Overview of types and features of installing windows in the attic


What are roof windows

François Mansart was the first architect to convert an attic space into living space. This happened in 1630. Therefore, the attic began to be called “attic”, and the windows “dormer”.

Their main difference from façade ones is that the former are mounted in an inclined plane, the latter in a vertical plane. Hence the increased requirements; they will have to withstand strong gusts of wind, rain, snow, and hail. They must be installed carefully so as not to be bent and they do not leak. But if you look at the photo, it immediately becomes clear that even self-made ones make the house stand out from other buildings.

Preparing the roof for window installation

Let's move on. The choice of window should be successful not only for creating the desired level of lighting, but also for the rafter system itself. It’s good if the window width is 2-5 cm less than the distance between the rafters. Then there will be no need to add additional bars, and it is convenient to fill such a niche with insulation (although it is quite possible to do without it).

Because the distance between the rafters is usually 60 cm; almost all manufacturers produce their windows with frames starting at 550 mm wide. But if a window of an unusual shape cannot be made, then the rafter system in this place is simply adjusted to the width of the existing window, although this is not very good.

Cutting a hole in the roof depends on what kind of roofing is already installed. For example, if it is piecemeal, then individual elements can be easily dismantled without affecting the entire roof covering:

How to install a roof window on a soft roof?

If the roofing is solid, sheet, then you will have to literally cut a hole in the roof:

How to cut a roof window yourself?

Here is a diagram of the location of additional bars for installing the window:

The process of installing a roof window: step by step

Standard sizes of roof windows

picture of skylights

dormer windows photo

Installation should be carried out on roofs with a slope of 150 to 900. Manufacturers offer from 6 to 14 standard sizes. The rest of the differences concern:

  • material of manufacture;
  • option for opening the doors;
  • complete set of fittings;
  • type of glass unit.

Custom orders are limited to the minimum and maximum design sizes available from the manufacturer.

The rating of manufacturers in our market consists of 3 companies:

  • Velux (Denmark). In the industry since 1941.
  • Fakro (Poland). The company has been operating since 1986 and has been able to develop from an ordinary carpentry workshop into a leading manufacturer.
  • ROTO (Germany). The company has satisfied the needs of 500 million people and has been in the industry for over 80 years.

The standard minimum size is 55X78 cm, maximum 114X140 cm. Each manufacturer has its own line:

width, cmheight, cmapproximate effective lighting area, m2VeluxFAKROROTO
1141401,16+++
134980,92+
1141180,95+++
941400,92+++
941180,75++
781600,85++
781400,73++
781180,59++
78980,47++
741600,83+
741400,70+
741180,50+
74980,40+
661180,47++
66980,38+
651400,39+
651180,38+
55980,29+
55780,22++
54980,21+
54780,20+

Kinds

Based on the type of material used, the following are distinguished:

  1. Wooden , with doors and a frame made of laminated veneer lumber.
  2. With polyurethane coating . This is a wooden structure, with a coating that protects the color and protects against yellowing.
  3. With PVC profile . Recommended for installation in bathrooms and kitchens.
  4. Armored.

The latter type is mounted only on roofs made of concrete monolithic structures, as they have significant weight. Wooden frames are an expensive pleasure.

picture of wooden roof windows

Wooden roof windows

Depending on the opening method, there are:

  • with a central axis of rotation of the sash;
  • with a raised steering axis;
  • with a side pivot axis or roof hatches;
  • with a lower rotating axis, that is, the frame opens forward;
  • combined, opening outwards up to 450 and rotating.

The latest development is designs that can be opened by remote control or “smart windows”. This is a good solution for rooms where the glazing is very large. There are models that close and open depending on rain or smoke. They can be set to open at a certain period of time.

picture of smart windows

Smart windows

Classification by design features:

  1. Standard. They are made in the form of a square or rectangle. They have the simplest design: a sash and a frame, and can be blind.
  2. Extensions. They can have a rectangular or semicircular shape. More often used as an additional decorative top element.
  3. Balcony models. They allow a person to go outside, that is, they form a kind of balcony. The second option is that in the closed position it follows the shape of the roof, and after opening, the sash rises up and out.
  4. Light tunnel. A structure that does not have direct contact with the room and is intended to illuminate a space where artificial lighting is not possible.
  5. Additional window element. It must be mounted in the same plane as the roof window. These models are installed in cases where the existing glazing is not enough to illuminate the room, and 2 standard structures cannot be installed due to the small height of the roof.
  6. Arc, that is, the structure has curved shapes, depending on the radius of the roof.
  7. Cornice. Designed for roofs with a high wall underneath the wall.
  8. Anti-aircraft or intended for flat roofs.

