Roof with window house. FAKRO flat roof solutions

Windows for flat roofs FAKRO- these are high thermal insulation parameters, big square natural light, room ventilation, ease of maintenance, the possibility of both manual and automatic control- all this allows you to ensure maximum comfort of staying in the under-roof room.

Windows for flat roofs are made of multi-chamber PVC profile. They are perfect for any climatic zones Russia, and you can always buy them in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Samara and other cities.

Advantages

Plenty of natural light

The main purpose of a window is to let enough natural light into the room. Due to their special design, FAKRO flat roof windows have a large usable area glazing.

High security

Windows for flat roofs have increased strength and safety for home residents. These windows are anti-vandal, which means they prevent unauthorized entry from the roof.

Custom sizes

Windows type D_F in addition standard sizes Can be produced in custom sizes (on request). Possibility of making windows non-standard sizes allows you to replace old windows installed in a flat roof, and thereby improve the thermal insulation parameters of the roof.

Accessories and control methods

Flat roof windows can accommodate both interior and exterior accessories. Awnings protect the room from heating, and internal accessories protect from sunlight and complement the interior decor. It is possible to automatically control the window using the remote control in the Z-Wave system. In this case, the windows are equipped with a rain sensor, which will automatically close the window in case of precipitation.

Before you start installing a skylight at home, you need to decide which one will be needed specifically for a particular house construction. Dormer windows are those that are located on the roof and are needed for ventilation and lighting of the attic. Since they are placed vertically on the roof, it is necessary to arrange a separate rafter system that will be built into the roof structure. This is their main difference from attic windows, which are installed on the attic roof at an angle. IN modern projects In housing construction, attic windows have become increasingly widespread and popular. Considering that windows of any type with the same size occupy the same roof area, these openings, thanks to the inclined installation, allow entry into attic room more light and their installation is simpler than other types of window frames.

The main types of skylights in a house

The question of choice often arises: what type of window to install? If the housing construction is old and you will need to stick to existing ones architectural solutions, then it is better to choose the installation of a dormer window. In new, newly built housing constructions, when making a decision about arrangement on the roof residential attic, it would be advisable to install a roof window.

To begin with, it is worth considering the main features of both types of windows in order to choose the one that is suitable for a particular building.

To install a dormer window in the roof of a house, special niches are required, which should already be present on the roof. The frame of triangle trusses of rafters and walls on the sides requires enough large number connections with the main roof, it is very difficult to do without precise calculations - “by eye”. This requires drawings drawn up by a trained specialist. The walls on the sides and the pediment are sewn up construction plywood and sheathed with facade building materials. Roofing building materials are placed on the roof at the same level as the main roof covering. Be sure to waterproof and insulate the junction of such a dormer window with the roof.

The second type is attic, fixed in the space between two rafters. Windows for the attic are usually an obstacle to the normal drainage of water from the roof, so openings like this constructive solution most often installed in roofs with a 15-20° slope.

Modern attic windows are structurally quite complex, well protected from water leakage and cold penetration through them into the premises. It is impossible to make such a high-quality and reliable window structure yourself. It is therefore better to simply order the manufacture of windows from a reliable and responsible manufacturer. Fastening to the window roof attic structure carried out using a support plate. To remove moisture, the frame has a special frame, consisting of a steel frame located along the entire window. To open it, the window design has friction hinges located slightly higher from the center of the window. This design, when opening the window frame, prevents accumulating water from entering the room, and all moisture that falls on it flows onto the roof.

Creating a window opening in an existing roof

In individual houses, sometimes it becomes necessary to arrange a window opening in the roof and install a window in it. Redoing a complete roof is quite expensive, time consuming and difficult process, therefore, it is possible to make a window opening for a dormer window in several steps.

Windows on the roof of a building should take up no more than 10% of the roof area underneath them.

Large openings on the roof lead to high heat loss. In addition, large windows have glass that is less durable and less resistant to natural and mechanical influences from the outside than small windows. Optimal installation is to place the window frame exactly in the center of the roof in the gap between both load-bearing roof beams.

