What to consider when purchasing roof windows

When it comes to selecting a roof window, there are more factors to consider than just size and colour. As a result, in this article, we will detail our specialised knowledge of roof window characteristics to assist you in choosing the right kind of roof windows for your property.

Likewise, we will also provide useful information and tips for you to take away, such as how to optimise direct sunlight, reduce energy usage, and how to improve your home’s thermal efficiency!

Velux Windows

Pay particular attention to glazing options

The glazing of your roof window is an area that is often disregarded, yet it is essential. There is a lot to consider with options ranging from ordinary double glazing to triple glazing and U-values ranging from 1.0 to 0.6 W/m2.K. Therefore, it is important to explore a wide range of glazing options for not just the chosen room of the house where your roof window will be installed, but also to maintain the insulation of your property.

What is u-value?: U-values are used to measure how effective elements of materials in buildings are as insulators. The lower the U-value of a material, the more slowly heat can transmit through it, therefore keeping your home warmer for longer.

Keylite

Make the right choices for an energy efficient roof window

If you want your roof windows to increase your home's energy efficiency, a factor to consider is the glazing area. You may boost the quantity of natural light in a space while simultaneously increasing solar heat intake by expanding the glazing area. The more light and heat you obtain, the less you have to rely on artificial heating and lighting systems, resulting in cheaper family energy expenses. The energy effect of windows will be examined throughout the design phase if you are building a new house.

In comparison with vertical windows, roof windows are much more effective allowing up to 3x more daylight than a vertical window of a similar scale!

Thermal glazing (T): 2 panes of glass separated by a 20mm argon gas filled cavity and a warm edge spacer, which help educe heat transfer and the risk of condensation.

Hi-Therm (HT) glazing: Contains a u-value of 1.0 W/m2.K and warm edge space also, but the key differentiator here is the 4mm toughened outer and 6mm laminated inner pane. Designed with safety in mind, this glazing is the ideal choice for windows above head height or in children’s bedrooms. This type of glazing is also effective at reducing sound and the harmful effects of UV light.

Triple glazing (KTG): With a u-value of 0.6 W/m2.K, Triple glazing offers maximum heat loss protection.

The main benefit of avoiding cold bridging is a decrease in condensation, which can occur when warm, wet air in your house settles on a cold surface, such as a window frame. This can result in unsightly black mould development, even in new homes where the proper balance of insulation and ventilation has not been achieved. Many companies, such as Keylite roof windows and Velux roof windows, have both manufactured and developed roof windows that defend against possible condensation problems.

Keylite

Don’t want to install one large window?

Another alternative is to put two or more roof windows next to one other or vertically. In this way, you not only enhance the quantity of natural light entering your room, but you also create a distinct feature. Combination roof windows serve to provide the illusion of being outside from the comfort of your own home, adding dynamism and character to your space.

@naturallighting

Easy Installation

Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or a qualified craftsman with expertise installing roof windows, the easier a roof window is to install, the better!

A lot of roof windows have been designed so no heavy lifting has to be done outside the roof, meaning that they can be fitted from inside without the need to remove the sash (although we would recommend removing the sash for the larger sized windows). As you can imagine, this allows for a much faster and safer installation!

It’s important for roof windows to contain an easy installation process, with the idea of being installed to the roof from the box in under 2 minutes. If you are interested in viewing a longer and more thorough article on how to install roof windows, you can read our blog on it, here.

@velux

Health and Safety

Fire Escape Windows: If your roof window will be utilised as a fire escape, you must first consult with the local planning authorities. A roof window must have an unobstructed opening area of at least 0.33m2 and be at least 450mm wide and 450mm high to be considered a way of escape.

Part F Compliance: Construction legislation requires both new and existing dwellings to be Part F Compliant and provide a means of ventilation for people in the building. Ventilation for New Dwellings is measured differently to existing dwellings as outlined below:

• New dwelling ventilation is measured via a Whole dwelling Ventilation rate, measured in (l/s) which is determined by the number of bedrooms in a dwelling.
• For Existing dwellings, they are instead measured with an equivalent area for trickle ventilation in mm² per room instead of a whole dwelling rate in l/s.

@naturallighting

The flow of clean, fresh air can have a great impact on health and wellbeing which is why it is important to pick the correct kind of roof window that provides all weather ventilation, is up to health and safety standards, and contains the correct glazing option for your property's needs.

If you have any further questions on which roof window is the perfect choice for you, or you would just like to know some further information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local friendly Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on the number 01472 907051.

You can also look at our wide range of roof window products on our website or via our Keylite or Velux brand pages, or you can even visit us in branch for more info.