Dormer windows: pros and cons - all opinions from forums

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Don’t know whether to buy VELUX roof windows or choose other roof windows? Customer reviews about VELUX roof windows will help you draw conclusions about the quality of this product and understand whether it is right for you. Also, you can check the current prices for VELUX roof windows

Velux skylight, PVC/aluminum 54×83 cm

Name:

Vadim
Review:
More and more often, people began to build houses with an attic floor, in order to save materials, and such houses look more modern.
But simple windows on such a floor can only be installed in the gables, because of this there is often too little sunlight. In such cases, special roof windows are installed directly into the roof itself. Vellux are one of the most common and high-quality roof windows. The design of the window is very thoughtful and if installed correctly, everything fits very tightly and there can be no leaks. The only thing is that if there is a large temperature difference, condensation may form on the inside of the window, but if the slopes are made correctly, there will be little of it. Advantages: Advantages:
High quality, beautiful, functional. :

Vellux roof window The window is made of very high quality from high-quality materials. The frame is made of wood, and all other elements are made of metal and plastic. Flaws:

If only the cost

Velux roof window, wood/aluminum 78×140 cm

Name:

Artem
Review:
It has become much lighter in the attic!
(supplied 2 pcs. size 78*140) Advantages:
The quality of the wood is excellent, clear installation instructions, 10-year warranty with a set of heat and waterproofing.
The accessories are perfect. Ventilation valve included. The price is low. Disadvantages:
I would like to have more assortment available in the store on Novorossiyskaya Street (sizes, other models)

Name:

Anton
Review:
A very high quality product that is a pleasure to use.
For high-quality installation, I recommend purchasing a heat and hydro insulation kit. If you purchase this kit, you don’t have to worry about its insulation and leakage protection. Also, when installing this kit, the manufacturer’s warranty on the product increases. Advantages:
Design, build quality
Disadvantages:
None,

Velux roller blind 55×78 cm, linen color

Name:

Kulaisha
Review:
Wonderful product. Does not allow daylight to pass through.
Advantages:
Quality price
Disadvantages:
None

Name:

Natalya
Review:
Beautiful appearance of the curtain. High-quality fabric. Does not allow light to pass through.
Advantages:
Easy to use. Durability.
Disadvantages:
No

Name:

Lyudmila
Review:
An excellent choice for those who work at night and sleep during the day. Does not let in daylight

Name:

Tatyana
Review:
Wonderful product.
Good quality and price Advantages:
Quality product

Name:

Natalya
Review:
Very comfortable.
Closes the entire window. Dense. Advantages:
Low price
Disadvantages:
None,

Velux roller blind 66×118 cm, linen color

Name:

Natalya
Review:
Easy to hang, easy to clean (can be wiped with wet wipes).
Looks very natural (like linen). Gently diffuses light Advantages:
High-quality material.
Durability. Disadvantages:
None.

Name:

Inna
Review:
Full instructions, easy to hold, great quality
Advantages:
Durable
Disadvantages:
None

Name:

Tatyana
Review:
The instructions are complete, they were strengthened without outside help, the quality is better than expected.,

Velux roller blind for M04,06,08,10, linen color

Name:

Natalya
Review:
Modern and practical roller blind, very high quality textiles, easy to use.
Advantages:
Wear resistance, durability.
Disadvantages:
None.

Name:

Elena
Review:
Excellent curtain.
Durable. Surprisingly, it didn’t fade after the bright sun) Advantages:
Durability, color, quality
Disadvantages:
Didn’t notice

Name:

Vitaly
Review:
Good curtain, easy to install, excellent curtain,

Velux roller blind for M04,06,08,10, color blue

Name:

Vera
Review:
Very excellent quality, I recommend this brand to everyone

Name:

Alina
Review:
Easy to care for. Appearance. Use
Disadvantages:
Not identified,

Velux dormer window with bottom handle 66×118 cm

Name:

Vadim
Review:
Nice window!

Pros and cons of roof windows

There is an opinion that there are two types of skylights: those that leak and those that will leak. This is not a true statement, but it is derived from a kind of truth. No, not all roof windows will leak, but many of them will, and many will look like they are leaking even if they are not, as they are notorious for causing condensation problems.

The problem is not necessarily a malfunction or defect during installation or manufacturing, but is a physics problem. Ignoring aesthetic appeal completely for a moment, the reality is that skylights are likely to become a big energy drain in any climate (due to additional heating or cooling needs) and less durable the further north you go.