Installation of a window in the roof of a house

At the beginning of work, a hole is cut required sizes to create an opening in the roof covering, and the installation of the window frame begins. It is placed on the load-bearing roof rafters using a separately mounted special wooden frame made of 4x5 cm beams. It is best to attach the parts of this structure to the rafters using non-corrosive building material. The frame parts are connected with special screws for wooden structures, tightly fixing them to the rafters. Dormer frame windows are also installed parallel to the roof of the house, but to install such a complex and labor-intensive structural solution, it would be best to involve professional roofers.

Sealing and finishing of window openings

The sealants used for these purposes are the following: silicone, bitumen, acrylic and waterproof self-expanding tape.

The best sealant for roof windows is a self-expanding tape, which is placed along the entire length of the opening in one layer. Holes and cracks in the top of the window frame can be sealed with acrylic caulk. It is better to carry out finishing and sealing work in the summer.

Dormer roof windows on the flat roof of a residential building are usually installed together with gutters for water drainage, so the roof should have a slope within 5 - 15°. A rectangular roof structure with one or two pitched planes resembles a window with a flat roof, but it should have a slightly greater slope of the pitched planes - more than 15°.

A triangular dormer window is most often installed on the roofs of cottages and the roofs of country individual housing constructions. This type of window has no walls on the sides, and their functions are performed by roof slopes. This type of roof window significantly reduces the amount of waterproofing work performed with it, but reduces illumination attic space and especially attic, if the front side of this window is not directed towards the front part of the building itself. IN recent years You can increasingly see an unusual - round - type.

The most functional roof window is considered to be a window - like a skylight. Externally, it looks like a light, almost weightless part that does not weigh down the roof, and most importantly, it perfectly illuminates the entire attic room. When creating projects, specialists most often adhere to the following values ​​for determining the size and number of dormer roof windows: the width should not exceed ½ the width of the attic room, their lower plane is located from the floor at a height of at least 0.9 m, and than the dormer roof window will be installed higher , the greater the illumination will be in this room.

Frame of a dormer window on the roof of a house

The frame of the dormer window on the roof is installed at the same time as the installation of the roof rafters of the house. If the roof has two pitched planes, the window frame has its own rafter system and sheathing. Therefore, installing the frame of such windows implies the construction of a separate mini-roof. When arranging a truss roofing system in areas of the planned installation dormer windows, it is necessary to provide for the placement of future openings enclosing the legs of rafters with reinforced strength characteristics. After all, the rafters and other parts of the rafter structure will also take on a lot of elements of the dormer window.

Then transverse bars are placed on the rafters: the top one corresponds to the size of the window itself, and the bottom one is level with the outer wall of the house building. On lower beam The racks are placed in a vertical position, connecting the transverse bars at the top. The result is a window frame fastened with longitudinal bars to an upper beam placed on reinforced rafters. This creates a finished frame, but without window rafters. The attic rafter system is arranged according to the model for the main roof structure.

Triangular window frame

When placing lintel bars, it is not advisable to fasten window parts by cutting them into the rafters of the main roof rafter system, so as not to weaken the load-bearing capacity of all parts. All frame components are secured using galvanized steel fasteners.

After checking the strength and reliability of the frame in the horizontal and vertical planes, you can begin placing the ridge beam and small rafters for the dormer window.

To significantly simplify the labor intensity of the work, the rafters are cut according to a pre-made template. The walls on the sides are sewn up with moisture-resistant building material.

The window roofing is installed at the same time as the installation of the roof covering on the entire roof.

Important: strictly follow the sequence of work when installing the parts of the roof windows in the roof of the house.

In this article, we will consider the question of what advantages a gable roof with windows has, why we need windows on the roof, what types of dormer windows exist, and whether it is necessary to violate the integrity of the roofing at all when installing the described element.

Is it necessary to install roof windows? If the house has large area, if the space under the roof is being developed for housing, yes. The described element helps to arrange attic ventilation; if done correctly, it easily becomes an effective design move that allows you to complete the overall stylistic concept. Simple dormers are doors to the roof; they allow, in case of emergency, to repair the roof and help evacuate in case of fire.

The roof window can be different shapes, different designs. The next section of the article will help you understand how one type differs from another.

