Skylight title. How to install a skylight with your own hands? Types of roof windows

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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 house-building projects, 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 more light into the attic space 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 adhere to existing 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 a fairly large number of 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 covered with construction plywood and sheathed with façade 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 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. The attic window is secured to the roof 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 an expensive, time-consuming and complex process, so 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, at large windows glass is less durable and less resistant to natural and mechanical influences from the outside than that of 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 the illumination of the attic space and especially the attic space, 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 the rafter roofing system in areas where dormer windows are planned to be installed, it is necessary to provide for the placement of future openings enclosing the legs of rafters with enhanced 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 the lower beam, racks are placed in a vertical position, connecting the transverse beams 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.

The roofs of residential buildings are very different, but the most popular are structures with sloping slopes. They allow you to equip a spacious attic, ensure natural and rapid drainage of rainwater and snow, and give the building a cozy and complete look. In addition, in sloping roofs you can arrange an additional window for ventilation, lighting and just for beauty. Read this article to learn how to make a skylight.

Windows built into the roof can be attic or dormer, but the essence of this, by and large, does not change. Initially, such windows were intended to ventilate the attic, but later they began to be used for additional lighting and visual expansion of space. So, when there was overpopulation in Europe, people looked for an opportunity to use every square meter living space was useful, so they made additional rooms out of attics. And in order to spend less on lighting, small dormer windows were expanded and modified, turning them into an additional source of natural light.

By the way, do you know why dormers are called that? The video below will answer this question:

Interesting: In the Middle Ages, it was fashionable to luxuriously decorate skylights in accordance with the style of the building's facade. They were called lucarnes. After the Second World War, modest dormer windows were transformed and expanded - this is how dormer windows appeared, which are still very popular today.

So, why do many people today install dormer windows on the roof:

They provide additional lighting to the attic space.
They provide regular and high-quality ventilation of the under-roof space, which prolongs the service life of the pie materials.
In some cases, an attic window provides additional access to the roof for its preventive repairs.
A beautifully designed dormer or attic window gives an original appearance to the architectural composition.
Can serve as an additional emergency exit.

Types of windows

Before installing a skylight, you should understand the types of such structures. Dormer windows look like small “houses” with two slopes. Attics are placed flush with the slope of the main roof and are not protected by a canopy, so they let in more sunlight. In other words, dormer windows are placed vertically, and attic windows are placed horizontally (repeating the geometry of the roof slope). Accordingly, for vertical windows it is necessary to build an additional frame, which will be described below.

In most cases, dormers look like triangles. Their main feature is that the pediment side is not recessed inward, but stands in a single plane with the facade. In gable roofs, large framed windows can be placed on the pediment, using original details similar to cathedral vaults. If you are going to install a window with a pitched roof, then separate gutters should be placed on it. The minimum permissible slope of such a roof is 5-15°.

Despite the fact that today many people choose dormer windows, the majority still prefer attic structures. Since they are located in the same plane with the roof, they are able to transmit more light and occupy less space, and it’s much easier to make them.

Still, what type of window should I choose? If you live in an old house with characteristic architectural features of its era, then it is best to build a dormer window. For more modern designs Dormer windows are suitable. To install the former, special niches in the roof are needed, since the frame of the rafter system and the side frames of the window require a large number of attachment points with the main roof.

It is enough to fix the roof window between the roof rafters. They will act as a barrier to water flows, and therefore it is better to install them on sloping roofs with an inclination angle of 15-20°. Dormer windows are quite complex designs with thoughtful protection from cold, wind and moisture. It is not possible to make such a window yourself, so it is best to purchase it from a suitable company.

Installation of a dormer window

Since the design of a dormer window on the roof is very complex, before starting its construction or going to the store for materials, it is necessary to draw up detailed drawing. The image below shows one of the possible arrangement schemes on a gable roof.

Helpful advice: To calculate the dimensions and number of dormer windows required for adequate lighting and ventilation of the attic, use a simple rule: their total width should be more than ½ the width of the under-roof space.

It is not at all necessary to place the windows in one row; they will look beautiful at different levels. The bottom edge should be located 90 cm from the attic floor, and the height of the window can be 1.5-2 m or higher, as much as the ceiling of the room allows. It is logical that the higher the window, the more light it will let in.

Frame making

The arrangement of a dormer window must begin with the development and arrangement frame system. It is best to do this simultaneously with the installation of the rafter system common roof. This design has its own ridge beam, rafters and sheathing, on which layers of roofing cake will then be laid. To put it simply, to get a dormer window, you need to build another similar roof in miniature on the roof.

Specifics of installation work:

Protect the window openings with rafter legs. For their manufacture, it is recommended to choose high-strength materials that can withstand the load from all structural elements of the window, including double-glazed windows, sheathing and roofing.
Lay the cross beams - the bottom one should be flush with outer wall, and the location of the top one depends on how high you want to make the window.
Install the vertical posts, resting them on the bottom beam, and then tie them together at the top with a cross member.
Use longitudinal beams to fasten the resulting frame to the top beam, which rests on the rafters.
As a result, you will get a frame, which subsequently needs to be supplemented with a rafter system. It is built according to the same principle as for the main roof of the house.

