In order to expand living space, attic spaces are often used in houses. This allows you to save money and avoid building a second floor. And in such rooms, skylights are necessarily used, which not only allow light to enter the room, but also visually expand the room. In addition, they allow you to increase the amount of heat by 40%.
Installing roof windows is quite simple and does not require special skills, but it is still better to turn to professionals. One way or another, installation of roof windows includes:
- window frame installation
- installation of thermal waterproofing and flashing of roof windows
- installation of slopes
Reason for installing roof windows
Installing attic windows in the roof is a very correct decision, since the creation of an attic floor provides for the presence of a sufficient amount of daylight in the room.
For this purpose, a client contacted our company who wanted to transform an uninhabited attic into a cozy children's room. After preliminary measurements, the installation team went to the site to install the roof windows. At the time of the installation team’s arrival, we had a fully completed roofing pie and an attic at the initial stage of finishing, as well as:
- Two Fakro FTS-V U2 66×118 windows.
- Flashings for installing windows in the KZV-1 and KZV-3 groups.
- External waterproofing film XDP.
- Internal vapor barrier film XDS.
- Full blackout curtains ARF beige color.
Our tasks were as follows:
- Install the windows in a group into the finished roofing pie.
- Insulate windows with stone wool using XDS film.
- Install blackout curtains.
- Installation of roof windows
Model line: sizes and prices ↑
Models with a mid-turn opening method
This is one of the most popular FAKRO product options. Window hinges are placed at the mid-height of the product. The special design of the windows allows the frame to be installed in various positions, including rotation by 180° relative to the axis. The sash is fixed in 5 positions using the handle located at the bottom.
On a note
All Fakro roof windows are safe and resistant to weathering and burglary, as they have tempered glass. The company guarantees in writing the resistance of double-glazed windows to mechanical damage from hail and branches for the entire period of operation.
The standard sizes of Fakro roof windows are thirteen. They correspond to the most common designs of rafter systems.
| Dormer windows | Dimensions | Prices |
| FTS-V | 55×78 | 9900 rub. |
| 78×118 | 13350 rub. | |
| 114×140 | 18870 rub. | |
| PTP U3 | 55×78 | 17,000 rub. |
| 78×118 | 24230 rub. | |
| 114×140 | 33750 rub. | |
| PTP-V U3 | 55×78 | 18450 rub. |
| 78×118 | 25840 rub. | |
| 114×118 | 36040 rub. | |
| PTP/GO U3 | 55×78 | 25080 rub. |
| 78×118 | 32470 rub. | |
| 114×140 | 44460 rub. |
On a note
The table shows some roof windows as an example. As you can see, the sizes and prices of different models differ. Please note that with the same dimensions, their cost, depending on the technical characteristics, may differ significantly.
By type, these models are “opening” and “deaf”.
Moisture-resistant models
These products are used in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom, swimming pool, etc. The profiles are wooden, coated with a layer of polyurethane. People often call them “white windows” because of their color. In principle, almost any model can be moisture resistant, but the mid-rotation FTP-W PLUS models are especially popular.
Plastic
Plastic profiles (PTP) have many advantages: they are easy to care for, easy to clean, they are moisture resistant, etc. The multi-chamber plastic profile is reinforced from the inside, so it does not deform during operation. Galvanized steel profiles are used for reinforcement.
Super energy saving
Termo is an exclusive development of the manufacturer. The system uses double-glazed windows. The dimensions of Fakro roof windows of this type are larger. Currently, FTT Termo is considered the warmest available on the domestic market. Super energy-saving fakro window systems can be installed even in the Far North.
Smart
This is a new model in which the developers have combined the advantages of a standard mid-steer system and comfortable control. Using a special remote control, you can control the window from anywhere in the room; moreover, in bad weather, it will close without outside intervention. Various electrically controlled accessories are often connected to the profile: blinds, curtains on the inside or roller shutters on the outside.
The Electro model includes a three-channel central processor, rain sensor, power supply and more. It is extremely easy to connect, just like any electrical appliance – into a power outlet.