Combined structures are placed in a separate category. Up to 6 double-glazed windows of different sizes and shapes can be installed on one slope. Manufacturers also offer models for ridges and sloping roofs. It is possible to combine translucent façade structures with existing ones.

Which manufacturers supply roof window systems?

Among the available diversity on the construction market, leading positions are occupied by models from reputable manufacturers.

Wooden windows from the Danish company Velux

Glued laminated timber made from northern pine wood, processed using a special technology, followed by impregnation with an antiseptic agent and a multi-layer varnish coating, ensures the high environmental friendliness of Velux roof windows. These products will last for many years, not succumbing to negative climatic and other stresses.

The design of the double-glazed window with rounded glass corners around the perimeter of the frame prevents the accumulation of condensation, and impeccable heat conservation is ensured thanks to a chamber layer of inert gas.

The listed factors give roof windows good thermal insulation properties. During experimental tests, Velux windows were exposed to low temperatures (down to -55 degrees), with which they coped well.


Velux manufactures high quality wooden roof windows

A special ventilation valve of the window frame allows you to ventilate the room when the window is closed, regardless of weather conditions. You can open the sash using the handle included in the kit, as well as by activating the slot ventilation mechanism. The uniqueness of the ventilation devices of all Velux window models lies in the presence of a special filter that reliably protects the room from dust particles and annoying insects, and in case of contamination can be easily washed.

This manufacturer pays great attention to ventilation systems, so all of its products are equipped with modern devices to perform this function. Velux roof windows differ from similar products in their powerful insulation due to a two- or three-level seal (the thickness is determined by the specific features of the model range), as well as the possibility of additional arrangement of a layer of insulation.

The manufacturer, in addition to high-quality technical indicators, endows the products with a unique design. Modern products can be freely combined with attic spaces of any interior. For example, there are windows that are streamlined, with smooth corners and an ergonomic appearance.

Video: installing a Velux window unit on the sheathing

Window blocks from the German company Fakro

The production of roof windows from the manufacturer Fakro is carried out in standard sizes, so when choosing a product you should take into account the architecture of the existing structure. To ensure sufficient visibility, higher windows are installed on flat roofs than in the case of a lower roof slope. The width of the window block is determined based on the distance between the rafters of the structure.


Fakro - German quality at an affordable price

You can choose Farko windows of any price category, but then the main material of the product also varies - the windows can be wooden, aluminum or plastic. The most budget option is a window with a PVC profile. Despite the minimal acquisition cost, such double-glazed windows will last about 40–50 years without losing their performance qualities, without being subject to corrosive changes or rotting. The next price category is aluminum construction, which, thanks to modern technologies, has undergone significant changes. Currently, the impeccable thermal insulation of the blocks allows them to be used in residential construction.

Plastic moisture-resistant windows Roto

Long production time and high quality products are the main criteria for the success of the German company Roto, which supplies durable plastic windows for the attic. In addition to the main tasks (maximum transmission of sunlight and visibility of the external environment), the profiles are perfect for any interior design. The unique fittings of the models allow you to adjust the sashes inside the frame even after the installation of all window components is completed. Thus, the rubber seals will be fully pressed, which is the key to reliable sealing of the window.

When it comes to choosing window units for installation in wet rooms, Roto products stand out from the competition, since plastic profiles are able to fully function even with constant exposure to moisture. It is a pleasure to take care of windows by periodically damp cleaning with a regular rag. Frames retain their original color after many years of work, so there is no need for constant tinting and treatment with special compounds.


Roto roof windows have a special closing mechanism

The absence of the need for constant maintenance makes plastic windows very convenient for installation in offices, clinics, hospitals and other institutions with a limited staff involved in cleaning. There is a great demand for double-glazed windows with three or four chambers, which allow achieving high-quality heat retention.

Roto windows guarantee safety of use in everyday life: since they are mounted at a certain distance from the floor, you can look out of them without any special manipulations, for example, diving under the transom. An additional precaution is the high location of the axis of rotation of the window mechanism, which protects household members from the danger of hitting the profile. It is very convenient that furniture and other interior elements can be placed next to the window block, thereby increasing the usable space.