Important point: When you secure the lintel beams, you should not make cuts in rafter legs ah into the bases as this will make them less durable. Attach all structural elements with a variety of metal fasteners.

When you have arranged the frame, check its location in space by adjusting the vertical and horizontal using a building level and a plumb line. Distortions should not be allowed under any circumstances, even minimal ones. Only after this can you begin to lay the ridge and rafters of the window roof. They should be cut out of wood according to a pre-prepared template.

It is recommended to finish the sides of the window with hydrophobic materials. It is best to install the main roof and dormer roofing at the same time, paying particular attention to potential leak points. These can be various joints, corners, pipe exit points and ventilation holes. Provide enhanced waterproofing there using membranes, pressure strips and silicone weather-resistant sealants.

Installation of valleys

The technology for constructing and installing a dormer window seems very similar to the installation of a conventional multi-gable roof, but there are several significant differences. So, usually the slopes of a multi-gable structure are located at the same angle. The slope of the window canopy is 64°, and if it is installed on a roof with a slope of 40°, then this will require the construction of non-standard valleys or valleys. At the same time, the top and bottom are built using different technologies. To build the top, sloping rafters are used and the frames are supported on them at an angle of 64°.

How to make similar windows on the roof of a house:

Transfer to the floor the central point of intersection of the valley beam with the ridge.
Using a ruler, draw a line from this mark to the corner of the side wall and to the ridge beam. These two lines will be the horizontal projection of the ridge beam and the valley.
Find the angle between these two lines and at this angle, saw the bottom end of the valley beam so that it can clearly adhere to the side wall.
Stretch a string or fishing line between the ridge and the side corner and find the cut angle of the top of the beam. Measure the distance between these points - this will be the length of the valley beam.
Transfer the projection line to the side beam and measure the length of the lower end cut.

When you are done with the measurements, mark the workpiece at the point where the beam will be installed, cut it to length and make cuts on the edges at an angle of 18° and 72° and put them in place.

Helpful advice: For each such window you need to make a pair of similar mirror rafter beams. For moneymakers, it’s best to make a template in advance so that you don’t have to measure every time.

At the bottom of the window, where the inner surface soft roof hidden by the side walls and invisible from the attic, experts resort to a simplified method of installing the gutter. A valley beam is nailed to the roof sheathing and the ends of the window roof rafters are supported on it. Accordingly, this work is performed after laying the main roof sheathing with plywood or other sheet material. To increase the strength of such cladding, it is best to lay the sheets from the side walls of the windows.

How to find out the dimensions and location of the support beam:

Stretch a special chalk string between the end of the rafter and the outer end of the gable.
Use a string to mark the chalk line.
Measure the length of this line and cut the workpiece.
Cut its outer side end at a 64° angle.
Nail the beam along the chalk markings.

The easiest way to make blanks for the lower rafters is to use a template, and before installation, just file the ends to the required size. After installing all the parts, all that remains is to cover the roof of the window with moisture-resistant plywood and roofing material. Plywood should be laid on top of the ridge beam, especially if you are working with steep slopes. Stand at the very top and place a solid sheet of plywood, positioning it clearly along the top end of the ridge. After fixing it, you can go down, measure and fit the remaining corner parts.

Installation of roof windows

It will be much easier to install windows in the attic roof, because you will not need to build personal “houses” for them. But precisely for this reason, increased demands are placed on such structures. So, it is necessary to maintain extreme accuracy in measurements, make a very rigid frame and ensure that the entire window has increased thermophysical characteristics.

The design of a roof window resembles a layer cake made of all kinds of insulating parts, latches and gadgets. We have already said earlier that it will not be possible to do this yourself, so it is better to familiarize yourself with the offers on the market and choose the most suitable one.

To install a window correctly, you need to know what it consists of:

Marquisette – protection from external mechanical influences.
The frame can be made from various materials and is selected depending on the roof covering, which allows you to position the window as level as possible with the roof slope. Flashings can be smooth, for roofs made of bitumen shingles with a wave of no more than 8 mm, 16 mm, 30 mm, etc.
A dormer window is, in fact, a double-glazed window itself.
Protective contour for heat and waterproofing.
Blinds or curtains are often not included and are purchased separately in accordance with the attic interior design.
Internal slopes.

When you have decided how many windows you need to install in the roof and what their dimensions will be, you should make markings. To do this, mark their location from the inside, placing marks with a margin of 2-3 cm on the right and left and 10-15 cm on the top and bottom.

