Attic end windows. We choose windows in the attic. Real owner reviews about roof windows

Dormer windows in the roof of a private house are not only a functional, but also a decorative element.

Modern Euro-roof windows have turned uninhabited attics into cozy, bright attics. Skylights transform ordinary buildings into modern architectural works, bringing light into the space and filling the house with fresh air. European dormer windows introduced a new trend into architecture, allowing the hatches necessary for maintenance to be harmoniously integrated into the façade 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 dormer windows

European dormer windows meet a number of requirements and provide several advantages:

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

Before installing a skylight, you must select the type of structure. The following types of Euro-roof windows are distinguished:

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

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

Sloping Euro-windows differ from dormer windows in that they are mounted directly into the roof at an angle. Spirit windows were invented in the 19th century, and dormer windows in the post-war fifties of the 20th century. The inclined euro-window is characterized by tightness, practicality, high light transmittance and sound insulation. If there is excess penetration of sunlight into the room, the roof window is covered with canvas or blinds. The light output of an inclined euro-window is 35% higher than that of a pediment or dormer window.

Blinds are installed on the inside of windows.

The outside of the windows can be protected with roller blinds.

A gable window is mounted vertically into a gable wall using a gable collar. Gable frames can be opening or non-opening. Such models serve to increase visibility of the surrounding area.

Hatch window for access to the roof

The roof hatch should organically fit into the appearance of a private cottage. A great solution is a hatch window, which can be easily built into the roof and looks like a regular inclined euro-window. The hatches are in wonderful harmony with the appearance of the entire building and the windows installed in it. Types of roof inspection hatches:

1. The emergency roof exit looks similar to a slanted Euro-window. It has all the functions of simple windows. Used for technical inspection and access to the roof. To open the doors, you simply press the handle and the hatch will open automatically using gas shock absorbers. Such structures are installed on roofs with a slope of 15 to 55 degrees.

Characteristics:

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

The roof hatch greatly simplifies roof maintenance.

1. The operational exit looks like an ordinary attic hatch-window and serves as an exit to the roof. Installed on roofs with a slope of 15 to 55 degrees, equipped with a supply valve for attic ventilation. Opens outwards along the lateral axis.

Characteristics:

• Eurowindow opens 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.

Operational access to the roof from the attic.

1. A hatch window is installed in the attic of buildings for technological inspection and access to the roof. You can select the opening type and side. Equipped with provisions for room ventilation. Installed on roofs with a slope from 20 to 65 degrees.

Characteristics:

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

Attic hatches can have a variety of opening types.

How to choose the right roof windows?

When choosing a European attic window, you should consider a number of features:

• presence of moisture protection;
• presence of seals;
• profile or frame material;
• opening method;
• glass unit strength.

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

Sectional view of attic double-glazed windows.

Double-glazed windows made using triplex technology will protect attic inhabitants from shards of accidentally broken glass. Since two glasses are glued together with a special film, which allows you to hold the fragments. The Easy Clean coating breaks down the dirt accumulated on the euro window under the influence of sunlight, which makes cleaning the glass easier.

Laminated triplex glass will provide excellent protection for your windows.

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

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

Features of the roof window design

The simplest design of a recessed Euro window. You can use an already erected ceiling and install a window under the finished roof. Such windows can be installed at any time.

This design is not only easy to install, but also very practical.

A projecting roof window must be designed during the construction phase. The structure can be mounted for flat and gable roofs. It is much easier to install protruding ceilings on a flat roof. The assembled side walls of the structure are covered with boards and covered with roofing covering material, which covers the entire roof.

This design can also be a good addition to the exterior of the house.

An internal roof window can be installed between the beams that support the roof rafters. The support board is installed between the supports, then the window frame is placed on it. A fixing beam secures the frame on top. The side walls and drain are covered with covering material, which covers the entire roof.

Installation of a roof window.

Installation of a roof window

After the final selection of the model and location of the European attic window, we proceed to its installation. Sequence of installation of an inclined window:

• an opening must be cut in the roof to install the frame;
• the roof is strengthened with additional lags and a frame for the window frame is mounted;
• insulation and waterproofing are installed;
• roofing material is laid;
• window unit is installed.