The advantage of windows from a German manufacturer is a reliable security system, which is important when installing units in offices and rooms for various purposes. Protection is created due to a locking mechanism based on a four-point touch device, equipped with an additional anti-burglary glass unit. The manufacturer was able to prevent the formation of cold bridges thanks to a special aluminum structure and sealed rubber gaskets - this way warm air is retained in the interior space.

If necessary, replacing the glass unit of Roto roof windows is quite simple due to rubber linings, the main function of which is to prevent the formation of condensation, which is a problem for many analogues of this product.

Video: installation of Roto roof windows

How to choose a roof window

Before purchasing you need to decide:

  • with dimensions;
  • quantity;
  • opening method;
  • material of manufacture.

Depending on the purpose of the room, it is recommended to give preference to wooden structures for bedrooms, children's rooms and living rooms. Wood is an environmentally friendly material; winter-harvested pine performed best in this class. It is labeled as class 1A.

Most often, installation is carried out between the rafters. The distance between them should be 4-6 cm greater than the width of the frame itself. It is very simple to calculate, with a distance between the rafters of 84 cm, you will need a double-glazed window 78 cm wide, that is, there is a margin of 3 cm on each side.

The height (length) is selected depending on the roof slope. If the slope varies from 150 to 300, then the height should be 160 cm. It will provide a good overview, and there will be excellent lighting inside.

When calculating the quantity, use the ratio 1:10. This means that for 10 sq.m. you will need 1 sq.m. glazing. If you want to make the room as illuminated as possible, it is recommended to use a ratio of 1:6. It should also be taken into account that glazing on different sides will give much more light than one large one on one wall.

When choosing an opening method, you must be guided by the convenience and configuration of the roof. The most popular model is mid-rotation. The structure can be in an inclined position or rotated around its axis by 1800.

There are many options for opening, the main thing is to choose only those functions that are really needed in a particular situation, so as not to overpay for features that will not be required during operation. Particular attention should be paid to service windows if you have to go onto the roof in the future, for example, to remove snow or carry out repair work. They can act as an emergency exit. But, if you want to get maximum comfort, buy “smart” ones.

At the next stage, you need to choose between wooden and plastic structures. The thermal conductivity of both is the same, so this property is not decisive when choosing.

The resistance to environmental influences of plastic is an order of magnitude higher than that of wood. However, wooden structures covered with PVC also tolerate precipitation well.

In terms of strength, wooden structures are not inferior to PVC models, reinforced with aluminum load-bearing profiles.

Wooden models will be more expensive, but plastic ones are easier to install, make repairs and do not require additional maintenance. They do not fade, manufacturers offer a wide range of colors. However, wooden structures look natural and beautiful, and are environmentally friendly.

A few more tips:

  • in rooms where you plan to dry clothes, do laundry, or have a bathroom or toilet room, it is better to choose a moisture-resistant design;
  • Regardless of the chosen design, the outer glass must be tempered;
  • ideal window ventilation should look like a labyrinth, with an adjustment function, this will keep the room warm and ensure the passage of a sufficient amount of air;
  • it is necessary to check all wooden parts of the windows; they must be varnished to protect the wood from moisture and extend their service life;
  • You cannot buy wooden models with knots and defects; all parts must have the same color and structure.

Particular attention must be paid to slopes. The lower ones are made perpendicular to the floor, and the upper ones - parallel. This will make it possible to avoid condensation on the glass during operation.

Under no circumstances should you be embarrassed to ask about the price. The cost depends not only on the type and size of the structure, but also on the popularity of the brand and accessories. Be sure to make sure that the manufacturer provides a warranty; it should not be less than 5 years.

Dormer windows in the interior are an opportunity to realize the most daring ideas in interior design. Once again you can be convinced of this if you look at photos of attics with and without windows.

Characteristics of attic windows

The attic floor is formed mainly by the slopes of the roof and the vertical window blocks in the gables are not enough to cover the room's need for natural light. To “get it”, special roof windows are installed directly in the roof. Due to this arrangement, window structures are exposed to increased exposure to external factors. Therefore, they must have increased resistance to the effects of natural phenomena: rain, snow, melt water, wind. Standard double-glazed windows are not suitable for such conditions of use, as are standard profiles. Dormer windows have increased technical and operational characteristics.