How to install a roof window:

Cut out a piece waterproofing material in accordance with the size of the window, leaving a margin of about 20 cm on each side.
Remove the section of the main roof where the window will be located, or cut it out.
If necessary, remove parts of the rafter system that interfere with work.
Nail a support beam with a cross section of 50 mm at the bottom at a distance of 8-10 cm from the sheathing.
Nail the bottom part of the waterproofing sheet to the beam.
Attach the upper end of the waterproofing to the top sheathing.
Pull the side edges of the waterproofing out.
The frame is fastened in accordance with the design features. Since the windows are from different manufacturers slightly different, it will be useful to read the instructions included in the kit or consult directly with a company representative.
After installing the frame, attach the brackets to it. Fix the lower ones firmly, but do not immediately tighten the upper ones too much, since they will still be useful for adjusting the position of the sash.
Attach insulation to the top of the frame.
Place the thermal insulation below on the support beam.
Install the sash and adjust its tightness using the upper brackets. After this they can be finally tightened.
Attach the side ends of the waterproofing sheet to the frame, and then lay the insulation there.
At the top, install a drainage gutter in accordance with the design features of this window model (you may again need to consult the manufacturer).
Place a flashing around the window to protect it from leaks, and attach it to the frame, sheathing, support beam and rafters. Place the edges of the apron under the sheathing, and place the upper part under the gutter.

Helpful advice: You should not use polyurethane foam for additional waterproofing of joints, since its pressure can disrupt the correct position of the window. Use weatherproof sealants for this.

As you can see, installing skylights on your home is quite complicated and comes with its own risks. If you decide that you can handle this work yourself, take care of your personal safety and purchase high-quality equipment for high-altitude work.

Dormer windows that are mounted on the roof allow access to natural light into attic and attic spaces. Such openings add attractiveness to the facade of the building and make it cozy. Today, many design options have been developed, they are designed in different styles. We will consider popular schemes for creating such systems below.

Dormer windows on the roof: considering the device

The structure located on the roof, which is a window, is called a dormer. There are many options for designing the roofs of private houses, if these are administrative or residential premises, sloping versions are mainly created. Such a roof has many advantages; often dormer openings are installed in them, which is easy to create with my own hands. The location and shape of these blocks may differ, however, they always perform the same functions.

A dormer window is an opening in the roof; it differs from the usual window large sizes, as well as functional purpose.

What functions does this design perform?

Provides access to daylight inside the attic.
Allows air masses to move, providing natural ventilation room or under-roof space.
Allows access to the roof directly from the attic.
Performs a decorative role, decorating the roof from the outside, improving the interior of the room from the inside.

The advantages of a window unit mounted in the attic can be assessed by considering the following diagram:

any thermal insulation, even the highest quality, invariably leads to heat loss that occurs in the attic floor. Air masses rise upward to be heated inside the house, where they collide with the cold roof covering (tiles, slate). Condensation forms on the under-roof planes, and moisture can destroy most materials, including wood rafters;
a room that is not illuminated is damp, fungus quickly forms, mold develops, the spores of which, sooner or later, spread throughout the house;
without penetration of sunlight, lack of proper air circulation, the microclimate of the attic becomes musty, sometimes dangerous to human health: especially dangerous black mold spores can settle in it;
strong wind allows the auditory openings to perform functions check valves. Such loads can break the roof and tear it from its location. This is due to the fact that the penetration of wind under the surface of the roof contributes to the formation air flow that have the ability to lift the edges of the roof. Dormer windows take on the load; the wind is more likely to disrupt their integrity than to tear the roof off the house;
when the structure is large in size, has a massive roof, and, therefore, minimal risk of the roof moving out of place, such openings should still be there. Here they play the role of valves that prevent vibrations that negatively affect the condition of the building.

Types of dormer windows

The dormer window on the roof has increased requirements for the device. Such structures must be:

durable;
provide the right amount of natural light;
ventilation inside the room;
fit into the overall architectural ensemble.

Such window blocks have been popular for centuries. Their appearance is in dynamic change. Today, such buildings differ significantly from each other in design features, as well as design.

Sometimes structures are mounted directly into the roof; it is also possible to create devices with a vertical type of glazing:

pediment in the plane of the building, but there are no side walls;
there are side walls, a gable in the plane;
with walls, but the pediment is outside the plane of the building.

Today, triangular shapes are especially popular, as well as trapezoidal and arched, with glazing along the entire vertical plane.

The location and arrangement of windows is chosen strictly taking into account stylistic decisions, as well as based on the location of the windows and the type of structure. If you do not take into account all the necessary factors, such an implementation will look alien on the roof.

Window design

To create a dormer window with your own hands, it is very important to devote enough time to design and installation. These parameters are determined by the requirements of building codes and regulations (SNiP P-26, 21-01). Regardless of the design features or style of the selected image, you still need to strictly follow building codes. Only in this way can reliability, durability, and stability of the structure be achieved. Otherwise, there is a high probability of a decrease in the performance of the building in general and the roof in particular.

Key requirements of SNiP:

installation is permitted only if the angle of inclination of the kata is 15 degrees or more;
superstructures should be placed strictly according to the distance from the external walls of the facade, as established by the regulations;
opening sashes located in the window can have minimum parameters of 0.6 by 0.8 mm, so the permissible size of the structure is up to 1.2 by 0.8 meters;
when it is planned to create a structure on a hip roof type, which is a quadrangular opening, the facade cannot act as a continuation of the wall of the building.

The state standard involves the use of a variety of raw materials for the purpose of cladding a building:

copper;
tiles;
sheet metal;
slate.