Master class on installing a roof window https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7mQz8E8v9A Before you begin installing a Euro window, you need to strengthen the roof structure and mount the frame for the window frame. Reinforcement is done using rafters located nearby. Between them, jumpers are mounted, between which beams are mounted under the window frame. A window frame is installed into the resulting frame. The block should be mounted without glass. The frame should be installed above the roof level, which ensures water drainage. After installing the frame, it is necessary to lay a waterproofing coating to ensure water drainage. Modern models of roof windows are equipped with additional functions. These include remote control for opening windows, roller shutters and safety fences that form a small balcony. Roof window on the remote control https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLKzwRMPCig

Ksenia Skvortsova. Chief Editor. Author.
Planning and distribution of responsibilities in the content production team, working with texts.
Education: Kharkov State Academy of Culture, specialty “Culturologist.” Teacher of history and cultural theory." Experience in copywriting: From 2010 to present. Editor: since 2016.

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The presence of an attic floor provides an opportunity to make maximum use of all available space in a residential building. To ensure the required degree of illumination in the under-roof space, windows are installed in the slopes, which at the same time promote ventilation.

An attic with window openings looks much more attractive and aesthetically pleasing than without them. You can install a window in an attic roof with your own hands, but the process is not easy and has many nuances. The tightness of the entire roof structure depends on the correct installation.

Therefore, in the absence of relevant experience, it is advisable to turn to specialists, then you will be able to avoid troubles in the form of leaks or cold penetration. If you don’t want to involve professionals, you must strictly adhere to the recommendations that are prescribed in the instructions of the manufacturers of such windows.

Types of windows for attics

In the attic floor, homeowners install various types of window products. For example, windows can be vertical, differing little from standard products used for front glazing.

They are placed either in the gables of the building or in the roof slope in a structure called a “house” or “birdhouse”. They look attractive and decorate the appearance of the building, but little light penetrates through them.

Sloping windows for attics are placed flush with the roof slope; they transmit about 30–40% more sunlight and differ in their structural design, material of manufacture and method of opening. To produce window products for attics, aluminum, high-quality wood, or polyvinyl chloride profiles are used.

The classification, based on differences in the design of the dormer window, is as follows:

1. Products having a square or rectangular shape. They are installed more often than any other window. They consist of a frame and a sash, and can also be a solid double-glazed window.
2. Balcony products. This design includes an inclined frame in the roof slope and a vertical window underneath it, less often on the side. Both parts open, the inclined one upward, and the vertical one to the side or downward. This device allows you to arrange access to the balcony.
3. The lower element located under the inclined window. This is a blind window located under the swinging sash. This type of construction is used in cases where the height of the slope is not enough to accommodate two windows.
4. Top element. This is a decorative window product located above a slanted window. It is made either triangular or round in shape.
5. Cornice window structures. They are preferred to be installed when there is a high wall in the attic that does not allow you to look out into the street. Then a window is installed underneath it, opening vertically.
6. Light tunnel. It is installed in a place on the slope that does not have direct contact with the room. A reflective tunnel is directed from the window, usually in the form of a pipe, which leads to a place that requires lighting - a lampshade capable of scattering light is mounted there.

All attic windows, regardless of their type, are manufactured at factories equipped with special equipment and subjected to strength tests. They cost a lot, but experts do not advise thinking about how to make a roof window with your own hands, since it cannot guarantee tightness and a comfortable stay in the house.

There are several types of such products based on the opening method:

1. With a central axis of rotation of the shutters. They can be rotated 180 degrees and this circumstance allows you to wash the glass from the street side without any problems.
2. With raised swivel axle. It is located at a distance of about 2/3 from the bottom edge of the window opening.
3. With combined axle. The window has a top and a central axis. One of them allows you to open it up to an angle of 45 degrees, and the second allows you to scroll it completely.
4. With side swivel axis. These windows open like standard ones. They are called “attic hatches” because they are used to access the roof surface.
5. With lower steering axis. Only sashes for balcony windows are produced with it. They can only be opened forward.
6. With remote control. In attic rooms with high ceilings, when it is not possible to open the window manually, use a remote control that operates from the electrical network. In this case, a power supply line is specially connected to the place of its installation.

When choosing such a window, you need to consider:

• structural features of the roof;
• how convenient it will be to use;
• area and room parameters.

The location of the window, as well as the view from it, may depend on the height of the attic floor and the slope of the slope.

Construction of roof windows

Window products for attic residential premises have a complex structural design. To ensure the reliability of windows, they are equipped with heavy-duty glass that can withstand increased pressure.

