawing a dormer window on the plan, it is important to decide what function it will have to perform - aesthetic or practical. The choice of window shape and size largely depends on this decision.

If you install two dormer windows at a close distance (less than one meter), then it will be difficult to install a roof covering between them.

In winter, nearby windows will contribute to the formation of snow bags, which will negatively affect the waterproofing of window junctions and will cause an increased weight load on the main roof structure.

Dormer windows that serve only purely technical functions are usually installed without disturbing the structure in the space between the rafters.

When it is necessary to install a dormer opening in the place where one or more rafter legs are located, then changes are made to the design of the main roof based on calculations related to snow and wind loads. In this case, reinforced rafter legs are necessarily added under the side walls of the dormer window.

How to expand the attic space

Setting up a living space in an attic under a roof is quite simple - just insulate the walls and roof. However, there is a certain difficulty in how to provide access to a sufficient amount of daylight into the room and at the same time at least visually expand the attic space.

Installing a roof window in the plane of the roof partially solves the problem - it lets in light and fresh air. But this is a partial solution to the problem, since the actual volumes of the room do not increase, but remain within the same contours limited by the roof.

The design of a large-sized dormer window allows you to install in its front gable the same (in size) window as on the facade of the building, increasing the height of the projection in the room under the dormer to the height of the ridge of the main roof.

With sufficiently large dimensions - the height to the ridge of the roof and the distance from the central axis of the building to its side wall, the opening built into the roof for a dormer window may well be a separate house for its residents.

When increasing the internal living space, one must not forget that this may negatively affect the external appearance of the building. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the proportions between the dimensions of the main roof and the dormer window installed on it are maintained.

Dormer window configurations

The architectural style within which a certain building was built is not limited to the foundation and facade. As a point set in any business, the same point in construction is the roof installed on a building. Its outlines should not violate the general idea of ​​the architect. Therefore, many creators of grandiose projects install spiers or domes instead of roofs.

You can play with the external perception of any building by adding projections in the form of dormer windows to the roof of various shapes.

This solves two problems at once:

• technical. The solution that is necessary for long-term and trouble-free operation of the roof structure and covering;
• aesthetic. Without a solution, the construction of modern buildings is in principle impossible.

Located in a certain sequence, in correctly chosen places and with dimensions that meet certain proportions even the most ordinary single-pitched dormer windows can look like a decorative fragment of the interior.

With a pitched roof

Flat roof windows are the simplest form of dormer windows installed on roofs.

The slope of the single slope above this window is not much different from the slope of the roof itself.

Windows of this type are most often installed on ready-made roofs, because their installation does not require insertion into the supporting system. It is enough just to cut out part of the sheathing together with the roof covering between the rafters.

An insufficient slope of the flat roof of a dormer window, if it is covered with tiles, can cause snow to accumulate on its surface and water to drain poorly.

This drawback can be eliminated by replacing the coating with a more suitable one, for example, metal tiles or profile sheets.

For drainage, conventional semicircular or square gutters are used.

With a gable roof

Windows with a gable or semicircular roof require special attention in the approach to their installation.

The location of this dormer window may have special connections depending on the purposes that the window should serve.

If this window is a technical exit to the roof surface, then its location in the attic space should be at a free access height.

A window with a gable roof can be designed in different architectural styles:

• with or without gable projection;
• with or without cornice overhang;
• with or without gutters for water drainage.

The best option for the appearance of a gable window is when it has one window opening on the front gable, not separated by partitions.

Several small windows make the dormer too bulky.

The process of installing a dormer window into a finished roof

The first step is to choose the optimal installation location. If a mistake is made and the window needs to be moved to another location, it will be extremely difficult to seal the opening in the roof. Having decided on the installation location, you need to pay attention to the location of the rafter legs in this place.

The best option would be to not touch the rafters at all.

But if the distance between them is small, and the dormer window is wider in width, then it is imperative to take steps to insure against subsidence of the roof plane.

Before the place where the rafter leg will be sawed and after it, you need to install reliable supports.

They can be dismantled only after the dormer window installation process has been completed.

Then you should consider how and with what material the cut opening can be temporarily protected from precipitation.

If the marking has been carried out and all safety actions have been completed, you can begin to dismantle the sheathing and material covering the roof.

To avoid downtime and inconsistencies in the process of installing a dormer window, the builders must have a draft of the future finished product and all the materials necessary for the work before starting work.

