If you wish to create a living space that is bright and beautiful, install pitched roof windows. It will allow your interior to be washed in natural sunlight. Roof windows are becoming increasingly popular for their ease of installation, easy management, and affordability. I love the idea of making the room full of natural light, it’s perfect for taking good photos!
There are a few things you must keep in mind when installing them in your home;
1. Do you wish to add roof windows to an existing extension or build a new extension altogether?
This is just a starting point. If you are building a new extension, you must consider if you have permission for that.
You can install roof windows in England and Wales without permission if your windows;
- do not project more than 150mm outwards from the existing plane roof
- do not exceed higher than the existing roof
- are glazed with openings 1.7m or above the floor
If your extensions exceed above these parameters, then you certainly need permission from a local authority.
You must also ensure the building regulations allow for the installation of roof windows. Factors like insulation, ventilation, fire performance, and loading capacity play a role in getting permission.
2. Do you want remotely controlled, manually controlled, or fixed roof windows?
This choice is entirely yours to make. Your preference for beauty, ventilation, and location determines what option is the best for you. Remote-controlled features are obviously expensive but easy to operate. Their management is not easy, but their level of comfort makes up for it. Manually controlled windows are easy to manage, clean, repair, and affordable. However, they might look old-fashioned. Fixed roof windows are a permanent fixture in your house. Choose wisely!
3. Where should your roof window be located?
The location of your sunlight roof window is very much dependant on the sun itself. Even if a window may let light in all day, the intensity of light will vary with the direction of your house and room. In England;
- Northward rooms are generally away from sunlight. Such spaces will likely require more sunlight than any other.
- Eastward rooms are generally brightest early in the morning but have minimal sunlight in the evenings.
- Westward rooms get long shadows in the morning and warm sunlight in the evening. You can use these rooms to get sunlight for the longest time till the sunset.
- Southward rooms see the most sunlight all day. A roof window can light up all corners throughout these rooms from sunrise to the sunset.
4. Do you need soundproofing or thermal proofing in your house?
If you live in a metropolitan area, you might require soundproofing feature in your sunlight. Not only will you get relief from the loud traffic sounds, but if you wish to listen to the stereo, your neighbours won’t be disturbed either.
Similarly, thermal proofing is an essential requirement in colder parts of the country. Thermal proofing does not allow the accumulated heat to escape your house, thus saving you many quids in energy bills.
5. Does the window location add to the invasion of privacy?
In urban areas, people are more sensitive in keeping their privacy. Sunlight windows might allow someone from a higher building to peep into your space. To solve this dilemma, you may alter placing, shape, glazing, shutters, and more parameters, while also ensuring the beauty of your home isn’t marred.