They consist of a frame, sashes, and rotary fittings. A glass unit filled with inert gas is inserted into the sash.

Also included in the kit:

• 2 aprons – hydro- and vapor barrier;
• drainage gutter;
• insulation;
• protective salary;
• internal slopes.

The cost of installing a roof window depends on the planned scope of work and on the list of various elements included in the kit.

Self-installation of attic window

Once again, it should be noted that you need to order such a service from certified craftsmen who know how to make a roof window in full accordance with the technology.

The cost of installing a window structure depends on whether the finishing of the roof has been laid or the construction has not yet been completed. The price will be lower if there is a covering on the roof and no internal work has been done.

Selecting window type and installation location

The opening parameters are selected taking into account the square footage of the attic space and the gap between the rafters. It is advisable that the window be located between the rafters.

According to accepted rules, the size of such a window should be at least 10% of the area of ​​the room. Its width should be 4–6 centimeters less than the gap between the rafters. When it is too small, for example, 60 centimeters, you can mount two windows side by side, placing them in adjacent sections.

The installation height is affected by the angle of the slope and the location of the handle on the window. On steep roofs, it is advisable to place the window opening at the bottom, and on flat roofs – at the top. For a window in this case, the optimal distance from the floor is approximately 80–130 centimeters. When the handle is at the top, the window structure is mounted at a height of 100–110, and if at the bottom - 120–130 centimeters.

In addition, the type of roofing affects the height of the window. For example, when you plan to install ceramic tiles, you need to remember that you cannot cut them. The window in this case should be located above the tiles. If the products are sheet, you can cut holes in them in the right place. By the way, so that the window does not fog up, is not subject to icing, and condensation does not collect on it, a heating device is placed under it.

When you have chosen the number of windows, their parameters and installation location, you need to purchase the correct frame for them. Window products from different manufacturers have their own characteristics and differences in configuration. Window accessories should be selected from a specific manufacturer from the same product line, as can be seen from the markings on the products.

Preparing a place for a window

There is a certain procedure for how to make a roof window in a house correctly. In the case when the roof is ready, but there is no interior finishing, the location of the opening is marked from the inside of the room on the waterproofing material. The distance from it to the elements of the rafter system should not exceed 2-3 centimeters.

In this situation, the window is mounted on the rafters and lower beam. Next, its lower location is outlined; for profiled materials, 9 centimeters are indented, and for flat materials – 4-6 centimeters. Then mark the top point of the window structure and set aside 9-15 centimeters upward.

When cutting out the waterproofing film, a 20-centimeter margin is left around the perimeter. The remains of the canvas are wrapped inside the attic, the roofing is removed or a hole is cut in it. The sheathing elements are cut off at a distance of 2 centimeters from the rafters.

At the bottom of the window, a mounting beam with a thickness of at least 50 millimeters is placed at a distance of 8–10 centimeters from the sheathing. It is mounted horizontally according to the level. The lower end of the waterproofing is fixed to the timber with a stapler, and the upper end to the sheathing. In this case, the side edges are pulled out.

Do-it-yourself roof frame installation

Window products always include instructions from the manufacturer on how to make a skylight. It is necessary to follow it, since the design of window products for attics and the methods of their installation are different.

For example, in some cases the brackets are rectangular in shape and need to be fixed only to the rafters, while in others they are angular and attached to the sheathing or rafters. But the main thing is that these products are fixed on the frame in different positions.

To make it easy to install the sash, it should be removed as described in the instructions. It is necessary to leave the bare frame, so if there is a frame on the window, remove it.

The lower brackets need to be secured completely, but the upper ones not completely, since the frame will still have to be adjusted. The sash is returned to its place, covered and checked for distortions. Adjustment is made using the top mount. As a result, the window should stand absolutely level, and the sash should fit evenly on all sides. In the future, it will be impossible to eliminate the shortcomings.

After completing the adjustment, all fasteners must be tightened securely. Next, the side waterproofing is fixed to the window frame, and the excess is cut off. Insulation is placed in the side openings.

Window waterproofing device

An insulating apron is included in the package. A piece of sheathing is cut off from above the window being installed on both sides, which is equal to the width of the drainage gutter, and in the middle of this place the material for waterproofing is cut. A gutter is placed under it and placed in the gap between the sheathing. As a result, water will begin to flow from the film into it, rather than onto the window.