Technology for installing a Dolmer dormer window on the roof of a house in the video:

How to apply

• On buildings built in our country, four types of dormer windows are most often found. This: with flat roof
• , the slope of which does not exceed 15 0; with gable roof
• , the slope of both slopes of which must correspond to the slope of the roof; gable roof
• – a gable option with an additional slope starting from the ridge and lowered to the front gable; semicircular roof

There are no strict restrictions on the use of covering materials for these roofs, but there are recommendations.

They are as follows:

• It is advisable to cover a flat roof with materials that allow water to flow freely at a slight slope;
• in cases where the slope of the slopes is sufficient for good drainage, they should be covered with the same material as the main roof.

To decorate the gables, you can use any materials used in finishing the facades of buildings, but with the indispensable condition of their light weight.

Window openings in dormer windows (both rectangular and arched) are installed in the same way as on the facade of the building - strictly horizontally.

Purpose

Many residential and industrial buildings with a roof that has a common slope have dormer windows installed.

The space under the roof can be used for arranging a room there or for purely technical purposes - maintenance of the rafter system and roof covering.

Depending on the purpose of the attic space, approaches to choosing a dormer window specific in shape and functionality change.

The functions that the dormer window performs include:

• room lighting;
• constant flow of fresh air;
• possibility of access to the roof surface;
• decorative design of the building.

The main part of the dormer opening is the window itself, which can be:

• round or oval;
• square or rectangular;
• triangular.

The shape of the window does not affect the reliability and design features.

Window contours are important only for the aesthetic perception of the architectural integrity of the building.

Slope slope

Providing the correct slope of the slopes and protecting problem areas where the dormer window meets the main roof from leaking is the main task when designing and installing it.

If the roof area of ​​the dormer window is large, provision should be made for water drainage using gutters.

It is best to additionally waterproof the junction of the walls of the dormer window with the roof, and also install a valley there, and the lower one must extend a few centimeters beyond the main roof.

The slope of the slope for a flat roof should not exceed 15 0. In other cases, the slope must be selected relative to the slope of the main roof.

Roben dormer window installation in the video:

Window outlines

If you choose a dormer window based on simplicity of design and practicality, then a triangular or acute-angled shape meets these criteria better than others.

This configuration has a small line of contact with the roof, which significantly reduces the severity of the problem of possible moisture penetration under the roof.

When choosing a triangular-shaped window for installation, you should know that it provides the least amount of room illumination, and increasing it to eliminate this drawback will negatively affect the appearance of the building.

How to best position

In order not to disrupt the visual design of the building, architects can arrange the dormer openings in one row along a horizontal or vertical line. Or they can scatter the windows chaotically or in a checkerboard pattern - there are practically no restrictions on placement.

The only condition is that external beauty does not create inconvenience for those who may have to use dormer windows from the attic space.

If we take this aspect into account, it is advisable to place the windows at a distance of about one meter from the attic floor.

Procedure for installing a dormer window

When installing different types of dormer windows, there are some features inherent in the design of a particular type of window, but there is no fundamental difference in the order of the actions performed.

However, the order itself must be strictly observed:

• draw up an accurate plan for the location of dormer windows, taking into account all the features of the main roof. Make a drawing of the window with an exact indication of all overall dimensions;
• if necessary, you should determine in which places the safety supports should be located, and install them before starting work;
• cut an opening in the roof for a window according to the dimensions indicated in the drawing;
• strengthen the opening with horizontal beams, attaching them to the ends of the cut rafter legs;
• strengthen the rafter legs, on which the sides of the dormer window rest - they will bear the entire load from the cut rafters;
• after lining the opening around the perimeter and creating a rigid base, you can begin constructing the selected type of dormer window;
• the further procedure repeats the procedure for installing a conventional roof with mandatory vapor and waterproofing and installation of an appropriate insulation system;
• Before installing the external finishing of the walls and roof of the dormer window, areas should be carefully waterproofed, connecting to the base of the roof.

Before installing a dormer window, it is advisable to calculate the cost and need for its installation. Perhaps installing a regular dormer window will solve all the issues regarding lighting and ventilation, and besides, it will probably cost less.

If the decision is made in favor of a dormer window, then you need to choose its shape wisely. Because an attractive-looking arched window called a “bull’s eye” will cost its future owner a price equal to installing several windows of simpler contours.

You can find out what optimal shape of a dormer window to choose for each specific case by systematizing the data presented in this article.