Ad. Building a house is a complex endeavour that’s likely to put both your patience and endurance to the test. Even if you approach this task with the most detailed plan possible, you still need to be ready to adjust your initial ideas to fit unexpected situations.
One of the elements that may surprise you is that selecting the right roof windows might be more problematic than you initially imagined. In fact, it could be one of the most challenging parts of the construction process.
After all, it is only natural that you don’t want to compromise on quality. At the same time, you need to mind your budget and find something that fits both your taste and the overall style of your home. Additionally, you ought to consider the kind of space the particular window will be placed in and how well it will be able to illuminate it.
Luckily, you don’t have to do all the research on your own. Below, you’ll learn more about how to choose roof windows for flat roofs, ranging from panoramic to flat roof windows, to help you make the right decision. Let’s get started!
Flat Roof Windows
Flat glass rooflights (also known as skylights) are windows intended to rest on the top of a flat roof and let the natural light in almost straight-on. Usually, they are easy to install and maintain and can boast a long lifespan.
Many people who decide to build a house with a flat roof explore the possibility of installing flat roof windows, and for a good reason.
For starters, these windows are excellent for inviting more sunlight into the interiors and can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption. Depending on the glass and frame material, your flat roof windows can be incredibly energy efficient.
Another fantastic selling point is that you have plenty of options to choose from, such as domed rooflights, lanterns, walk-on rooflights, or polycarbonate domes. They may be a great idea if your house is designed in a modern, sleek style and you want something to fit the overall minimalistic aesthetic that many designers prefer these days.
High Pivot Windows
One of the main advantages of high pivot windows is their ability to significantly enhance the view from the room located in the attic. What makes them different from other roof windows is the fact that their axis of rotation is located right above the very centre of the window.
It means that the window can open and stay in a position from 0 to 45 degrees. You won’t have to worry about it rotating uncontrollably because the frame is supported by a mechanism that allows the window to be opened and remain in a fixed position that fits the 0 to 45 degrees range.
As mentioned before, you should opt for high pivot windows with thermal glazing. This way, you can ensure that you end up with the most energy-efficient option.
If you’re worried about the harsh sun making the room too hot in the summer, you can consider investing in manual blinds that will serve both practical and decorative purposes.
Panoramic Windows
Panoramic roof windows are truly one of a kind. They combine features that you can find in the pivot design with the possibility of opening the window to the angle of your choice.
You can block your panoramic window, so it stays in place. It allows for easy cleaning but can also be very helpful if you like to air out your room frequently or just enjoy being able to have your windows open for most of the day or night.
It’s worth noting that panoramic windows are usually larger than other types of roof windows. Thanks to it, if you lift the sash to a 68-degree angle, you can easily access the whole window or even the roof for maintenance.
Opening the window fully also allows for using it as an escape in case of emergency, be it fire or burglary. If you’re interested in this option, remember that panoramic windows are suitable for roofs with pitches ranging from 15 to 55 degrees.
Balcony Windows
This term might sound quite surprising at first, but balcony windows are nothing more than innovative windows designed in a way that allows for them to be opened and create a balcony.
When you open a balcony window, the lower sash opens upwards while the lower one opens forward. This way, you’re left with a small balcony bay.
This kind of window needs a reliable and sturdy mechanism that allows it to stay in the “balcony” position, so it typically costs quite a lot of money. Still, it offers numerous advantages worth paying for.
Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about safety. Balcony windows come with barriers integrated into the design and slide out automatically as you open the window. When you close the window, they hide inside it, so there’s no need to worry about them running the view.
Balcony windows can be installed on roofs with pitches that range from 35 to 55 degrees. They also come with different accessories, so you won’t have to worry about finding the right blinds or anchors to fit your roof perfectly.
In Conclusion
As you can see, finding the best roof windows for your new house can be a challenging task, but it’s certainly not impossible. With plenty of options, all you need to do is indulge yourself in all the necessary details that will allow you to find the best windows for your home.
Flat roof windows, also known as skylights, are an excellent choice when dealing with a flat roof. You can choose from various styles to find the one that will look best on your house. Alternatively, if you want to illuminate a room located in the attic, you can opt for a high pivot window, a panoramic window, or an innovative balcony window. The choice is up to you!