According to the design features, the roof can be equipped with a projection or not have it, have its own roof, and a gutter for drainage. When the opening has big size, a balcony can be built, which creates a particularly attractive appearance of the building.

Separately, it is worth noting that the windows are called “lucarnes”; they have side walls, and their facade is completely glazed.

Rules for installing dormer windows in the roof

In order to properly prepare a drawing of a future structure, it is important to provide for a number of important details.

The steepness of the slope cannot be less than 5 degrees, for flat surfaces and 15 for slopes. This is necessary to prevent moisture from penetrating into the attic room, because such degrees will provide a natural slope for water to drain from the roof. When determining the steepness, the climate characteristics of the region of residence should be taken into account (prevailing wind directions, intensity and frequency of precipitation, location of the building). Here it is important to choose the optimal compromise option.
The most advantageous shape is considered to be triangular; it is attractive due to the fact that the lines of contact between the window frame and the roof are smaller than those of a square or rectangular profile. Such formats more often contribute to the penetration of water into the roof space. A triangular structure, on the contrary, reduces the amount of necessary waterproofing work. It is important to consider that this shape reduces the illumination of the interior space, so the façade of the windows is placed in line with the wall of the house.

The location of the windows deserves special attention. Here you should start from the size of the roof, its configuration, and the general architecture of the building. The openings can be located like this:

horizontally – on the same line;
in a checkerboard pattern - in two rows.

Determining a sufficient number of these structures requires taking into account a special condition: the width of all openings cannot be less than half the length of the roof slope. The parameters for the distance from the floor of the attic to the bottom row of windows are taken equal to one meter.

There is no clearly regulated technology for the construction and installation of a triangular profile on the roof surface. As a rule, people adhere to general construction norms and rules.

Important details:

It is prohibited to place such structures near ridges, cornices, and gables;
structures should be built strictly between the rafters;
minor sawing of part of the load-bearing beams is allowed, then the load should be redistributed on the rafters located nearby;
It is forbidden to make a complete cut, otherwise the rigidity of the roof will be damaged and it will lose its load-bearing capabilities;
structures cannot protrude beyond the external boundaries of the building;
when several structures are placed in a row, an interval of 0.8 meters must be maintained between them;
when determining the parameters and number of structures, it is important to take into account the rules of proportionality indicated above;
structures must be installed in accordance with the rules of roofing structures: have rafters, sheathing, drainage system, roofing.

When starting such work, you need to take into account a number of useful tips:

The construction of structures does not require the construction of a separate frame, because they are in the same plane with the roof and are attached to the rafter system with special plates.
The frame is recommended for construction when sufficient water drainage from the roof surface is required (this figure ranges from 15 to 20 degrees).
Making window systems yourself is not recommended. There is a high probability of making calculation errors here. It is better to purchase a ready-made PVC window and then install it in the chosen location with your own hands.
The selected design must be rotatable; it can rotate horizontally.
During selection optimal sizes windows, the climatic characteristics of the region should be taken into account, as well as the location of the building relative to the cardinal points. This is important because up to a quarter of the heat loss of the entire building will pass through it.
It is prohibited to make tie-ins to prevent a decrease in the strength of the supporting structure. Inserting a window into a finished building is only allowed by attaching it to the rafters. Nails, staples, metal strips and corners can be used for this purpose.
The higher the hole is mounted, the larger the area of illuminated space inside the room will be.
Wood must be subjected to pre-treatment: for this purpose it is impregnated with special compounds. This will protect the material from damage due to exposure to moisture and insects. In addition, before use, the material must undergo a complete drying process.

Installation of a window system begins with the project development process, it takes into account the following important parameters:

choice of type of structure;
determining the number of structures;
development of sizes;
calculation of load-bearing indicators of the entire structure and the roof in particular;
choice of mounting options;
preparation of materials used.

When all design and survey work is completed, direct installation begins:

First, the frame is assembled, then the lathing is made, with a pitch of 50 to 55 cm.
Now the ridge part is installed.
The rafter system is being installed.
When the process progresses during the construction of the roof, the frame is attached to the rafters of the base of the structure.
When creating structures inside an already standing roof, a special place for the auditory object is first cut out. Damage to load-bearing beams is prohibited.
Now the frame is being installed, it is attached to the rafters.
The gables are sheathed with moisture-resistant plywood.
The waterproofing film is fixed.
The window structure is covered with roofing materials. It is very important to pay attention to the connections to avoid possible leakage.
The inside of the structure is sheathed with a special board for finishing work or clapboard. Plaster or other building mixtures are not used here.

Triangular dormer window

When you want to make a hole in the attic with your own hands, it is better to prefer a triangle-shaped structure. This device is the most common; here a gable wall is installed without the need to recess it into the roof. It is important that it is located in a single plane with the outer wall.

The openings are located in a single line with other windows that are located below, on other floors of this building. Otherwise, it will be broken general architecture building.

Features of triangular attic windows:

roof slopes practically do not increase the usable area of the room, because they are located at an angle of 60 to 70 degrees;
the advantage of the triangle is its high aesthetic appeal, which allows you to create a highly original stylistic layout of the attic room;
A triangular window allows you to avoid having to carry out waterproofing work; its location speeds up the finishing of the opening and sealing.