Types of dormer windows

A roof window is a glazed frame built into the roof plane. The shape of this frame may vary. Experts distinguish four main types of structures. They are clearly shown in the published photo.

Frame in gable wall

A window in a gable wall is the simplest option for installing a glazing frame. Located between two slopes, it can be of any shape: triangular, round, oval, trapezoidal.

The most popular option is the rectangular dormer window. It is easy to assemble and install such a frame with your own hands, without the help of specialists. Semicircular frames have an unusual name. People called them " Bulls-eye" A frame of this shape looks very impressive on tiled roofs. This type of dormer windows has one advantage - the absence sharp corners prevents the accumulation of snow, rainwater drains from such a frame immediately, without lingering on its protrusions.

Triangular dormer windows often decorate the roofs of country mansions. The side walls of this design are replaced by slopes located at an angle of 60 degrees to each other. The triangular design of the frame has certain features: their main purpose is to ensure inflow fresh air into the attic. The triangular design does not facilitate the penetration of sunlight, so such structures are not used to illuminate the attic. The side walls of a triangular window do not need to be carefully sealed. And all because they are connected to the roof using a valley or valley irregular shape. The front part of the triangular frame is not recessed into the roof; it is flush with the rest of the walls. For special effect, the triangular dormer window must be located closer to the lower tier of the roof.

Installing such a design is quite simple. There is no need to construct additional roofing elements for this. Most often, those who are going to make an auditory opening on their own choose this particular option for its installation.

Dormer

Dormer is a frame design that is located above the roof slope. It is quite difficult for non-professionals to do it themselves. And all because before installation it is necessary to carry out complex calculations. The main installation condition is the need to strengthen load-bearing structure for two pitched roof and waterproof the frame well before glazing. The photo shows all types of dormer, you can make it gable, arched, built-in, panoramic, triangular.

Note! The selected version of the dormer window must be combined with architectural style Houses.

Antidormer

Antidormer, its design is directly opposite to the design of the dormer. It also settles on the slope of the roof, but does not come out of the roof, but, on the contrary, goes deep into the roof of the roof. Designing this type of frame is easier than drawing up a drawing of a dormer, but despite this, the anti-dormer has taken root poorly in Russia. And all because the described design reduces the usable area of ​​the attic space.

Dormer windows

A slanted window (also known as a dormer window) is in line with the slope of the roof. The use of metal-plastic allows you to perform attic option any configuration. Such an element does little to help decorate the roof, but without it it can be arranged daylight an attic space is not possible. The choice of this option is justified when the attic is converted into living space.

Installation of dormer windows is carried out between two rafters located adjacent to each other. Such window frames can only be installed where the roof slope is at least 20 degrees. Otherwise, the attic window will become an obstacle to water flows. In this case, no amount of waterproofing will save the roof from leaking.

There is no point in making frames for skylights yourself. It is better to buy ready-made glass units produced in a factory. Its design is carefully designed and developed in such a way as to eliminate the very possibility of flooding of the roof space. Installing a ready-made window is not particularly difficult. The support frames are attached directly to the roof. Attic double-glazed window can be opened for ventilation even during rain.

Design Features

Many years of experience in installing frames in roofs allowed us to formulate basic rules for their placement. You should definitely familiarize yourself with them in advance.

• Firstly, any dormer window should not be located close to the ridge of the roof, or to the eaves of the roof. Window frames should not be installed close to the front parts of the roof.
• Secondly, when installing two elements located adjacent to each other, the distance between the two elements should not be lower than 80 cm. If located closer, lay roof covering will be impossible. More close location dormer windows provoke some difficulties during the operation of the roof. For example, this will certainly complicate the implementation of preventive measures; the close location of dormer windows will provoke the accumulation of snow on the roof in winter. And this is also not good from an operational point of view.
• Thirdly, dormer windows can be installed only on those roofs whose slope angle is at least 35 degrees.

Note! Cuttings and tie-ins into the overall roof frame system cannot be made.

Installation features

We will describe the features of installing a dormer frame using the example of installing a dormer.

