Roof windows in the roof of a private house are not only a functional, but also a decorative element.

Modern roofing eurowindows have turned non-residential attics into cozy, bright attics. Skylights have transformed everyday buildings into contemporary pieces of architecture, bringing light into the space and filling the home with fresh air. brought a new trend to the architecture, allowing harmoniously fitting hatches necessary for maintenance into the facade of the building. The roof window allows designers to create a unique attic interior, a romantic bedroom, a nursery, a personal office, a bathroom, or an exquisite winter garden.

Types of skylights

Roof windows meet a number of requirements and perform several advantages:

During the day, natural light penetrates the house, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person.
Skylights are easy to install and save space in the room below.
Mansard roof eurowindows are reliable, ergonomic and easy to use.

Before installing a skylight, you must select the type of construction. The following types of roofing eurowindows are divided:

Auditory are structures that are vertically located in the roof and are necessary for ventilation and lighting of the attic. Their installation requires a separate erection of rafters mounted in the roof. there are:

protruding beyond the roof (dormer);
recessed inside (antidormer).

Inclined eurowindows differ from auditory ones in that they are mounted directly into the roof at an angle. Wind windows were invented in the 19th century, and dormer windows in the post-war fifties of the 20th century. Inclined eurowindow is characterized by tightness, practicality, high light transmission and sound insulation. With an excess of sunlight entering the room, the roof window is closed with a canvas or blinds. The light output of an inclined eurowindow is 35% higher than that of a gable or dormer window.

Blinds are installed on the inside of windows.

From the outside, the windows can be protected with shutters.

The gable window is mounted vertically into the gable wall using a gable collar. Gable frames can be opening and non-opening. Such models serve to increase the overview of the surroundings.

Roof hatch window

The roof hatch should organically fit into the appearance of a private cottage. A wonderful solution is the hatch window, which is built into the roof without any problems and looks like an ordinary sloping Euro-window. The hatches are wonderfully in harmony with the external appearance of the entire building and the windows installed in it. Types of roof hatches:

The emergency roof exit looks like an inclined eurowindow. It is endowed with all the functions of simple windows. It is used for technical inspection and access to the roof. To open the sashes, you just need to press the handle and the hatch will open automatically with the help of gas shock absorbers. Such structures are installed on the roof with a slope of 15 to 55 degrees.

Characteristics:

opening angle up to 70 degrees;
combined system of opening and ventilation;
laminated internal glass;
the outer layer is a hardened surface treated with a self-cleaning agent;
size from 700 x 1200 mm to 1006 x 1200 mm.

The roof hatch greatly simplifies roof maintenance.

The operating exit looks like an ordinary mansard hatch-window and serves to exit to the roof. It is installed on roofs with a slope of 15 to 55 degrees, equipped with a supply valve for ventilation of the attic. Opens outward along the side axis.

Characteristics:

the eurowindow is opened with a handle;
the hatch is equipped with a multifunctional double-glazed window;
the sash can open both to the right and to the left;
hatch size - 500 by 930 mm.

Operational access to the roof from the attic.

A hatch window is installed in the attic rooms of buildings for technological inspection and access to the roof. You can choose the type of opening and side. Equipped with a provision for ventilation of the room. Mounted on roofs with a slope of 20 to 65 degrees.

Characteristics:

the lower overlap of the frame serves as a step;
sash fixed in 3 places;
opening angle up to 89 degrees;
size - 490 x 760 mm.

Mansard hatches can have a variety of opening types.

How to choose the right skylights?

When choosing an attic eurowindow, a number of features should be taken into account:

the presence of protection against moisture;
the presence of seals;
profile or frame material;
opening method;
glass strength.

Design features of skylights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlwbG2I_Hss In the design of tilted windows, a single-chamber double-glazed window is used, which greatly facilitates the load on fittings and supporting elements. For dormer-windows, a frost-resistant heat-saving double-glazed window is used, which is filled with argon.

Cross-sectional window pane.

Double-glazed windows made using the "triplex" technology will save the inhabitants of the attic from fragments of accidentally broken glass. Since two glasses are glued together with a special film that allows you to hold the fragments. The Easy Clean coating breaks down the dirt accumulated on the eurowindow under the action of sunlight, which makes it easier to clean the glass.