Structure frame

A roof dormer, as stated above, requires a frame (although this condition is not required, it is considered that it must be met). Before its construction, it is important to create a roof frame: erect gables, install the rafter system.

Where the structures will be installed, openings will be provided between the rafters.

Important! The rafter legs that will frame the openings are made double and even triple. This is necessary because they will bear increased level loads.

SNiP stipulates that the gables of openings located in the roof require support by side walls. The latter are installed perpendicular to the external walls, deepening into the building; they have a height of about one and a half meters.

The frames of the side walls must be supported by the beams that make up the ceiling. It is installed only when the roof truss system has already been assembled. Only then do they tie the crossbars, located horizontally, as well as the racks of the gable frames.

Subsequent work proceeds as follows:

The lower ends of the rafter legs that are adjacent to the walls are cut off along with the wall sheathing. This happens because the gables are located in a single plane with the walls of the building.
The installation of jumper beams must be carried out strictly between double rafters. Experts advise using overhead-type metal brackets for this purpose. It is strictly forbidden to make cuts and taps; they can weaken the rafter beams.
Strict alignment of the openings is carried out according to the vertical level of the pediment frame. This is especially true for the installation of ridge beams.
The rafters are cut strictly according to the template, they are fixed to the ridge and the lower plane of the frame.
The cladding of the gables is made flush with the material external wall. As a rule, plywood with water-resistant properties is used

Valley device

A do-it-yourself dormer window, which has a triangular shape, is mounted in much the same way as installing a multi-gable roof. However, some differences during installation work are present.

The slopes have an inclination angle of 60 to 70 degrees.
Sloping rafters are used, and the rafters (shortened legs of the rafters) rest against them.
For installation, calculate the length, as well as the cross-section of the rafter beam of the groove type; here the side walls and the ridge beam are combined.
Each triangular type opening requires a pair of mirrored symmetrical beams of this type.
To make shortened rafters, a special template is used, which significantly shortens the work process.

Bottom of dormer window

This plane requires special attention during installation work. It requires such an arrangement that the inner surface of the roof is hidden in it using the side walls. It should not be visible from the inside. Therefore, a simplified version of the groove is used here.

Its beam is placed on top of the roof sheathing of the building. The lower parts of the rafter legs of the gable roof will rest against it.

The final stage involves covering the structure with plywood sheets, and roofing material is attached on top of them. Plywood is applied and fastened starting from the ridge, from top to bottom.

When provided installation work with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself in advance with the rules for creating such structures. Calculation, arrangement, installation of complex, original types windows should only be done by professionals.

Important Tips:

Roof fragments should be cut out extremely carefully so as not to disturb the waterproofing layer of the main roof;
cladding of wall planes having the “dormer” appearance is carried out only with the use of steel siding. It will allow you to obtain a presentable appearance of the building, in addition, it will act as additional protection for the building from the effects of precipitation and winds;
joints and connections of all structural parts must be treated with sealant;
for construction quality window, the use of materials specified in the design documentation is required. It is not allowed to save on size; this may be fatal for the entire structure; it may not withstand strong snowstorms, snow drifts, or winds;
openings are allowed to be placed in several rows if the attic area allows this.

The creation of dormer windows involves a free flight of imagination, which will allow you to create a skillful frame for the facade and support the overall architectural idea.

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 built into rafter system roof, and also serves for lighting and ventilation of 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.

Determining which one options will do in one case or another, it is worth considering some architectural features building. If the house is old and it is undesirable to make any changes to its appearance, a dormer window would be the best option. 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 rafter structure in several places, so accurate calculations are necessary for its arrangement. 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.

But dormer-type roof windows are 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 a ready-made 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, a hole of the required size. Next, a wooden frame made of 40x50 mm timber is mounted on the roof rafters, in which a window frame is installed. 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 dry and warm seasons. 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 very 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 still 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 a variety of skylight shapes. 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 general 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, they should be installed reinforced rafters that can withstand the additional load transmitted by their rafter system.

Cross members are mounted on top of the rafter legs: the upper one will correspond to the dimensions of the window, and the lower one should be located at the level of the external wall of the building. Vertical supports are attached to the lower beam, connected at the top by a transverse 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. It is necessary to sew moisture-resistant finishing material on the side walls of the dormer window. 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.

Even a non-residential attic space needs to be equipped with windows. This helps simplify its use and save on electricity. But such structures should be selected and installed as carefully as possible in order to eliminate the slightest errors.

Peculiarities

Roofs on residential buildings come in quite a variety, but the most popular are structures with inclined slopes. Thanks to them, it is possible to create voluminous attics, facilitate the melting of snow and the flow of rain downwards. But in order for the building to really become complete, it is necessary to install windows in the roof. Once they were used exclusively for ventilation, and then they discovered that such designs can increase illumination and visually expand the space. Traditionally, small windows in the roof are called dormer windows, but sometimes they are made large, and ventilation and stabilization of the building are provided by other means.