It is necessary to install dormer windows on the roof immediately after installing the general rafter system. To do this, it is necessary to assemble the fronts, rafters and ridge beams. Then a drawing of the dormer is drawn up in advance. It should look something like the one shown in the photo.

As you can see in the photo, the frame of the dormer is assembled from beams. The walls of the dormer window rest on the roof guides, and the beams are attached to them at right angles. If the window width exceeds the standard dimensions, the load on the rafters will be increased. To prevent the roof from collapsing, where the dormer will be installed on the rafters, another one is placed next to one beam, increasing the stability of the rafters.

Note! It is better to fasten the dormer wall posts to the double rafters with special fastening metal corners. Jumpers should not be used for these purposes. They will help weaken the entire structure of the dormer.

The next stage is the construction of the window frame frame. In essence, it is a miniature roof, which is why it is so important to carry out preliminary correct calculations the structure being described. First, the window openings are fencing using durable wooden beams, which roofers call legs. The photo shows this stage. They will take on the load of the entire frame.

The cross beams are laid in such a way that the lower one lies parallel to the wall of the house, the upper one - where the height of the future window ends. Longitudinal bars are installed. They help secure the frame to the top beam of the rafter guide. At this stage it is necessary to arm yourself building level and check with them the location of the assembled frame vertically and horizontally. It is important to “cut out” all the elements of the dormer in advance, according to the drawing made; the assembly of the dormer frame is carried out according to the photo, which shows the schematic structure of the dormer window.

Note! The roofing on a gable roof is installed simultaneously with the roofing of the dormer window. Only in this case is it possible to construct a solid coating that is durable and of high quality, capable of withstanding the effects of precipitation.

The front sides of the dormer are pre-sheathed with either moisture-resistant plywood or sheets of OSB boards. Roofing material is laid on top of them. In order for the slopes of the dormer windows to be connected to the slope of the roof, valleys are used.

Generalization on the topic

If you want to install a dormer window on your roof, you must contact specialists. Their help will help you choose the desired design frame that will best fit into stylistic decision Houses. It is important to begin installation work by drawing up a drawing of the frame structure. As a rule, modern window manufacturers produce ready-made double-glazed windows of standard sizes. The easiest way is to take them as a basis and, starting from such decisions, make calculations of the structure of the dormer window frame. If you study the topic in advance, watch a training video, you can try to install it yourself decorative element on the roof. The main thing in this matter is not to rush, carefully think through all stages of work in advance and strictly follow the planned plan. When working on a roof, you must follow safety rules, always wear insurance, and never work on top alone.

Today we will touch on the topic of skylights. It is interesting because it is a non-standard location option 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 simple and functional solution. But architects again warn that the type design decoration, the location is selected 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 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 hip roof, then the slope on which 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 construction companies who 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 from the outside and from inside, cover the canopy 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 the auditory structures installed in mansard roof, the same can 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 insignificant (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 large orders. True, the price of the blind ones will not differ from the 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

Eat modern model, which is 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 myself in open form it represents the 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 great amount 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 just on 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 skylights 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 with a milling cutter, marking the landing spot for the skylight window frame. 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 from 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 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.

In order to brighten and ventilate the attic or attic space, windows must be installed in the roof. In this article we will tell you how to build windows for the roof of private houses, what they are like and what are the main differences between them.

Types of roof windows

To understand what a skylight is called, you need to understand what it can be. If it is located vertically and is built into the roof truss system, and also serves to illuminate and ventilate the attic space, we are talking about a dormer window. At the same time, roof windows are built into the roof at an angle, which allows for better access of light. In addition, such windows are much easier to build. It is noteworthy that dormer windows first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, and dormer windows - after the Second World War.

When determining which option is suitable in a particular case, it is worth taking into account some architectural features of the building. If the house is old, and make any changes to it appearance undesirable the best option there will be a dormer window. At the same time, roof windows are in great demand. You can turn to this option if you want to equip a residential attic above the house.

Let's take a closer look at what dormer roof windows are. To make such a window, it is necessary that there are special niches in the roof. The window frame must be connected to the main one in several places. rafter structure, therefore, for its arrangement it is necessary accurate calculations. The side walls and gable will need to be covered with plywood and finishing material. The place where the window opening will join the main roof must be insulated and waterproofed.