Laminated glass triplex will provide excellent protection for your windows.

Important! It is important to pay attention to the location of the window handle. It should be at a convenient height for use.

Additional options, such as: roller shutters and retaining supports will protect the house from noise, hail, sun and serve as protection against penetration into the home.

Roof window design features

The simplest design of a recessed eurowindow. You can use an already erected ceiling and mount a window under an already finished roof. Such windows are mounted at any time.

This design is not only easy to install, but also very practical.

The protruding roof window must be designed at the construction stage. The design can be mounted for flat and gable roofs. It is much easier to mount protruding ceilings on a flat roof. The mounted side walls of the structure are sewn up with boards and covered with roofing covering material, which covers the entire roof.

This design can also be a good addition to the exterior of the house.

An internal window in the roof can be installed between the beams that hold the roof rafters. The support board is installed between the supports, then the window frame is placed on it. From above, the frame secures the fixing beam. The side walls and drains are covered with a covering material that covers the entire roof.

Roof window installation.

Roof window installation

After the final choice of the model and location of the attic eurowindow, they proceed to its installation. Tilt window installation sequence:

in the roof it is necessary to cut an opening for installing the frame;
the roof is reinforced with additional lags and a frame for the window frame is mounted;
insulation and waterproofing are laid;
roofing material is laid;
window block is installed.

Master class for installing a roof window https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7mQz8E8v9A Before proceeding with the installation of the euro-window, it is necessary to strengthen the roof structure and mount the frame for the window frame. Reinforcement is made with the help of rafters standing in the neighborhood. Jumpers are mounted between them, between which beams are mounted under the window frame. A window frame is installed in the resulting frame. The unit should be mounted without glass. The frame should be installed above the level of the roof, which guarantees the drainage of water. After mounting the frame, it is necessary to lay a waterproofing coating that provides water drainage. Modern models of skylights are equipped with additional features. These include remote control for opening windows, roller shutters and protective fences that form a small balcony. Roof window on remote control https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLKzwRMPCig

Ksenia Skvortsova. Chief Editor. Author.
Planning and distribution of responsibilities in the content production team, work with texts.
Education: Kharkov State Academy of Culture, specialty “Culturologist. Lecturer in History and Theory of Culture. Experience in copywriting: From 2010 to the present. Editor: since 2016.

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The roofs of residential buildings are very different, but the most popular are structures with sloping slopes. They allow you to equip a spacious attic, provide a natural and quick drain of rainwater and snow, give the building a cozy and complete look. In addition, in sloping roofs, you can organize an additional window for ventilation, lighting, and just for beauty. For information on how to make a skylight, read this article.

Windows built into the roof are dormer and dormer, but the essence of this, by and large, does not change. Initially, such windows were designed to ventilate the attic, but later they began to be used for additional lighting and visual expansion of the space. So, when overpopulation was observed in Europe, people were looking for an opportunity to use every square meter of living space with benefit, so they made additional rooms out of attics. And in order to spend less on lighting, they expanded and modified small dormer windows, turning them into an additional source of natural light.

By the way, do you know why dormers are called that? The video below will answer this question:

Interesting: In the Middle Ages, it was fashionable to magnificently decorate skylights in accordance with the style of the facade of the building. They were called lucarnes. After the Second World War, modest dormer windows were transformed and expanded - this is how skylights appeared, which are still very popular today.

So, why do many today put dormer windows on the roof:

They give additional lighting to the attic space.
They provide regular and high-quality ventilation of the under-roof space, which prolongs the life of the cake materials.
In some cases, the attic window provides an additional exit to the roof for its preventive maintenance.
A beautifully designed dormer or dormer window gives an original appearance to the architectural composition.
Can serve as an additional emergency exit.

Window types

Before you install a window in the roof, you should understand the varieties of such structures. Dormer windows look like small "houses" with two slopes. Attic, on the other hand, are placed flush with the slope of the main roof and are not protected by a canopy, so they let in more sunlight. In other words, dormers are placed vertically, and dormers are horizontal (they repeat the geometry of the roof slope). Accordingly, for vertical windows it is necessary to build an additional frame, which will be described later.