Before I list the problems, let me first say that I love skylights. I love natural light in general, and given the amount of time people spend indoors, I welcome features that make you feel a little better than being outside; Dormer windows are great for this. If they are in working order and within reach, in the summer they can also act as an exhaust vent to release stale warm air.

The advantages of roof windows are obvious. It's very nice to sit by a skylight in someone else's house, but what if you want those windows in your own home.

The problem with installing skylights into the roof of a house is that it involves partial dismantling of the existing roof without compromising its strength.

Since the skylight will be installed on the surface of the roof and the ceilings are quite thick compared to the window, this will usually result in a deep cavity in the ceiling where the skylight is installed. This adds a nice effect but also provides an ideal place to collect warm air.

Wherever there is a concentration of warm and humid air in the house, the rate of heat loss increases in winter. But the problem doesn't end there - when you get warm, moist air collecting on a cold surface (glass), you run the risk of condensation forming.

So, here we come to the issue of leaking roof windows; Just because you see drops of water running down the wall from a skylight doesn't mean it's leaking, it could just be condensation.

Features of accommodation

To properly illuminate a room, when choosing a window design, it is necessary to take into account some points.

  • There should be enough natural light so that the room does not look gloomy. The ratio of the useful volume of glazing to the floor area should be 1:10. When arranging a bedroom, living room or children's room, the ratio is reduced to 1:8.
  • The amount of light is directly dependent on the height of the window: the higher it is, the greater the illumination.
  • It is recommended to install the structure on both slopes of the roof - this will allow more light.
  • It is recommended to install 2-3 windows at an optimal distance from each other, instead of one large one.

In addition to the usual ones, there are blind attic structures - they add originality to the room and additional light.

Sizes of structures

The choice of window frame parameters is an important point. Typically the structure is installed between the rafters. The standard distance is 80 cm, so manufacturers focus on this parameter. The assortment includes large-sized pieces, as well as non-standard ones produced to order.

It is necessary to take into account the dependence of the size of the model on the angle of inclination of the roof. The view should cover a panorama of the earth and sky from any position. The window should open easily, so the location of the handle is of great importance.

Which material is better

The attic space is characterized by high humidity and is constantly exposed to precipitation. These factors are taken into account when choosing material for the structure. Manufacturers prefer natural wood or plastic.

Manufacturers offer to purchase wooden models for living rooms (living room, children's room, bedroom). The material used is coniferous tree species, for example, pine of the highest category, class 1A. The wood is pre-dried and treated with a special compound.

In rooms with high humidity it is recommended to install plastic frames. PVC products are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to negative external influences.

Opening method

The mid-rotation design is considered more reliable and popular. Friction hinges are installed in the central part, which helps to keep the frame in the tilt position. The structure can be rotated 180° - this helps when washing the frame.

The rotating axis is located in the upper part - this is convenient for large windows. When washing, the sash can be fixed at an angle of 160°.

Models with a combined opening mechanism combine two methods: mid-turn and suspended (angle up to 35̊).

Service structures with easy opening to a large angle provide the possibility of quick evacuation.

Roof leaks near skylights can form condensation

Because condensation occurs when warm, moist air encounters a cold surface, warming that surface reduces the amount of moisture that condenses on it. The increase in glass temperature should be due to the presence of a third glass panel, well-insulated frames and gas-filled chambers between the panes.

Relative humidity is also a factor—condensation is made worse by higher humidity levels in homes. Lowering the humidity level should make a difference. To further reduce these risks, it is best to avoid installing skylights near wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

If you already have windows installed and it seems like they are leaking, before you hire someone to hire a roofer and start fixing problems that may not exist, try doing some kind of internal inspection first. Is there a lot of condensation on it? Does it only seem to "leak" during the colder months, even when there is no snow?

These are signs that the solution can be found within, not without. Covering it with plastic and directing a fan can prevent condensation, and for indoor conditions in general, lower temperatures and lower humidity will certainly help. These are some interior solutions; If this doesn't solve your problems, then you need to take care of the rooftop chores.

Product range

To make it easier for customers to make a choice, the manufacturer has divided all roof windows into three categories:

  • VELUX OPTIMA Standard;
  • VELUX OPTIMA Comfort;
  • VELUX PREMIUM.