Here are the roof windows mansard type fixed between two rafters. As a rule, such windows are installed in roofs with a slope of 15-20º, since they will be exposed to precipitation. Currently, roof windows are produced that are reliably protected from leaks and cold air. However, you should not try to make them yourself; it is best to purchase them already finished design from the manufacturer. Such windows in the attic roof will need to be secured using a support plate. They are also equipped with a special flashing, that is, a metal frame that can be opened using friction hinges so that the water that gets inside it flows onto the roof.

Installing a window in the old attic roof

Quite often, when the owners of private houses want to install a window in the attic, they still do not want to completely redo the roof. In this case, arranging an auditory opening would be an acceptable solution. It is quite possible to make such a skylight with your own hands.

Selecting a location

According to regulations, the width of the window should not exceed 10% of the roof perimeter. This is due to the fact that large openings lead to significant losses. Moreover, glazing is not able to fully protect the roof from external influences. It is best if the window opening is located in the center of the roof between the load-bearing beams.

DIY frame installation

Before installing a window on the roof, you need to cut through roofing material, for example slate, hole the right size. Next, a wooden frame made of 40×50 mm timber is mounted on the roof rafters, in which they install window frame. It is advisable to use stainless steel fasteners. The frame itself is fixed to the rafters using self-tapping screws. As an option, you can install a frame window built into the roof, which will be parallel to the main roof, however, it is better not to carry out such work yourself.

For waterproofing, you can use the following sealants:

• acrylic;
• bitumen based;
• silicone;
• self-expanding vapor barrier tape.

It is worth noting that the last option is the most acceptable. The cracks at the top can be filled with acrylic-based sealant. It is advisable to carry out all work in the dry and warm season. However, for those who still want to install a dormer window in the attic roof with their own hands, we will describe this process in more detail.

Types of dormer windows

If we are talking about a dormer window with a flat roof, it must be equipped with gutters. In this regard, the slope of its slope should be within 5-15º. Quadrangular window with one or gable roof should have steeper slopes with a slope of 15º.

Triangular dormer windows are often installed in country cottages. This design assumes the absence of side walls, the function of which is performed by slopes. Although in this case less effort will be required to perform waterproofing, the access of light through such windows is significantly reduced. The exception is when the front part of the window is directed towards the façade of the entire building. One of the new varieties of dormer windows is a rounded window opening.

The optimal choice among all types of dormer windows is the variety of shapes skylight. Along with the fact that this design does not weigh down the roof, it provides high-quality lighting in the attic. There are standards for dormer windows that are taken into account during design: the width of the opening should not exceed ½ the width of the attic, the distance from the floor to the lower edge of the dormer window should be 0.9 meters. The quality of lighting improves as the height of the window increases.

Fastening the frame to the roof

It is necessary to install the rafter system for the dormer window simultaneously with the installation of the overall roof frame. In the case of a gable window, such a frame will be a separate roof in miniature. It is noteworthy that near the openings where the dormer windows will be located, reinforced rafters should be installed that can withstand the additional load transmitted by their rafter system.

Cross members are mounted on top of the rafter legs: the top one will correspond to the dimensions of the window, and the bottom one should be located at the level external wall building. Vertical supports are attached to the lower beam, connected at the top cross beam. The result is a frame that needs to be connected to the upper beam placed on the rafters using longitudinal beams. After this, the rafter legs for the dormer window will be attached to this frame.

What frame is needed for a triangular window

Please note that when installing lintels, you should not weaken the load-bearing capacity of the main rafter legs by making cuts on them. To fix the frame parts, it is advisable to use metal fasteners. When the level check is completed, you can begin installing the ridge and small rafter legs for the dormer window on the roof. You can make the work of making rafters easier if you first create templates. On the side walls of the dormer window it is necessary to sew moisture-resistant finishing material. The final roofing covering on the dormer window is laid simultaneously with the roofing on the main building.

To avoid leaks and deformation of wooden roofing structures, the joints between the main roof and the dormer window must be properly waterproofed.