In most cases, dormers look like triangles. Their main feature is that the pediment side does not sink inward, but stands in the same plane with the facade. In acute-angled roofs, windows with large frames can be placed on the pediment, using original details similar to cathedral vaults. If you are going to install a window with a shed roof, then separate gutters should be placed on it. The minimum allowable slope of such a roof is 5-15 °.

Despite the fact that today many people choose dormer windows, the majority still prefer dormers. Since they are located in the same plane as the roof, they are able to let in more light, take up less space, and make them much easier.

And yet, what type of window to choose? If you live in an old house with characteristic architectural features of its era, then it is best to build a skylight. For more modern designs, roof windows are suitable. For the installation of the former, special niches in the roof are needed, since the frame of the truss system and the sidewalls of the window needs a large number of attachment points with the main roof.

The roof window is enough to be fixed between the roof rafters. They will act as a barrier to water flows, and therefore it is better to place them on sloping roofs with an angle of inclination of 15-20 °. Dormer-type windows are rather complex structures with well-thought-out protection from cold, wind and moisture. It is not possible to make such a window on your own, therefore it is most reasonable to purchase it from the appropriate company.

Dormer window installation

Since the construction of a roof dormer is very complex, before you start building it or go to the store for materials, you need to make a detailed drawing. The image below shows one of the possible arrangements on a gable roof.

Helpful Hint: To calculate the dimensions and number of dormer windows required for proper lighting and ventilation of the attic, use a simple rule: their total width should be more than ½ the width of the under-roof space.

It is not necessary to place the windows in one row, they will look beautiful at different levels. The lower edge should be located 90 cm from the attic floor, and the height of the window can be 1.5-2 m or higher, as far as the ceiling of the room allows. It is logical that the higher the window, the more light it will let in.

Frame manufacturing

The arrangement of the dormer window must begin with the development and arrangement of the frame system. It is best to do this at the same time as installing the common roof truss system. In a similar design, its own ridge beam, rafters and crate are provided, on which layers of the roofing cake will then be laid. Simply put, in order to get a dormer window, it is necessary to build another similar roof in miniature on the roof.

The specifics of the installation work:

Protect the window openings with rafter legs. For their manufacture, it is recommended to choose high-strength materials that can withstand the load from all structural elements of the window, including double-glazed windows, lathing and roofing.
Lay the cross beams - the lower one should be flush with the outer wall, and the place where the upper one is attached depends on how high you want to make the window.
Install the uprights by resting them on the lower beam, then tie them at the top with a crossbar.
Fasten the resulting frame with the longitudinal bars to the upper beam, which rests on the rafters.
As a result, you will get a frame, which subsequently needs to be supplemented with a truss system. It is built on the same principle as for the main roof of the house.

An important point: When you fix the jumper beams, you should not make cuts in the rafter legs into the bases, as this will make them less durable. Attach all structural elements with various metal fasteners.

When you have arranged the frame, check its location in space by adjusting the vertical and horizontal using the building level and plumb line. Skews should not be allowed under any conditions, even minimal ones. Only after that you can begin to lay the ridge and rafters of the roof of the window. They should be cut out of wood according to a pre-prepared template.

The sidewalls of the window are recommended to be finished with hydrophobic materials. It is best to install the main roof and dormer roofing at the same time, paying close attention to potential leaks. These can be various joints, corners, outlets for pipes and vents. Make reinforced waterproofing there with membranes, clamping strips and silicone weather-resistant sealants.

Installation of valleys

The technology for building and installing a dormer window seems very similar to the arrangement of a conventional multi-gable roof, but there are several significant differences. So, usually the slopes of a multi-gable design are located at the same angle. The slope of the window canopy is 64 °, and if it is installed on a roof with a slope of 40 °, then this will require the construction of non-standard grooves or valleys. At the same time, the top and bottom are built using different technologies. For the construction of the top, slanting rafters are used and the sprigs are supported on them at an angle of 64 °.