On a note
The smart window also allows manual control; it can function just as well in the absence of power.
The system has two ventilation positions. It is equipped with exclusive universal ventilation, controlled by an automatic valve. It is installed on roofs with a slope of 15–90⁰. The system is equipped with an insulating flashing. It must match the type of roofing.
Combined system
This design, perhaps, can “boast” all the advantages of attic windows. PreSelect
- have an excellent overview;
- you can look through them unhindered;
- multifunctional.
You can also add system durability, ease of use, and safety to the list.
There are few other systems in which quality and functionality are so successfully combined. Fakro preSelect roof windows open in two versions:
- medium-rotary with a sash rotation angle of up to 180⁰;
- suspended around the upper axis at an angle of 0–35⁰.
Opening modes are quite simply switched using a special switch, which is located on the side of the box, and it is completely invisible if the sash is closed.
Evacuation
It is worth noting special models through which you can easily access the roof in extreme situations, in particular, when evacuating premises during fires and other dangerous situations. The combination of opening systems and larger sizes greatly simplifies the solution of problems of this kind. Opening along the top hinges under normal conditions provides passage within the range of 0–40⁰, however, in dangerous situations, the opening angle can be increased to 68⁰ by lightly pressing the trigger holders.
Important
FEL window has the conclusion of VNIIPO of Russia. It can be included in the building design or installed in the existing one.
The process of installing roof windows
Preparing the opening for attic windows
First of all, the OSB was removed. Then it was necessary to find the rafter group to which the window would be attached, and agree with the customer on the placement of the windows on the slope.
A location above the heating radiator was specially chosen to minimize the formation of condensation on the surface of the roof window.
Section of a vapor barrier film
After the placement of the windows was agreed upon, we cut the Izospan vapor barrier film and stapled it along the edges with a construction stapler so that the film would not interfere or be damaged.
This point is extremely important during installation - the film must be cut carefully, slightly smaller than the size of the window itself, in order to insulate the window after installation if the XDS kit is not available. In our case, the XDS kit is present, so the film was cut a little larger.
We remove the insulation from the roofing pie and cut the sheathing
It was necessary to remove the insulation from the rafter openings to see the location of the step sheathing and finally approve the height of the window placement, since in some cases the height may change.
After the insulation was removed, we discovered additional sheathing, which is superfluous and carries an additional load on the roof. Additional sheathing had to be cut to fit the size of the windows.
We cut the waterproofing film, cut the step lathing, cut out the metal tiles
Finally, we got to the waterproofing film. We cut the film and temporarily snapped it to the rafters so as not to damage it, since we need it in order to install it on the window.
We cut out the step sheathing to fit the size of the window. We cut a rough opening in the metal tiles of a much smaller window size so that we could get to the outside of the metal tiles, and already on the outside we marked the finishing opening and cut out the excess metal tiles.
We cut off the unnecessary sheathing on the central rafter and now, finally, the opening is ready. Now we could start installing the windows.
Examples of objects
The installation is carried out in several stages:
- Preparatory, which includes determining the location and height of the structure, marking and preparing the opening. The dimensions of the latter should be 40-60 mm larger than the dimensions of the window.
- Installation of frame structure. The sash is removed and the frame is mounted in the prepared opening. In this case, the upper brackets are left slightly free, which subsequently allows you to adjust the position of the structure.
- Sash installation. The procedure is described in detail in the instructions. After installation, the tight fit to the frame is checked. If there are distortions, they are eliminated by adjusting its position. After this, the brackets are fixed.
- Installation of waterproofing. The roof window comes complete with a special waterproofing apron, which is attached around it and secured to the frame. A drainage strip is installed above the window structure.
- Installation of external flashing. It starts with the lower corrugated apron, after which the side and only then the upper parts of the flashing are attached.
- At the final stage, the internal slopes are insulated and a vapor barrier apron is installed.