  • Minimum thermal conductivity - due to energy-saving double-glazed windows and filling with inert gases (mainly argon). Average heat transfer resistance values ​​for base segment structures are 0.71-0.91 R₀ [m²C/W].
  • Strength – thanks to tempered glass and reinforced profile, they can withstand peak snow loads of 630 kg/m² (base).
  • Tightness - achieved by a combination of specialized seals with an insulating flashing (subject to installation technology).

Photo of a dormer window

Despite the fact that roof windows are initially designed for inclined installation and direct contact with rain and snow, difficulties during operation may arise due to the characteristics of the roof, and not the disadvantages of the block design.

rpmForumHouse Member (Syktyvkar)

Do I need to shovel snow around my skylight? And then someone wrote in the thread that in the spring everything flows. The roof slope is 33 degrees, the roofing is metal tiles.

The “fashion” for gentle slopes up to 40 degrees came from countries with mild climates, where there is practically no snow. In regions with a high snow load, the recommended angle is 40-45 degrees so that snow does not accumulate on the roof. When installing a roof window in a roof with a smaller angle, manufacturers advise installing a snow guard above the block.

Dormer windows pros and cons

windows on the roof of the attic photo

windows on the roof of the attic photo

The main advantage is the ability to create interesting lighting in the attic. Other advantages include:

  • the number of double-glazed windows and their shape can only be limited by the buyer’s imagination;
  • there is much more light from attic glass structures than from façade ones;
  • modern materials make it possible to produce roof windows that can withstand any load;
  • a huge range: anti-vandal designs, with a mirror effect and even absorbing light.

But attic structures are not the only advantages. The main disadvantage is that they get dirty very quickly. This must be taken into account when choosing an opening method to make it convenient to wash the glass. The second disadvantage is the high price for the structures themselves and their installation. But if you have certain skills, you can install and do them yourself.

Advantages and disadvantages

Dormer windows advantages

All types of roof windows have a number of advantages and disadvantages that are recommended to be taken into account during the selection process. Main advantages:

  • able to withstand strong mechanical loads;
  • You can install several window blocks into the roof at once;
  • organization of ventilation;
  • additional light source.

A variety of shapes and sizes allows you to choose the right option.

The design also has disadvantages, so you need to know them:

  • rapid contamination occurs;
  • additional insulation is required;
  • it is necessary to additionally protect from the negative influence of the liquid;
  • expensive cost.

In order to keep attic windows clean, the cleaning process needs to be carried out more often - 2-3 times a year.

Dormer windows disadvantages

Finishing the attic window from the inside

Dormer windows require a high degree of watertightness around the entire perimeter of the roof. For this purpose, special salaries are established. They protect against freezing and liquid accumulation.

The next important point is the insulation of the glazing installation area and slopes. For these purposes, soft thermal insulation materials are used, for example, mineral wool. You cannot foam with polyurethane foam, as it will begin to crumble over time.

finishing of the attic window photo

The lower slope must be made perpendicular, and the upper slope parallel to the floor. Otherwise, condensation will collect, and fungus and mold may appear around. To finish slopes you can use:

  • drywall;
  • lining;
  • plastic panels;
  • plaster, although it does not retain heat well;
  • OSB boards.

In rooms where high humidity is expected, it is better to use materials that are resistant to moisture, for example, moisture-resistant plasterboard. The slabs are fastened to a special frame using self-tapping screws. It would not be superfluous to lay a hydro- and/or vapor barrier layer.

Where is it better to install a window, and which one?

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

The size of the windows on the attic floor must correspond to the dimensions of the room; the dimensions are calculated taking into account the illumination that the structure will provide. If windows are installed between the rafters, their size is usually standard, but if the attic space is large, several structures are selected so that the lighting is uniform. The windows must be of a width that allows them to be placed between the rafters, otherwise you will have to redo the roof, which is expensive and unjustified.

Design of rooms with roof windows

Vertical windows in the attic

In addition, you will need to take into account the slope and height of the roof slopes: if you plan to equip a recreation room, study or children's room, it is better to give preference to large windows. The bedroom requires less illumination, so the window dimensions may be smaller. There are three standard sizes:

  • 78x140;
  • 78x118;
  • 78x160.

If larger windows are required, you can also order standard designs of 94x140, 114x118 or 114x140 cm. Less commonly, you come across very small windows, the size of which is 55 or 66 cm; Please note that buying a standard window is much more profitable, since it will cost several times less than one made to your size.