Standard

This is the basic model of the product group, which is characterized by low cost, proven reliability and the ability to protect attic rooms from bad weather. It has a minimum set of necessary functionality: tempered outer glass that is resistant to damage from the outside, standard seals that protect against leaks, built-in ventilation with a removable filter and the ability to select an opening option.

The category includes two basic models, which differ in the location of the handles: top or bottom. The first option is set to a height of 90 to 110 cm, the second – from 130 to 160 cm.

Comfort

They have an improved design and more functionality than the standard line: seals are installed to protect against leaks, tempered external glass, several ventilation modes, increased moisture resistance (plastic models). “Triplex” glass is used inside to protect people if the window breaks (the fragments will simply hang on the adhesive film).

VELUX Comfort plastic window with hand on top

Available in configurations:

  • wood with a handle on top;
  • wood with a handle at the bottom;
  • tree with two handles;
  • plastic with a handle at the bottom.

PREMIUM

Suitable for panoramic glazing of balconies and terraces, attics. Can be connected to a smart home system. If necessary, you can control them from anywhere in your home using a remote control. The protective system will close the window itself if it starts to rain or snow.

Available in the following modifications:

  • wood with a handle on top (valve window);
  • white polyurethane on a wooden frame with a handle on top (window valve);
  • with panoramic opening, wooden or white polyurethane with two handles;
  • with remote control, made of wood or white polyurethane;
  • exclusive design solutions: windows-balconies, terraces, lower elements and cornice windows.

Dormer windows and their energy efficiency

In any case, windows are not installed for energy efficiency. They add some warmth on sunny days in winter (with the right orientation and angle), but the heat they lose when the sun goes down will far outweigh any heat they gain.

Unfortunately, the real heat gain happens in the summer when you don't want it to. The most common roof angles are lower slopes, which do not work well with winter sun angles. Thus, in the summer, windows exposed to the sun receive much more direct sunlight than in winter, and for many more hours per day. This added heat will put additional stress on your air conditioning system.

Market leader

If you ask yourself who produces roof windows in our country, then remember 2, or at a stretch 3, manufacturers? And the point here is not at all that the brand is advertised. In the Russian market, there are really only 2-3 companies that produce roof windows.

This is due to the complexity of production technology. It is different from the technology of creating vertical windows. It is not profitable for companies that specialize in classic windows for the home to also deal with attic ones: it is necessary to introduce additional equipment and comprehend engineering subtleties; plus, achieving a truly high-quality product can only be achieved over time, when window models pass quality tests under real operating conditions.

Therefore, it would be a mistake to turn to manufacturers of vertical (wall) structures for roof windows. You risk purchasing a low-quality product.

The leading manufacturer of roof windows always has a wide range of models. The choice of sizes is large, but they are standard. The factory has established production of models of each size. When the creation of all parts is carried out on the latest equipment, by craftsmen who know their business, and the assembly is completely factory-made, real quality is achieved.

In addition, it is not profitable for large manufacturers of vertical windows to deal with attic windows, since they realize that they will not be able to maintain the level of quality in the production of attic windows at a level corresponding to their reputation. And young companies initially produce designs with low quality characteristics, because they have neither decent equipment nor engineering solutions of the required level.

Russian famous manufacturers

Some domestic companies have adopted Monsari Pier™ production technology from the French. Their kits for attics have become famous, as the enterprises produce products that protect openings and rooms from precipitation and noise with high light transmission.

The leading Russian manufacturers include the Al-Tech plant; users publish only positive reviews of their products. The company is located in St. Petersburg, so production serves customers in the nearby area.

In Tyumen, the company Okna Plus is engaged in glazing of attics. Employees take their duties responsibly. In a short time they will provide a ready-made kit, taking into account all the requirements relating to:

  • measurements;
  • production;
  • transportation;
  • assembly and installation.

Our specialists provide a warranty on products with subsequent service and repairs.

In Krasnodar, the RUSDUB production company offers to install wooden profiles with high-quality fittings in the attic. The company did not choose its name unfoundedly. The organization employs specialists in oak processing. Using examples, they convince their customers and craftsmen of the benefits of windows made from natural materials. Many of our customers are abandoning popular plastic.

How to make the right choice

Designing openings, especially under the roof, requires skill and knowledge. Before you start figuring out which roof windows are best to choose, measure their dimensions at the installation site. The type of kit is selected according to the main criteria:

  • parameters;
  • style;
  • profile quality;
  • purpose of space;
  • opening method;
  • insulating flashing.
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