Kinds

A dormer window is a kind of “house” with a pair of external slopes. Attic openings are located on the same level with the slope and are not covered with awnings, which allows them to transmit maximum light. For vertically directed dormer windows, it is necessary to form a special frame. As a rule, they are made triangular, not recessing the area from the pediment side inward, but exposing them in the same plane as the facade. In an acute-angled roof, the pediments are sometimes equipped with large frames and complemented with atypical details borrowed from temple architecture.

Roof inspection windows can be installed on a single-pitched, gable, or sloping roof.

Any types of roofing structures can be combined with openings of various sizes and geometries. Whether such openings are placed on the roof surface or on the gable is solely up to the homeowners to decide. There are usually no technical obstacles to either solution. If a flat roof is equipped with windows, the drainage sometimes has to be supplemented with new gutters with a slope of 5 to 15 degrees.

A hatch to access the roof is needed no less, and sometimes more, than a simple window.

Getting out of it is much more convenient, especially if you need to inspect and repair things located high up or in hard-to-reach places:

antennas;
air conditioning systems;
gutters;
skates;
lightning rods.

Even in the absence of such elements at the top, according to the rules, only a roof whose area does not exceed 100 square meters can be used without a hatch. m. When exiting the hatch, an external or sliding staircase can be installed. Quite often stepladders are mounted close to the walls, as well as roof ladders. Stepladders are usually placed perpendicular to the horizon in the plane of the external wall. Any ladder must be protected from corrosion and made in such a way that it is absolutely safe to use. On flat roof It is more convenient to climb an external ladder, which is firmly attached to the walls.

Returning to the windows, we cannot help but say about their ceiling options. Such designs are made in a variety of styles and may differ in shape. Their role is not limited to simple illumination of the attic room - often only this technique allows you to create a light and romantic atmosphere in the home. It is not at all necessary to use a simple rectangular or square system: round windows look even better.

The installation of stained glass helps to complement the unusual feeling.

Skylights are a confident competitor to conventional lighting elements and stained glass. They must be assembled by qualified specialists, since it is impossible to do everything efficiently without a specific technology.

They are never made flat, consumers have a choice between shapes such as:

cut cone;
semicircle;
dome;
trapezoid.

Thanks to its special configuration and carefully thought-out assembly, the light diffusion fully realizes the designers' intentions. When creating skylights, in addition to glass, polycarbonate can be used; Moreover, simple glass elements cannot withstand the required load in most cases. With the help of lanterns it is possible to illuminate halls and attics that cannot be equipped with the required number of windows. It is this method of illumination that is used in large buildings, when it is necessary to illuminate a room that stretches 20-30 meters in length.

To open the skylight, you will need several button presses.

Moreover, some of these structures are equipped with systems that automatically open access to the roof in the event of a fire or other emergency. In residential buildings, this approach is practiced only occasionally; generally, skylights there add a sense of luxury and increase the overall decorative appearance of the building. Electronic equipment, if provided, is mounted together with the mechanics. Before final fixing of glass or polycarbonate, their position is carefully adjusted.

A triangular window in the roof is installed when the main rafter system is being installed. Despite the differences in the finished shape, the exit openings should be in the form of a standard rectangle. Then they install vertical rafter shapes, bringing the edges of the triangular structure beyond the contours of the main opening. The ridge beam connects the floor beams to the highest point of the triangle and runs strictly horizontally. In most cases, a beam with a cross section of 10x5 cm is enough.

This product differs from an ordinary wall window by the presence of a bead - a protrusion inside which a seal is located; the mounted glass unit is pressed against the ledge. In most cases, glazing is not done directly onto the frame, but onto special linings, which reduce the risk of chipping and deformation. Shprosses, that is, special weaves, help improve the aesthetic properties of the system. internal parts double-glazed windows. To secure the package, glazing beads are used. Most often, the size of the fixing profiles for a specific frame size varies, since a balance must be struck between holding the glass and maintaining its integrity.

A blind skylight is not intended for ventilation or egress to the outside. It is often believed that making such structures from just a few parts allows them to be installed without unnecessary difficulties. But this is not entirely true, if only because there are only partially blind windows. They allow you to save money and radically reduce the load on parts of the fittings. The fewer moving elements, the smaller it is, and therefore the window as a whole will work longer.

Most often, blind windows are made from PVC profile, which is further strengthened.

Fixed glazing is preferable simply because it saves customers money. Eliminating the profile of the sashes and special fittings immediately reduces the fee by 30 - 40%. Even if the window breaks, it will be easier, faster and cheaper to repair it than a structure with opening parts. It is only necessary to replace everything at once if it is completely destroyed, and this does not happen very often. The bulk of defects can be eliminated by replacing the glass unit without affecting the profile.

Fixed windows are much more efficient than opening windows in terms of heat conservation, because the glazing bead is invariably denser than the strongest and most stable fittings. What is important, the only limitation during installation is the strength of the double-glazed window. And if there are sashes, you also need to take into account the size of the fittings and permissible load on hinges, which limits the size of the structure. Not to mention the fact that the closed frame occupies only the space of the opening and allows for fuller use of the internal volume of the attic.