How do these windows on the roof of the house:

Transfer to the floor the central point of intersection of the valley beam with the ridge.
Draw a line along the ruler from this mark to the corner of the side wall and to the ridge beam. These two lines will be the projection of the ridge beam and the valley in the horizontal.
Find the angle between these two lines and file the lower end of the valley beam at this angle so that it can clearly adhere to the side wall.
Stretch a string or line between the ridge and the corner of the sidewall and find the angle of the cut of the top of the beam. Measure the distance between these points - this will be the length of the valley beam.
Transfer the projection line to the side beam and measure the length of the lower end cut.

When you are done with the measurements, mark the workpiece at the point of installation of the beam, cut it to length and make cuts at the edges at an angle of 18° and 72° and put them in place.

Helpful Hint: For each such window, you need to make a pair of similar mirrored rafters. For sparrows, it is best to make a template in advance so that you do not have to measure it every time.

In the lower part of the window, where the inner surface of the soft roof is hidden by the side walls and invisible from the side of the attic, experts resort to a simplified method of mounting the groove. A valley beam is nailed to the roof sheathing and the ends of the window roof rafters rest on it. Accordingly, this work is performed after laying the main roof sheathing with plywood or other sheet material. To increase the strength of such sheathing, it is best to lay sheets from the side walls of windows.

How to find out the dimensions and location of the support beam:

Between the end of the rafter and the outer end of the gable, stretch a special chalk cord.
Tap off the chalk line with a string.
Measure the length of this line and cut out the blank.
Cut off its outer side end at a 64° angle.
Nail the beam along the chalk markings.

It is easiest to make blanks for the lower rafters according to a template, and before installation, just file the ends to the required dimensions. After installing all the details, it remains only to sheathe the roof of the window with moisture-resistant plywood and roofing material. Plywood should be laid on top of the ridge beam, especially if you are working with steep slopes. Stand at the very top and place a solid plywood sheet, placing it clearly along the top end of the ridge. After fixing it, you can go down, measure and fit the rest of the corner pieces.

Installation of skylights

Installing windows in the attic roof will be much easier, because they do not need to build personal "houses". But precisely for this reason, increased requirements are imposed on such structures. So, it is necessary to observe the utmost accuracy in measurements, make a very rigid frame and make sure that the entire window has improved thermophysical characteristics.

The design of the roof window resembles a layer cake of all kinds of insulating parts, latches and lotions. We have already said earlier that it will not work to do this with your own hands, so it is better to familiarize yourself with the offers on the market and choose the most suitable one.

To properly install a window, you need to know what it consists of:

Marquisette - protection against external mechanical influences.
Salary - can be made of various materials and is selected depending on the roofing, which allows you to position the window as flush as possible with the roof slope. Salaries are smooth, for roofs made of bituminous tiles with a wave of no more than 8 mm, 16 mm, 30 mm, etc.
A roof window is actually a double-glazed window.
Protective circuit for thermal and waterproofing.
Blinds or curtains - often not included and are purchased separately in accordance with the interior design of the attic.
Internal slopes.

When you have decided how many windows you need to install in the roof, and what their sizes will be, you should make a markup. To do this, mark their location from the inside, putting marks with a margin of 2-3 cm on the right and left and 10-15 cm on top and bottom.

How to install a skylight:

Cut a piece of waterproofing material to fit the size of the window, leaving a margin of about 20 cm on each side.
Remove the sector of the main roof where the window will be located, or cut it out.
If necessary, remove parts of the truss system that interfere with work.
Nail in the lower part at a distance of 8-10 cm from the crate a support beam with a section of 50 mm.
Nail the bottom of the waterproofing sheet to the timber.
Attach the top end of the waterproofing to the top crate.
Pull the side edges of the waterproofing out.
Frame fasteners are carried out in accordance with the design features. Since windows from different manufacturers are slightly different, it will be useful to read the instructions included in the kit or consult directly with a company representative.
After installing the frame, attach the brackets to it. Fix the lower ones firmly, and do not tighten the upper ones immediately, as they will still be useful for adjusting the position of the sash.
Attach insulation to the top of the frame.
At the bottom, lay the thermal insulation on the support beam.
Install the sash and adjust the tightness of its fit using the top brackets. After that, they can be finally tightened.
Attach the side ends of the waterproofing sheet to the frame, and then lay the insulation there.
In the upper part, install a drain chute in accordance with the design features of this window model (you may need to consult the manufacturer again).
Place an apron around the window to protect it from leaks, and attach it to the frame, top batten, support bar, and rafters. Insert the edges of the apron under the crate, and put the upper part under the gutter.