Size of windows on the attic floor

Helpful diagram for selecting windows from the roof slope

Decoration of dormer windows

The easiest way to decorate is with the help of a lower and upper cornice. For decoration, it is better to choose the lightest tulle or curtain that will not sag. If they are located almost at the intersection of the fold of the roof, and the curtains are too low, then it is better to fix the cornice higher, even on the ceiling. Decorating with cafe cornices will look impressive, as they do not distract attention from the beauty of the entire structure and curtains, for example, pleated curtains.

windows in the attic in a private house photo

design of dormer windows photo

If there is a very large bevel or windows with a large slope, then roller blinds or Roman blinds are suitable. They are convenient because they are easy to open and close, even if the glass unit is tilted, and they do not require careful maintenance. Austrian roller blinds will look beautiful.

If you like an ascetic interior, then you can completely abandon any textiles. On the attic floor, such a solution will look as natural as possible.

Oblique-shaped structures in the attic can be decorated with bending models of cornices made of polymer materials or corner ones with rotating elements.

picture of attic window decoration

dormer windows photo design

What is an attic floor?

The attic, in fact, is not a full floor: it is an attic space that is used as a residential or technical space. Thus, you can get useful space from empty space if you refine it, properly insulate it and install windows.

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

Windows in the attic, options

Installing a window into a hole cut in the roof

Condensation on roof windows

The appearance of condensation on roof windows in winter is a natural phenomenon. This is due to the large temperature difference between inside and outside. But condensation can also appear for other reasons:

  • improper installation of slopes;
  • violation or absence of hydro- and thermal insulation of the layer;
  • poor insulation or incorrectly selected material for this;
  • violation of installation technology.

Poor installation leads to the appearance of cold bridges, after which condensation appears in winter.

The last factor that provokes the appearance of condensation is the defective glass unit itself, which is also characterized by the appearance of liquid between the glasses. The design is subject to free replacement under the manufacturer's warranty.

There are completely harmless reasons that are very easy to eliminate. Condensation may appear if the room is not ventilated. If drops of moisture appear while taking a shower, then this is a natural process. This also applies to rooms where food is prepared. The main thing is that after cooking or taking a shower, condensation does not appear again.

picture of condensation on roof windows

Condensation on roof windows

If condensation appears during and immediately after construction and repair work, this is normal. When building materials dry, a lot of moisture is released. The same situation arises if there are a lot of living plants in a room under the roof. Some of them are prone to releasing excess moisture.

Why are windows in the attic needed?

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

  • Creating the necessary lighting in the room.
  • Blocking warm air inside and isolating cold air from outside.
  • Giving the desired appearance to the room, because the design is significantly influenced by the appearance of the window.

What to do if it's blowing from the attic window

Blowing is often associated with:

  • cheap accessories;
  • poor fit of all parts, that is, poor quality manufacturing of the structure;
  • poor quality installation.

Problems arise due to insufficient pressure on the sash. If a draft is felt throughout the entire perimeter, then this is the reason. To correct the situation, it must be switched to winter mode.

If you start blowing from under the seal, most likely it has dried out or lost its elasticity. The problem is solved by replacing the seal.

If it blows from the side of the hinges, they need to be tightened. It is necessary to check the structure for the presence of through and oblique holes. They could be made for installing roller shutters or curtains. To prevent blowing from the holes, it is necessary to seal them with sealant.

Beautiful mansard roofs made of reeds

The surge of interest in environmentally friendly materials has played a role in the revival of the popularity of reed and thatched roofs in European countries. The most important arguments in favor of reed roofs were their excellent ability to retain precipitation and maintain warmth, naturalness and original appearance.


Photo: danmardomy.pl

Natural beige and smoky shades of reed roofs look unusual, but at the same time they naturally blend into the color scheme of the landscape design and organically complement it.


Photo: danmardomy.pl

Half-timbered houses with an attic under a roof made of natural material are a traditional type of buildings in Northern Europe.


Photo: dizainall.com

The reed roofs with an attic and round dormer windows, as if “grown” from the thickness of the roof covering, are unusually beautiful.


Photo: dizainall.com

Creating an attic roof from reeds is a unique art - in the photo you can see how delicately the decor of the attic dormer window is carved.


Photo: dizainall.com

The plasticity of reed stems allows you to create roofs of complex shapes, especially if the house has an attic floor with several rooms.


Photo: dizainall.com

Reed and reed are ideal materials for forming rounded roofs. Such a mushroom-shaped roof with miniature attic windows will become a colorful element of the architecture of a private house made of timber or logs.