Next, the apron is unrolled and placed around the window so that it prevents leaks. It is attached to the frame, top sheathing, rafters and beams with a stapler, after which the edges are placed under the sheathing, while the upper part is placed under the gutter. Now the roofing material under the window can be returned to its original place.

How to install a salary

They begin to install it from the bottom up. First of all, the lower apron is installed, then the side parts and the upper edge, and finally the lining.

The installation of flashings from each manufacturer has its own peculiarities, so you must use the instructions. So, Roto products have a rubber seal on the frame, and the frame is placed under it. Fakro window products do not have a sealing element, and the frame is attached directly to the frame and covered with additional parts on top.

All elements of the flashing are joined and then attached to the frame and sheathing. The lower apron is fixed to the roof covering from above. To install roofing material, a special element must be attached to the flashing. At the end of the work, the sash is hung and the protective coating is removed.

In order to seal the joints between the frame and the opening, you should not use mounting foam; you should use only special sealants.

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 maximally fit it 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 lucarens 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 single slope

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.

Or even a bath or sauna. In many ways, the convenience of living in such a room will depend on the correct choice of windows, their type, quantity and location.

Installation of roof windows is a responsible undertaking. After all, if installed incorrectly, problems such as roof leaks and room cooling in winter can occur. We’ll talk about what types of skylights there are and what the technology for installing them is in this article.

Types of dormer windows

If desired, you can install skylights on the gables. Sometimes they are located obliquely in the plane of the roof itself. Dormer windows in the attic are also used. In this case, the structure is mounted vertically in a special “birdhouse”. The choice of one option or another depends both on the features and on the personal preferences of the owners of the house themselves. You can see what roof windows of various designs look like in the photo gallery below.

Design features

Attic windows can vary greatly in their design features. Today there are the following types:

1. Cornice. This design is used in attics with a high wall. In this case, a vertical additional element is installed under the main sash;
2. Inclined with a lower element. The top of this option opens. The lower one is deaf;

Dormer windows. Photos of designs with a lower element and cornices

1. Balcony. In this case, the inclined structure is connected to the vertical one, which is part of the balcony parapet;

Balcony roof windows look very unusual

1. Extensions. Both triangular and semicircular options are used. This addition fits harmoniously into the exterior of the building and looks good in the interior of the attic;

Dormer windows. Photos of decorative extensions

1. Light tunnel. If there is also a small attic above, the window can be placed on it. The room is illuminated through a reflective tunnel-pipe.
2. A lamp that diffuses the light flux is installed at the output.

On a note: A light tunnel can be an excellent option for an attic, hi-tech or minimalism. This lampshade will also fit well in a loft style.

Attic living space can be illuminated through the attic

1. Standard. Such structures can be rectangular or square. They consist of a frame and one swing sash. Sometimes voiceless versions are also used. If desired, you can install such roof windows. Blind structures, however, are practically never found on sale. They are usually made to order. Standard designs are most often used in attic living quarters;

Types by opening method

Among other things, roof windows can differ in the way they open. If desired, you can install the following types of structures:

1. Option with a pivot axis located in the center. These are the most popular roof windows. Reviews about them are extremely positive. They are very easy to care for and can be mounted on slopes with any slope;
2. Attic hatch. Opens along the side axis;

Windows in the attic. Photo of a roof hatch and a window with a central axis of rotation

1. Option with raised axle;
2. Option with lower axle. The doors of such structures open forward;

On a note: Those who love special comfort should purchase windows with electric drive. The doors of such structures can be opened and closed using the remote control.

Material used to make the profile

Facade windows can be made of PVC, aluminum or wood. In ordinary rooms, all these varieties can be installed. If there is a bathroom or sauna in the attic, it is better not to use wooden structures. In this case, it is worth installing plastic or aluminum roof windows. Metal-plastic structures can also be a good option.

Thus, windows on the attic floor can open in a variety of ways and have different designs. Perhaps these photos will help someone make their choice:

Technology for installing roof windows

The installation of roof windows is carried out in compliance with certain rules. The frame should be mounted so that its lower edge is approximately 120 cm from the floor. The color of the flashings should be in harmony with the color of the roofing material. It is best to mount frames before. The sashes are inserted later. Of course, roof windows can also be installed on an already finished roof. In this case, it is first necessary to draw a corresponding drawing.

