Whether you are building a new house or you want a loft conversion, due to the structure of lofts, windows are a crucial part of your design. They can make the difference between a cold, badly lit room and a warm, well-lit room with a great view. The interesting feature is that you can cover your window by quiethomeguide.com. Here are the most common types of windows for your loft and their strengths and weaknesses. Also look soundproofnation.com, it will help you to find some useful and unique things for your home.
Dormer Windows
The most traditional window type for your loft – you simply attach the window to your dormer. A dormer is a roofed structure that projects outwards from your roof. They are useful if your loft has a low hanging ceiling and a few usable spaces. If your house doesn’t have a dormer, depending on the specifics of your home, you might need planning permission, so dormer windows usually take more time and are harder to install compared to the other types.
Because they are the most common design, you have a lot of choices when it comes to customizing and stylizing the window. They also offer a great view to the outside and offer superior ventilation compared to other windows.
As for their disadvantages – they have a few:
- the older design would make it feel out of place in a modern house.
- they’re not the best type when it comes to insulation. Because of how dormers are designed, the windows are harder and more expensive to insulate and prevent heat loss, and because lofts usually have bad insulation, to begin with, it could mean your loft would be extremely cold in the winter.
- Another disadvantage that comes with a dormer is bad lighting. One dormer window usually leaves your loft badly lit.
Skylights / Roof Lights
The easiest option to install, roof lights provide ample lighting and create a welcoming ambience.
Roof lights sit flush to the roof, meaning there is no need for extra structures. They won’t adjust your roof’s height or structure. Also, if you have a flat roof, dormer windows aren’t an option, and you can only install flat roof skylights.
they have a number of advantages:
- they’re in-place, meaning they would be easier to insulate, preventing annoying outside noises and heat loss. The right roof light will even lower your electricity bill.
- Your loft will never feel stuffed and dark with skylights. The ample light will keep your loft warm and welcoming in the summer.
- They don’t require any planning permissions and are inexpensive to install.
Although dormer windows are still superior in some areas: - Most of the skylight designs are fixed, so they don’t provide any ventilation, and without ventilation, lofts can feel suffocating.
- Because they are sky-facing, you generally don’t get a nice view to the outside with roof lights.
Gable-End Windows
The most expensive and the hardest to implement, gable-end windows’ best feature is how unique and stylish they look. With these windows, your house will appear unique and its curb appeal will skyrocket. Gable-end windows are also a great middle ground between dormer windows and skylight windows. They provide superior lighting and insulation compared to dormer windows, and the view is much better compared to skylights.
However, they are not without their drawbacks. They don’t provide any ventilation and cost the most to install and maintain. You should go for gable-end windows if you value style over practicality.