Useful advice: Do not use mounting foam for additional waterproofing of joints, since its pressure can disrupt the correct location of the window. Use weatherproof sealants for this.

As you can see, installing windows in the roof of a house is quite complicated and comes with some risks. If you still decide that you can do this work yourself, take care of your personal safety and purchase high-quality equipment for working at height.

Windows are not only the "eyes" of our home, but also a source of natural light and ventilation. The latter is very important for the attic or attic. Skylights come in different types. To install them correctly, you can hire a specialist, but doing it yourself is also a good option. About what windows are and how to install them with your own hands, we will tell further.

Types of roof windows

Windows for both walls and roofs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of them are considered more decorative to give the roof a beautiful and unusual design - such windows are more often used for the attic. Other types are more focused on ventilation, provide high-quality ventilation of the room, and also for good lighting if there is no other source of light in the attic or attic.

Also, when installing a skylight, you should focus on which roof you need to install it on. The roof can be flat, single-pitched and gable. It happens that the roof has semicircular elements. All these nuances must be taken into account when buying a roof window in order to ensure not only the correct installation, but also the desired functionality. This is the ability to open a window, the right drain, and water does not flow into the structure, and moisture accumulates so that the right amount of light enters through the window.

Choosing a window for different types of roofing

There are two options for getting a window - make it yourself or buy it ready-made. The first option is cheaper, but the second is preferable, although it will cost more. But it was done taking into account all the nuances that a non-professional may not be aware of in order to embody them in his window.

What to look for:

Triangular windows - this view is also placed on the roof with slopes. These windows do not have side walls; instead, the roof slopes themselves protrude. It turns out fewer joints of the roof with the window, therefore, there is not so much waterproofing material and, in general, there is less installation work. Typically, triangular windows are used for those attic spaces that have other types of lighting, as the shape of the window does not allow much light to enter from outside. In addition, it is rather problematic to provide them with convenient opening. But such windows look unusual and tasteful.

Roof with semicircular shapes - this type of roof in itself is quite original. But the frames for them are made only to order. It is necessary to take into account all sizes and shapes so that the frame fits snugly - this should be done by a specialist. Windows inserted into the openings of such roofs look like poured in, which gives the whole structure an image of fluidity. This type of roof windows is also considered decorative - they have an interesting design, they are often used for residential attics, as a source of soft and subdued lighting. Indoors, as in the case of triangular windows, it is desirable to have some other source of light.

Important: rectangular windows can be installed on a roof with a slope of 15°.

How to choose the right window

To make it easier to figure out which window is right for your roof, you must clearly define for yourself its further purpose. If the window is planned as an interior decoration inside and outside the attic, to create a play of light and shadow, then you can take windows of various non-standard shapes. They are perfect for any type of roof. But at the same time, do not forget to take care of another way of ventilation and lighting in the room, and you can also put a “blind” window that will not open.

Well, if you are thinking of putting a window on the roof for a practical purpose - that is, to be able to ventilate the room, create high-quality ventilation and good lighting, then it is better to take a standard quadrangular window. It should be convenient to open and close, including also have a ventilation mode. Of course, you need to take care of high-quality waterproofing. If you approach the matter creatively, then such windows can also look stylish and beautiful in the roof, create interesting lighting.

Important: windows come in two options - inclined and vertical. Experts recommend installing the first one for two reasons - more light and ease of installation.

Roof window installation

If we talk about the vertical option for installing a window, then it’s worth saying that many people don’t really like it, because for such a window installation in the roof, a separate truss system is needed. Then, due to the slopes formed, almost half less light enters the room than in the case of an inclined installation option. In addition, the sloping window from the side looks like a single structure with blood. Next, we will talk about how to install it in the roof.