We install roof windows
Finally, we began the direct installation of Fakro roof windows. The window frame was prepared in parallel with the preparation of the opening, that is, we removed the rotating part of the window from the frame and screwed the mounting angles to the size of the sheathing. We unpacked the waterproofing flashings and installed the top flashing under the roof because... the flashing is installed before installing the frame in the opening.
Then we installed both frames in the openings, strictly maintaining the size between the windows. It should be 10 cm. We installed an additional XDP waterproofing kit and mounted the flashings in the window opening.
Then the turning parts were installed, on which the ARF curtains were pre-installed in the window frame.
Installation of thermal insulation, waterproofing and flashing of Fakro roof windows
Fakro roof windows are supplied with insulating materials, and the instructions that come with them allow you to install them correctly.
1. Before installing the waterproofing apron, clean the area around the window frame from debris and protruding elements. The inner edges of the apron should extend onto the walls of the window frame and are attached with a stapler. Bring the second edge inside the attic and also secure it with staples to the sheathing. The upper edge should be under the gutter, whose task is to collect the resulting condensate.
2. Having installed the window frame, it is necessary to insulate the window around the perimeter of the window. For this, an insulating flashing is used, which eliminates voids in the thermal or waterproofing insulation and reliably protects from snow and wind, and drains rainwater. It is selected depending on the thickness of the sheathing beams and roof covering.
3. Repair the roofing around the window frame. Using a rubber mallet, install the lower element of the insulating flashing at the bottom of the window frame and remove the paper strip from its inside.
4. Install the side elements and then the upper part of the flashing according to the attached instructions.
Return to content
The result of installing roof windows
The set of works for installing Fakro roof windows in the group is ready. Now it's time to finish the slopes. The installed skylights in the group gave the room a huge amount of light. Now this could make a great children's room.
- Duration of work: 1 day.
- Cost of work performed: 24 thousand rubles.
- Cost of the main material (dormer windows, frames, curtains, films): 60 thousand rubles.
Window frame installation
Opening for installation of attic window
The installation of Fakro roof windows should begin with the selection of those windows from the size range of products that would be 2-5 cm in width less than the distance between the rafters. They are just right for installation in your attic.
It is necessary to prepare an opening in the roof to install a window. The general principles are as follows: the distance from the window to the roofing material should be
- on the sides – 3-6cm;
- top – 6-15 cm;
- bottom – 4 cm for flat roofing materials,
- 8 cm for materials with profile height up to 45 mm,
- 12 cm for materials with a profile height of more than 45 mm.
Diagram of installation of cross bars
1. Install a lower support beam between the rafters. The bottom edge of the window frame will rest against it. Before fastening the beam, its horizontalness must be checked with a level.
2. The upper beam is attached at a distance from the lower beam equal to the height of the window + 3 cm.
3. Remove the window from the packaging.
4. Remove the sash. To do this, you need to place the window frame on the floor, leaning it against the wall at an angle of approximately 25° from the vertical. Open the sash and, pressing the pins that secure it, first press the sash down, and then remove it towards you and up.
Scheme for removing the sash from the frame of a Fakro roof window
5. Screw the mounting brackets (mounting corners) to the sides of the window frame at a distance of 10 cm from the corners. Focus on the three grooves milled horizontally on the sides of the window frame. They are indexed by letters: “J”, “V” and “N”. The bracket must be fastened along the depth of the groove, the index of which coincides with one of the letters of the flashing marking.
6. The salary, in turn, is selected depending on the thickness of the sheathing beams. If you have chosen the correct location for attaching the bracket, the groove on the side of the box will coincide with the plane of the sheathing.
7. Attach the window frame to the rafters with screws through the brackets (mounting angles).
How to equip the attic space with light?
Fakro roof windows will help turn the non-residential space of the attic into additional usable space; for this you will need to choose the appropriate model and install it. The window will provide the required amount of light, allowing you to use the attic floor as a living room, bedroom, or office. Fakro roof windows can be installed not only at the construction stage, but also installed in a finished roof. The manufacturer offers a large number of models, so you can choose what is suitable for your type of roof.