Preparing the window opening

Installation of a window structure is usually carried out between the rafters. Dormer windows, the sizes of which are most often standard (550mm), fit into this opening almost perfectly. Of course, only if the pitch between the rafters is approximately 600mm (which happens most often). Below are instructions for preparing a window opening:

1. At the first stage, the space for the frame is marked. In this case, 45 mm should be added to the height of the frame, and 60 mm to the width;
2. Next, following the markings, the casing is removed. You can use a power saw to cut the lining;
3. After this you need to remove the insulation. Trimming of the sheathing and insulation in the roof is performed parallel to the floor at the top and strictly vertical at the bottom. As a result, the resulting opening will be larger inside than outside. This will allow light to enter the room unhindered;

The opening from the inside of the attic should be wider than from the outside

1. In order to insert the frame, you also need to cut off the sheathing and cut a hole in the metal tile or corrugated sheet (or remove the tile);

Important: When inserting a structure into a roof covered with tiles on the sides, the opening must be cleared by removing two rows of tiles.

1. Next, an additional structure made of timber is installed in the opening, on which the frame will subsequently be attached. On the outside, on the roof, the size of the bars must correspond to the size of the sheathing bars.

The frame is mounted on a special timber structure

Window preparation

After preparing the opening, the actual installation of the roof windows is carried out. The video presents this process step by step:

The first step is to remove the sash from the frame. All components attached for its safe transportation are removed from the purchased window. The sash can be removed differently from different manufacturers. Most often, you just need to release the turning mechanism lock and disengage the sash.

Next, the frame of the attic windows is prepared. Do-it-yourself installation of the profile in the opening is done using special plates included in the kit. These elements must be attached to the frame on both sides and at the corners. This is done with the help of screws.

The frame is attached to the box on special metal plates

How to install a roof window

The roof window must be installed from the street side. The frame is installed in a block box in such a way that there is a gap of 20 - 30 mm between them for insulation. Only the top two plates are first fastened. Frame insertion is also done using screws.

Before installing the attic windows further with your own hands, you need to insert the previously removed sash into the frame. After installation, close it and check how correctly it “fits” in the frame. Then you need to screw all the screws into the fastening metal plates, securing the frame completely.

Important: Before the frame is finally secured, its position in the box should be adjusted. The profile must be located in a plane strictly parallel to the plane of the roof.

The roof window is inserted into the opening and fixed to the plates

Window sealing

To prevent windows from leaking, they should be waterproofed. Under the box you need to mount a protective apron, usually included in the kit. This element is attached to the bottom of the frame. At the next stage, the side aprons are installed. Next, an apron is inserted into the upper part of the window and a metal casting is attached here.

In order to prevent leaks, a waterproofing apron is installed

To insulate the structure, you can use any modern material. Basalt wool is best suited for this purpose. It is inserted between the roofing material and the paving structure.

Important: It is better not to use polyurethane foam for sealing and insulation. As it expands, it often moves structural elements from their place. As a result, the doors may jam.

Compliance with all technologies is a guarantee that you will get good roof windows. Installing (the video confirms this) them is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

Owners who want to turn the attic above the bathhouse into a functional living space need to take care of the free flow of fresh air and daylight. These problems can be solved by installing roof windows, the rules of which differ from the standard technology for installing façade analogues. If the owner of the bathhouse decides to equip the slopes with windows rather than the gables, the structure with a light-conducting element should become part of a multi-layer roofing system. The window must not only be reliably strengthened, but also ensure that the technical characteristics of the roof are preserved, which guarantees a competent installation.

Tasks of attic window structures

Constructed according to the rules, the complex “pie” of the roof retains heat, does not accumulate condensation on the surface, and serves for a long time thanks to perfectly functioning under-roof ventilation. Equivalent responsibilities are placed on the “fragile shoulders” of skylights, which, moreover, must open freely and not cause difficulty in closing. Windows, along with the roofing system, will have to repel atmospheric attacks. Therefore, it is recommended to equip attics with special structures:

• with tempered glass or triplex glass;
• with an energy-saving light-transmitting element;
• with hermetic seals and linings;
• with a durable frame, protected from constant exposure to moisture and UV rays;
• with devices that provide shading, easy operation, ventilation in summer and winter, protection from insects and dust particles.