Lack of air access is the most obvious difficulty when using fixed windows.

Usually this problem is solved by ventilation, but this alternative is not always and not everywhere acceptable. The larger the glass unit, the higher the risk that it will break. Preventive measures(booking) partially eliminate the danger, but then you will have to forget about saving money. It is very difficult to clean a sealed window; such work often ends in falls from a height; Evacuation during an emergency also becomes more difficult, so all this must be taken into account.

Materials

Despite all the differences in the shape, size and design of roof windows, they have a common feature - the use of a strictly limited range of materials. Metal-plastic structures have undoubted advantages such as environmental friendliness, long service life, visual appeal and affordability. In any case, the importance of the type of material is greater than the name of the company that undertakes the work. In turn, a double-glazed window is more important than a profile, because it is thinner in design. Simple plastic window on the roof is preferable because it practically does not allow heat to pass through, the thermal expansion of the profile and glass is very close, and it also has a decent elastic modulus and can easily withstand loads.

Wooden products look beautiful and last a long time, but significant technological difficulties do not allow them to be made cheap.

Even the quality of the wood, which is better than that of PVC, does not allow it to leave the elite niche. To produce windows of the highest category, Siberian cedar or teak is used, both species last over 100 years. Larch falls just short of this level. Pine wood is relatively cheap; windows made from it last approximately 60 years, which is quite acceptable in practice.

Products made from pure aluminum are worse than wood and plastic, since their thermal conductivity is high. In addition, aluminum and glass have different rates of thermal expansion, so the window's use time is reduced. Considering these problems and the comparative softness of the metal, it is recommended to use it for decorative purposes or harmoniously combine it with polyvinyl chloride - this way they mutually cancel out each other’s shortcomings. As for glass composites, almost zero thermal conductivity is negated by instability in any severe frost.

Design

Having chosen the geometry and material for the roof window, you need to carefully understand its design. The chalet style is characterized by occupying a significant area panoramic windows. Romanesque (medieval style) structures are relatively small and rather resemble cracks. If the building is designed in the Gothic spirit, it is worth using arrow-shaped openings directed upward or imitation of fire tongues (this is already late Gothic). Not everyone, of course, will be satisfied with such a stylistic set.

Baroque architecture goes best with curved window shapes– round, elliptical and so on. A subtype of such elements are French windows, which start almost from the floor itself. Classicism in the form in which it came to the end of the 18th century early XIX centuries, always looks simple and monumental. Symmetrical constructions and geometrically correct elements are widely used. It would not be a stylistic mistake to use imposts on the lower sashes and intricately curved lintels.

The design of translucent structures was approached completely differently in the Art Nouveau era - from the beginning of the twentieth century.

Imitating this stylistic direction, you will have to abandon any straight lines and angular designs. It is allowed to use additional crossbars for upper transoms equipped with straight or rounded mullions. Transoms are often divided into small segments, but the lower part of the sashes always remains intact. Functional styles, which appeared a little later, are distinguished by the use of asymmetrical sashes. Constructivism is primarily expressed in strict square and rectangular designs, but art deco lovers should prefer stepped or zigzag-shaped windows and an abundance of curved planes.

Dimensions

Regardless of the style and shape, the sizes of roof windows are clearly regulated by GOST provisions. There are many attractive offers on the market, but they are quite easy to understand. As in a regular attic, every 10 sq. m attic should be illuminated with 1 sq. m of glazing. If there is a children's or living room inside, the ratio is already 8: 1. You can increase the illumination of the interior space by installing windows on both slopes at once.

Dimensions and configuration are also selected taking into account the roof layout. On flat roofs the best way Tall windows show themselves. Small translucent structures are optimal for toilet rooms: they require a certain intensity of illumination and make it difficult to peep from the outside.

The opening axis can be located:

in the middle;
upstairs;
2/3 in height.

Placement in the center is recognized by experts as the most convenient and practical, and the other two methods will not allow you to accidentally get injured when open window. Observing the outside world and what is happening there will be quite possible if the window is 1 m high and wide.

Usually the distance from the floor is 90 - 120 cm.

The first of these figures is minimal and should under no circumstances be underestimated. On a roof with a slope of 35 degrees, windows 1.6 m in length are installed, and if it is 70 degrees, then the frame is made 1 - 1.2 m in length.

Device options

The design of the window in the acute-angled roof allows large frames to be placed on the gables, while original parts are used. In houses old building, which have retained the same architectural features, it is advisable to use the usual dormer window. When the home is more modern in spirit, the use of an attic format is already allowed. An important difference between dormer windows is that they are not installed without special niches in the roof. The number of fasteners is very large in this case.

Dormer windows are simply attached to the gaps in the rafters. Such elements, in addition to their main function, turn out to be an obstacle to water flows. That is why it is recommended to install them on sloping roofs, the angle of inclination of which is from 15 to 20 degrees. You need to think through the entire scheme very carefully when drawing up a drawing. Much attention is paid to protecting the interior space from cold air, wind and precipitation.

A special type of roof windows is the “balcony”.