Varieties of the model range
Fakro roof windows have proven themselves well on the Russian market: they are an affordable, reliable design. The brand itself belongs to a Polish company that in the 80s produced wood parts, but later began producing plastic windows when the technology became available. Today, the quality of the company's products meets all international standards, and the windows themselves are considered worthy competitors to the products of leading German companies.
Before products hit the market, the manufacturer carefully tests each batch. More than 70 tests are provided, and strict quality control is carried out. For the production of windows, only modern, environmentally friendly raw materials are used, modern production equipment and advanced technologies are used, thanks to which it is possible to obtain inexpensive but durable windows. In addition, the company produces durable glass that can withstand heavy physical loads, and produces systems that protect against burglary.
Features of Fakro products:
- The company offers not only a wide range of designs, but also double-glazed windows with high performance characteristics.
They can not only act as an excellent heat and sound insulator, but also prevent burglary attempts, as they can withstand impacts, for example, with a crowbar or stones. Roof window Fakro fts u2. - The company's windows are perfect for any climate zone, since it is possible to select a double-glazed window of the required thickness. For example, the Fakro fts u2 roof window
- Fakro roof windows are highly durable and wear-resistant. These are durable products, as they are not only made from durable materials, but also equipped with reliable fittings. If you prefer wooden structures to plastic ones, you can safely entrust your choice to the company’s products, since the wood undergoes special processing and is distinguished by its ability to reflect moisture and resist infection by fungi and mold. In addition, wooden parts are coated with a specially prepared varnish, thanks to which they do not dry out, even if the windows are installed in a humid climate where sudden temperature changes are possible. The products do not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and do not lose their properties.
- The company's products are represented by several models that differ in technical characteristics, shape, and size. It is possible to manufacture windows to order, which allows you to choose products that are ideal for a specific building.
- The company offers a variety of repair, maintenance, and installation services for Fakro roof windows. In any big city there are service centers that provide warranty service for windows.
The most common faults with Fakro windows and how to fix them
Poor quality installation
When installing a window system, mistakes are most often made. As a result, glass fogs up, drafts form, and window structures become deformed. After installation, you can immediately see these problems and solve them using the warranty. If malfunctions occur after the end of the warranty period, you must contact the specialists.
Solution: Sealing seams, adjusting windows, eliminating blowing.
Errors or dealer savings in production
At any stage of production, original Polish fittings and components can be replaced with cheap analogues. This will lead to their rapid wear and replacement. There is a big problem of counterfeits of well-known brands of window designs. If you notice an uneven surface, roughness, a burst or yellowed profile when using low-quality raw materials, then this means that this is a fake. You will have to reinstall the window already and choose a trusted manufacturer.
Solution: repair or replacement of fittings, replacement of the seal.
Problems during operation
Often, most of the repair work is on the double glazed windows. This is one of the vulnerable parts of the window structure. Cracks may appear on the glass from physical impact and when the new building shrinks. Many people replace glass with new ones to improve their visual characteristics.
Solution: Replacement of double-glazed windows.
Features of attic window insulation
Separate mention should be made about working with insulation on the roof. Very often, improper insulation of roof windows results in many problems with its operation. Many inexperienced builders prefer to use conventional foam for insulation. This should not be done: expansion of the material can lead to distortions and problems with insulation . Correct installation technology recommends using materials in the form of stone wool mats with a high service life.
For thermal insulation of a roof window, it is best to use stone wool
As an additional measure, it is highly recommended to install heating devices under the attic window. The flow of warm air will equally warm up the window slopes and protect from condensation. Metal elements should not be used for installing insulation - they can form cold bridges.
This is all you need to know about installing a roof window in a soft roof or tile. Despite the apparent complexity, the process itself is quite simple and requires not so much skill as time.
Additional materials on the topic
Attic rafter systems
More details
Insulation and finishing of roof windows
More details
What kind of roofing pie does the attic or attic have?
More details
Your feedback, comments, questions
Dear visitors! We will periodically answer your questions in the comments as we are busy. In order for us to respond to you promptly (within an hour), you can: call, write a personal message or leave a request for a free consultation by phone.