Photo: dizainall.com

Only houses of provincial architecture are perfectly combined with a reed roof; cottages of modern design can also be successfully equipped with such a roof. In the photo you see a non-trivial solution - the roof covering goes from the roof to the facades of the building, due to which the house looks more comfortable and, importantly, warmer.


Photo: dizainall.com

The undeniable “advantages” of reed roofs include their ability to maintain a stable temperature inside the house both in hot and cold weather and at the same time provide sufficient ventilation in the attic and other rooms. A significant “minus” of reed roofing is its high flammability, but modern fire-retardant impregnations can improve its fire-fighting properties. In addition, the arrangement of such a roof will cost a considerable amount.

How to make a roof window with your own hands

The simplest design consists of:

  • base plate;
  • frames with glass;
  • coaming or continuous fencing for the opening.

The support plate is made of sheet steel, its thickness should be from 1 mm to 1.5 mm. It is secured to the supporting structure with nails. It is better to use pine or PVC as a frame. It is better to take tempered glass, in extreme cases, only the top glass, since attic structures are subject to a large load from snow and rain.

Coamings are made from boards with a thickness of 40 mm to 50 mm. To achieve maximum joining in the corners, use waterproof glue. The support plate is attached to the coaming with screws.

DIY window picture

The frame must have overlaps on the coaming; if this is not done, rainwater will penetrate into the room. It is necessary to attach sealing tape around the perimeter of the frame and coaming. Glass installation is carried out using putty, with additional fixation with glazing beads.

Before installation work, all wood parts must be impregnated with scrap wood or hot drying oil. Only after the drying oil has completely dried can oil paint be applied.

It’s unlikely that you can make the fittings (self-locking hinges and handles) yourself, so it’s easier to purchase them. The fastening mechanism that is installed on industrial windows can be replaced with a toothed rack.

If you have carpentry skills, you won’t have any problems creating a roof window with your own hands. You can always watch a video that describes the whole process in detail, download photos with drawings. You can also buy a new one, but if you install it yourself, the manufacturer’s warranty will not be provided.

Requirements for double-glazed windows

The main feature of double-glazed windows for installation in the attic is their fairly high strength and equally high-quality tightness. Dormer windows must withstand not only temperature fluctuations, but also pressure and high humidity.


That is why special double-glazed windows are installed in roof windows, the sections of which are filled with a special inert gas, most often argon. This is done in order to increase the thermal insulation characteristics of the glass, so the installation of such windows cannot be cheap. On average, the price for one window starts from 20 thousand.

Another feature of these windows is that they are made of tempered glass in order to withstand weather conditions such as hail, hurricanes, and storms. In addition, in Russia, windows are also required to withstand the pressure of snow masses, which also cannot but affect the cost of the products. And even if the glass suddenly bursts or breaks for some reason, by analogy with a car, it will not harm anyone, but will crumble into small ball-shaped fragments that are safe for humans.

Important! Do not forget about light insulation, as well as protection of double-glazed windows from overheating. For this purpose, special reflective coatings and protective films are used. They can be either transparent, darkened or colored. Typically, double-glazed windows in the attic are much thicker than conventional window frames.


There are options for automatic roof windows. They are equipped with a special electric drive that will help you close the blinds on the windows without getting out of bed and without being distracted from studying with your child or reading

Remember! A high-quality double-glazed window should provide good safety and high thermal insulation. Do not forget: the thermal insulation of a double-glazed window and the thermal insulation of a window are two different things.

Each additional window function will cost some money, which is why it is worth calculating their number and location in advance. A luxury window with an electric drive can be a third more expensive than a regular window. Such a decision is not always justified, and is often wrong. Firstly, it is much more difficult to install such windows yourself, and company installation will cost more. Secondly, the spread of light will be less than from several single windows of the same total area.

How to insulate roof windows

Before installation, the external flashing is installed from the outside. Thermal insulation material is laid out over the entire area of ​​the slopes inside, without gaps.

The following are used as thermal insulation materials:

  • glass wool, which is very soft and elastic, inexpensive and lightweight;
  • basalt wool, which is universal, but quite hard;
  • expanded polystyrene: durable and inexpensive material, with low thermal conductivity.

After laying the insulation, the installation work is completed by laying the waterproofing.

You cannot use metal elements to install insulation; they will conduct cold air.

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