Using it allows you to correct the shortcomings of the designers and still use an almost full-fledged balcony in the attics. A similar technological solution was found relatively recently, when designers from Western European countries took up the work. The concept of a transformer is taken as a basis, and precise selection of dimensions to the parameters of buildings helps not to overload the facades.

How to do it yourself?

Dormer windows begin to be made by thinking through and installing the frame. It is advisable to combine this work with the arrangement of the roof rafters as a whole. The window must have an independent ridge beam, its own rafters and sheathing, and a roofing pie is placed on them. In fact, this is another roof, only in a miniature version. The installation of rafter legs for fencing the opening should be made from the most durable materials: after all, they will have to withstand the loads from all components and roofs.

The cross beam located at the bottom is placed flush with the outer wall. The top one is positioned according to how high the window is wanted. The vertical posts rest against the bottom beam and are then secured at the top with a crossbar. A longitudinally directed beam needs to be added to the finished frame, which will connect it with a beam resting on the rafters. This frame is later supplemented with rafters; they need to be built in exactly the same way as under the main roof of the home.

Fastening the jumpers should be done without cutting into the base of the rafter legs, because then they will be too weak.

Fasteners are stocked in advance, carefully checking whether they are made of good metal. Having finished installing the frame with your own hands, you must evaluate its evenness. The check is carried out by level and plumb line, and even the most insignificant distortions are unacceptable in principle. Without such a test, it is not advisable to install the ridge and set up the rafters.

The side surfaces of the windows are covered with waterproof materials, and special attention is paid to possible leak points. Such problems often appear at joints and corners, at pipe outlets and ventilation.

All these areas are supplied with waterproofing; for it the following can be used:

pressing strips;
membranes;
Weather-resistant silicone-based sealants.

It is recommended to make the lower rafters according to templates, and before installation, unnecessary parts are sawed off, giving the product the required size. Having put all the parts in place, the roof of the window is sheathed with hydrophobic plywood and selected roofing covering. The plywood is placed moving from above from the ridge beam, this is especially important on a steep slope. The sheet should be clearly oriented along the upper end. Once the plywood is attached, they go down, measure and adjust the other corner pieces.

Working with an attic roof seems simpler because there is no need to build “houses”. But in fact, it is precisely for this reason that the list of requirements is only growing. The awning provides protection against mechanical loads. The flashing from a variety of materials is chosen according to the type of roof covering, since it must be flush with the slope.

Additionally, an external circuit is installed to protect the structure from heat loss and getting wet.

Blinds and curtains are almost never supplied as a set, so you have to buy them separately, focusing on the interior design and your own taste preferences. Slopes must also be used. Having found out how many windows will have to be installed and what their size will be, they begin marking. The necessary points are marked with a reserve of 20-30 mm on the right and left; the upper and lower marks should have a reserve of 100-150 mm. When cutting waterproofing materials, it is worth providing a margin of 0.2 m in all directions compared to the size of the window.

If the main roof has already been laid on top, it is removed or cut off in the designated place. In some cases, it is necessary to dismantle truss structures that impede normal operation. Below, 80-100 mm from the sheathing, a support beam is nailed, its cross-section is 5 cm. The lower part of the waterproofing needs to be filled onto this beam, and its top is attached to the sheathing. The side sections of the waterproofing material must be removed outwards.

Frame mounting from different manufacturers cannot be done in the same way.

It is best to read the instructions that come with the kit, or get advice from the official representative of the supplier. When the installation of the frame is completed, the brackets are attached to it. The insulation must be attached to the top and laid out on the support beam at the bottom. Now you can mount the sash and adjust the tightness of its pressing using the upper brackets.

The previously released edges of the waterproofing are attached to the frame, and insulation is placed under them. A drainage gutter is installed at the top, which should take into account the design specifics of the window modification. Almost always at this stage they again turn to technical documentation or the help of consultants. The window is equipped with an apron on the outside to prevent leaks.

The edges of the aprons are placed under the sheathing, and a gutter is placed above the lower ones. It is unacceptable to fill joints polyurethane foam. It increases the waterproofing properties of the joints, but strong flow pressure can distort the geometry of the window block. Experienced craftsmen Weather-resistant sealants are used. When creating both roof and dormer windows, it is necessary to use equipment and safety devices for working at height.

Spectacular examples

For a private home, you can use a variety of roof window designs. This is what one of the solutions looks like - opening up window unit noble black color. Its external attractiveness is harmoniously combined with the discreet light brown metal tiles around it.

But here they didn’t make a color contrast - they just played on the symmetry of the two structures.

Blind rectangular windows in a very steep roof slope look quite nice.

A balcony format window may look like this: one part rises, and the other, which has a barrier of medium height along the perimeter, appears outside. As can be clearly seen from the photograph, if everything is calculated correctly, the system is quite stable and beautiful, nothing prevents you from going out into the fresh air. This is what one of the final stages of installing elegant roof windows looks like: the sheathing is already filled, but the facing material has not yet been laid out. And these white windows, built into a small protruding “house”, will leave few people indifferent, especially due to the contrast with the dim reddish finish of the roof.

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