If you want to look at designs for bathhouses with an attic, we recommend that you read the article

It is desirable that using and caring for them should not be difficult, so that fogging and damp finishes do not irritate the owners. All requirements will be satisfied by the precise selection and impeccable installation of roof windows, carried out in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and generally accepted technological standards.

Preliminary planning and calculations

Installation without calculations is money down the drain. To avoid wasting money, you first need to calculate everything, select windows in accordance with the tasks being solved and the type of roofing material, and determine the location for their installation.

Calculation of glazing area

The formula is extremely simple, the result depends on the floor area. Every 10 m² must be illuminated by 1 m² of glazing, regardless of the window size. There is a nuance that slightly adjusts the amount of light coming through the attic window. The higher the window opening, the more daylight passes through it. However, a too high location will interfere with admiring the surrounding nature and such an installation is more suitable for flat roofs with slope angles of 15-20º.

Unwritten laws and architectural aesthetics force roofs with steep slopes to be equipped with windows, the lower line of which is at an average level of 1.00 to 1.40 m. The lower limit is considered to be 0.80 m, the upper limit is 1.90 m. However, the height of the location is practically does not affect the size of roof windows. In any case, the total area of ​​elements transmitting light should be calculated using the above formula, and the owner will want one, four or two windows - a choice based on personal preferences.

Which window should I buy?

The buyer is now offered a lot of different designs with numerous functions, which are not worth listing in this article. The difference is not only in dimensions, but also in the mechanisms of action, in the location of the rotary axis and the window handle. The last characteristic affects the installation height of the window in the attic. The handle is too high - it’s inconvenient to open if the window is not supplied with a remote control; too low - it’s dangerous if children are resting in the sauna attic. In addition to the handle, as a point of application of constant forces, the type of roofing material influences the choice of window. The higher its relief, the greater the height of the outer window frame should be. Products bearing the Fakro brand, for example, have special markings according to which windows are selected for attics with tiles, ondulin, metal profiles or smooth roll coverings.

Typically, the factory equipment includes fasteners, mounting angles, a waterproofing apron with a vapor-removing effect, a special sealant and adhesive tape. Of course, it is better to purchase a complete kit with all the necessary accessories for installation. However, in the absence of insulation, waterproofing and a corrugated vapor barrier membrane, all this can be purchased separately or made from materials offered by hardware stores.

Important! The installation of a drainage gutter above the top line of the attic window is a mandatory condition. If it is not included in the kit, you can make a gutter from a piece of waterproofing material folded in half.

It is difficult to say what the owner of a bathhouse who wants to install roof windows with his own hands needs to decide initially. Determination of the installation location should be carried out in parallel with the selection of the optimal design. More precisely, these issues are resolved together.

Choosing a place to install windows

Location is an important factor that determines the service life of the entire roof, interior decoration and aesthetic properties of the building. Before figuring out how to install a roof window, you should find the optimal location for its installation.

Valuable professional advice. There is no need to arrange window openings:

• on the slopes of the valley, since sediment will accumulate in the internal corners formed by it;
• near ventilation vents and chimneys, the operation of which will cause the formation of condensation;
• near junctions with horizontal walls due to accumulation of precipitation and possible shading.

Professionals advise not to get carried away with the close proximity of any components of the roofing system.

The height limits of the opening for the attic window have already been mentioned. There are no clear technical instructions on this matter, so it is impossible to say for sure what has a greater impact on the choice.

• Definitely the type of roofing material. Any soft rolled variety can be cut anywhere. Shingles are not allowed! It must be positioned so that the bottom line of the window structure is located above a row of “uncut” whole shingles.

Attention. If it is not possible to create an opening over a row of solid tiles, they will have to be disassembled, and after installation, cut or shaped elements should be laid on top of the window frame.

• A significant criterion is the pitch of the rafters. It is advisable not to violate the integrity of the rafter system. It is recommended to buy windows the size of which allows them to be freely installed between two adjacent rafters with a margin of 7-10 cm. The margin is necessary for laying the thermal insulation layer. If the pitch of the rafter system is not sufficient to install a large window, it is better to purchase and install two or three small ones side by side.

Note. If it is necessary to remove part of the rafters to install a window, a horizontal beam is installed in the window opening to increase the strength of the rafter structure.

• Top or bottom handle. Dormer windows with upper handles are installed at a height of up to 1.10 m, with lower handles - at a height of up to 1.70 m.

