LIGHT UP YOUR ATTIC
FREE CIRCULATION
RAFTER FITTING
EXTERNAL ARCHITECTURE
ERGONOMICS
CONTROLLING LIGHT
SAFETY DURING INSTALLATION
PLANNING FOR YOUR ROOF WINDOWS

Before buying a roof window you should consider the house interior and exterior design, ergonomics and how to get most light from your windows.

Daylight is a fundamental need, and human beings always respond positively to daylight. We get more energy, learn faster and we have less tendency to get stress related illnesses. It is therefore a personal investment to get as much daylight into your attic as possible.

What to consider to maximise light from your roof windows:

  • The size of the roof window
  • The number of roof windows
  • The position of the roof windows
  • The shape of the internal lining
LIGHT UP YOUR ATTIC

Same window area = More daylight

Bigger windows naturally admit more daylight, but it is also worth considering more smaller windows as a better overall effect can be achieved (see pictures).

  • Using one roof window would allow daylight to light approximately 46% of this room.
  • Using two roof windows with a combined total surface area of the previous window would allow daylight to light approximately 48% of this room.
  • Four roof windows with the same combined total surface area distributed more evenly would allow daylight to light approximately 65% of this room!

Correct lining for maximum light

You can also admit more light into the room by using the correct lining. If the lining is vertical below the window, and horizontal above the window, you allow more light to enter the room.

Correct lining for free circulation

Correctly splayed reveals allow more light to enter the room.

Incorrectly splayed reveals trap warm air and may cause condensation. Correctly splayed reveals allow warm air to circulate freely around the room.

Fitting roof windows to rafters

Before deciding on a particular size of window, the structural integrity of the roof should be considered fully. Most roofs can be adapted to take roof windows but some engineered trusses should not be cut without a proven solution. If you have any doubts which beam to cut we recommend professional advice is sought before commencing work.

Outlook of the house

In addition to internal light and design, you should also consider what visual impact the roof windows will have on your house from the outside. Please consider the roof windows’ position in relation to existing windows in the house. Then try to balance the need for internal light with the external architecture. By doing this your roof windows will look elegant from the outside and perform according to your needs on the inside.

Snow Guards

Using a snow guard above your roof window(s) is always recommended to prevent permanent damage.

Steeper Pitch: Longer Window.

A roof window should always be placed at the correct height and have the correct size to suit your specific needs.

Choosing the correct window size has to do with the roof pitch on your house. If you have a low roof pitch you need a larger roof window height to have the same view as in a house with a steeper roof pitch. A general rule is therefore that “the lower the pitch of the roof, the higher the roof window”.

In addition to the size of the roof window, you should consider at which height to install the roof window. It is important that most occupants in the house have a clear view out the window.

There is no one single “correct” window size or window placement. The window should always be placed for the convenience and functionality of the users, and this can vary according to the conditions.

For the same view, a shallow pitch roof requires a taller window than a roof with a steeper pitch.

Choose an appropriate blind

Before buying a blind, you should consider which type best suits your specific needs. Above you can see the effect of each blind on light and warmth.

Wear suitable protective equipment during installation. You can normally complete the installation of a roof window from the inside of the house, and scaffolding is therefore not considered necessary. However, as with all construction there is a risk that objects might be dropped from the roof (hammer, tiles etc). We therefore recommend that you never leave any object resting on the external face of the roof, and that any area at risk should be sectioned off to minimize the risk.

It is recommended that you wear safety masks and goggles when cutting any internal materials in the roof or when cutting tiles. We also recommend that you use temporary support battens whilst placing the window frame.