What you need:

Drywall;

Window frame - area for glass 0.7 m2

Material for waterproofing, insulation, as well as interior decoration;

Window flashing for sealing;

Tools - level, tape measure, chisel, pliers, saw, nails, as well as

screw-cutting machine and corners for fastening.

Installation process:

First you need to prepare the roof and opening. At the same level as the batten, the roof must be fitted with slats where the installation will take place.

Using a saw, cut out the opening - its dimensions should be 45 mm larger than the window frame.

Then screw the mounting brackets into the slots in the corners of the box using self-tapping screws.

Before you fix the window frame in the roof opening, you need to lay a waterproofing layer and insulation on the sides. In this case, some part of the material should protrude outward, you will then remove all the excess with a knife.

Insert the window frame into the opening, lightly fasten it there on the sides, but not tightly.

After that, properly fix it and check all the gaps. If everything is correctly adjusted, fully tighten all fasteners.

Fasten the side plank and cut off the excess waterproofing.

Fasten the vertical bars.

Firmly press the flashings to the frame and close them with a lid.

The corrugation is attached to the outer part of the roof, and the vertical parts of the edges must be brought inward.

Depending on what your roof is made of, you need to remove the excess sealant along its line - just carefully cut it off with a knife.

The box is ready - insert the frame. Make sure that all sealing points are made correctly.

Important: be very careful and attentive when cutting the opening for the window. Its size should be about 45 mm, and this must be clearly measured. If you get too large an opening, then fixing it will not be easy. In addition, the appearance of the roof will deteriorate.

Triangular and semicircular windows are placed a little differently in the roof, but in general the system is the same. You can easily cope with this if you study the recommendations well. The differences depend on the shape of the roof, as well as on the type of window. But in any case, you can contact a specialist.

In conclusion, I would like to say that roof windows are installed not only for the possibility of ventilation and lighting of the attic space, but also as a beautiful design solution for the attic. Often it is used as a living room, and tastefully installed windows can be a great decoration for the interior. Unusual penetration of sunlight will create a pleasant atmosphere. Skylights are not only practical, but also stylish, so their choice and installation should be approached carefully.

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How to make a dormer window on the roof: an overview of options and 2 step-by-step technologies

A beautiful dormer window on the roof is not only a spectacular roof design element, but also a rather useful structure, because the more such windows in the attic, the better the natural light will be. Next, you will find out what types of similar structures are divided into, and how they differ from each other. And I’ll tell you about assembling the 2 simplest options with your own hands with DIYers.

What are dormers

Whatever you say, a roof with windows always attracts attention. Initially, a dormer or viewing window served exclusively for ventilation in the attic and as a convenient access to the roof. But over a couple of hundred years, its functional fullness has seriously expanded.

Types of viewing windows

There are 4 types of window openings on the roof:

Window opening on the gable between the slopes of the roof;
Dormer;
Antidormer;
The window in the attic is built into the plane of the roof.

Let's consider them in more detail:

Gable windows mainly characteristic of gable roofs and broken mansard structures. This is the simplest type of viewing windows. Gables, in fact, are a continuation of the end parts of the outer walls, and the arrangement here is no different from the tie-in of an ordinary window;

Dormer- these are windows extended beyond the roof, such a superstructure on the roof. This type of viewing structures is considered the most common. This is due to the fact that the add-on does not take up the useful area of the attic, moreover, it, albeit slightly, adds this area;

Antidormer unlike dormers, on the contrary, they are recessed into the roof structure. Their installation is a little easier, but the big problem is the arrangement of reinforced waterproofing, because the rain is poured into this depression almost unhindered. It makes sense to equip the antidormer in the lower slopes of broken mansard roofs;

Arrangement of flat roof windows considered the latest in fashion. The principle is simple - a finished window structure crashes into the plane of the roof slope. The boom in such windows is also due to the fact that they can be cut into the finished roof without serious disassembly of the roofing pie.

There is also such a thing as lucarnes. In lucarnes, a vertically located window and the wall of the lower floor are in the same plane, the bottom of the structure actually rests on the wall.