The owner choosing a place for installation must take into account that a heating device must be installed under the glazed structure, because rational heating of roof windows will prevent the formation of condensation. This factor also affects the installation height. And one more thing: the buyer of windows with remote control needs to worry about cable routing.

Stages of installing a window in the attic

The entire process of installing a window in the attic can be divided into a number of technological stages:

• preparing the opening for the window to be installed;
• installation of a frame with a previously dismantled double-glazed window;
• laying insulating material, waterproofing;
• attaching a factory gutter above the top line of the window structure or constructing it from a piece of waterproofing;
• installation and fastening of flashing parts;
• returning the dismantled glass unit to its place in the reverse order;
• interior finishing with installation of vapor barrier and construction of slopes.

The manufacturers' instructions describe in detail the installation of skylights: a bathhouse owner who has no experience in this field can carry out the installation with his own hands, strictly following the instructions. We will only note the key points that may be left unattended. But taking them into account is a guarantee of high-quality installation.

Opening rules

• Since heat-insulating material is to be laid between the frame and the opening along the entire perimeter, an allowance of 2-3.5 cm should be left on each side of the rectangle, depending on the thickness and density of the insulation.
• A technological gap must be left between the bottom line of the window structure and the roofing material, the size of which depends on the type of roofing. For an attic with tiles, for example, you need to leave 9 cm.
• 4-10 cm are left between the upper mounting beam and the roofing material. They are necessary so that the window does not “warp” in the event of shrinkage of the wooden rafter structure.
• The window frame will be attached to the rafters or to special slats fixed level in a strictly horizontal direction. The slats are made from timber with dimensions equal to the sheathing timber.
• On the inside, an outline is drawn along the waterproofing or existing finishing according to the calculated distances.
• Waterproofing is not cut along the contour of the window! You need to cut it with a kind of “envelope” so that there are overlaps of 20-25 cm. The overlaps are then turned outward, stapled to the frame or to the sheathing, and the excess is cut off. A waterproofing apron will be placed on top of them so that the insulating shell is completely sealed.

Specifics of window frame installation

Mounting brackets are attached to the frame as specified by the manufacturer. The window manufacturer Fakro recommends dismantling the double-glazed window before fixing the brackets; the manufacturer Velux recommends removing the double-glazed window after attaching the brackets and “attaching” the frame in the opening. It is more convenient to lay thermal insulation material along the top and bottom lines of the window system and secure it with a stapler before installing the frame in the prepared opening.

Advice. Thermal insulation can be laid in the opening before installing the frame and attached to the upper and lower mounting beams.

Frame installation and mandatory adjustments

• The lower brackets are fastened firmly, but the screws of the upper brackets are not fully tightened. A slight play is necessary for adjustment.
• It is during this period that the horizontal and vertical lines are verified, and adjustments are made using plastic corners if deviations are detected. Experts advise temporarily putting the sash in place to check how it will fit against the frame. There is no need to be lazy; after fixing the salary, it will no longer be possible to correct shortcomings and serious mistakes.
• The distances between the opening and the frame on the left and right should be equal.
• After adjustment, all fasteners can be tightened tightly, a waterproofing apron can be laid around the frame, and thermal insulation can be stapled along the side lines of the frame.

To install a drainage gutter in the sheathing above the window, you need to cut two pieces, the size of which is equal to the height of the drainage device, and cut a piece of waterproofing to these dimensions. The gutter must be placed under the cut-out section of waterproofing and attached to the sheathing. Note. The condensate drainage gutter is placed at an angle so that moisture does not linger, but spontaneously flows into the ventilation gap of the roof.

Completion of installation operations

The penultimate touch is that the installation of the salary must strictly comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. The general rule: always start with fastening the lower element, and all parts of the flashing are placed under the elastic seal. Then, in the reverse order of dismantling, they put the frame in place. A vapor barrier material is laid on the inside and the roof window is decorated by installing slopes.

Important. The plane of the lower slope must be installed strictly horizontally, that is, perpendicular to the floor surface. The top slope must be perfectly vertical.

This is not a complete, but rather “expanded” list of nuances according to which the installation of roof windows is carried out. More precisely, the article is a list of general recommendations that must be followed regardless of the specific features of window designs from a particular manufacturer. The strict rule is to comply with the installation technology supplied with the product. It will help the independent installer to eliminate errors, and will allow the service customer to competently control the process.