Varieties of designs

Now let's talk about the types of structures. If you deal with architectural delights and folk names, then there are several dozen types of structures. There is no point in trying to tell about everyone, because each master claims to be unique. So I took the most common directions.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Shed. One of the simplest options, where the roof of the structure is actually a continuation of the roof of the main slope, except that the angle changes slightly.
	double slope design. Here we see a standard gable roof in miniature, and the structure of the truss system in the large and small version is exactly the same.
	triangular window. This window is also a type of gable roof. The design differs from the previous version only in the absence of side walls, everything else is mounted in a similar way.
	hip roof. Commonly used in vintage styles. The installation is more complicated than the classic gable, but it looks elegant.
	arched dormer. The construction of spherical arched roofs has always been troublesome, so I do not recommend you to equip them with your own hands, without the appropriate skill.
	Bat. A new trend in modern architecture. Soft and smooth shapes look great on roofs with a relatively small angle of inclination, but this kind of construction also requires professionalism in installation.
	Clerestory. The anti-aircraft lamp looks very impressive, but in private houses such structures are very rare.

Self Assembly Options

It is advisable to plan and equip dormer windows at the stage of assembling the roof truss system.

If the roof is fully assembled, but you are determined to make a window in it, my advice to you is better call the master.

A few words about standards

When erecting such structures, according to the law, one must be guided by GOST 1250681, as well as SNiP II-26 and SNiP 21-01, but these standards are relevant for the construction of administrative buildings. As for private houses, almost all the instructions written in the documents are more advisory in nature:

In particular, it is not recommended to install a dormer window in the roof plane closer than 1 m from the gable wall;
If the angle of the roof slope is less than 35º, then it is better to limit yourself to a window on the gable;
In cases where several windows are installed in a row on one slope, the distance between them must be at least 800 mm;
The lower cut of the window frame should be at a distance of 1 m from the attic floor.

Normal natural light is provided if the window area is 14-16% of the floor area in the attic. But according to the standards, the area of \u200b\u200bwindows should not exceed half the floor area in the attic.

Option number 1: the simplest shed design

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Structural framing. The first to equip a rectangular frame in the truss system of the slope: Rafter legs that interfere are simply cut to the width of the opening; Further, horizontal bars are stuffed from above and below. For these purposes, it is best to use the timber from which the rafters are made.
	Bearing racks. Extreme vertical racks are recruited from 2 bars. One bar is nailed to the side of the rafter leg, and the other is placed on the rafter leg, plus the bars are fastened together. Horizontal roof rafters are nailed to the vertical posts. The angle of inclination of the rafters should be from 5º.
	We bring down the frame. The rest of the frame is knocked down, as shown in the diagram on the left, from the same bars. Too often, intermediate racks and upper rafters should not be mounted; a step of 50 cm will be enough. Do not forget that you still need to lay insulation between these bars, and each bar is a cold bridge.
	Roof frame. Since our roof is flat, the roof frame is reinforced, from 2 rows of cross planks. The lower support frame under the window is mounted as desired, I recommend raising the window above the roof by at least 100 mm, so you protect it from snow and water.
	We sheathe the frame. For external sheathing, OSB or waterproof plywood with a thickness of 10 mm or more is used. For the insulation of the main roof, dense mineral wool slabs are usually used. In the frame of the viewing window, the vapor permeability of the insulation is not so relevant, so foam or XPS can be used here. The roofing material used is the same as on the main roof, and the side walls can be sheathed with galvanized iron and painted in the color of the roof.

Option number 2: triangle

The triangular structure is mounted at the stage of arranging the main truss system. Although our final shape is triangular, the exit opening is made in the same way as in the previous version, rectangular.

Next, a vertical front truss truss is installed, while the edges of the triangle go beyond the main opening. The top of the truss truss should be flush with the horizontal beam of the opening.

Simultaneously with the installation of the front triangular truss, a ridge beam is mounted. It connects the opening beam to the top of the triangle and is located strictly horizontally. In this case, a beam of 100x50 mm is sufficient.

After that, a triangle is arranged on the plane of the roof. You need to connect the attachment point of the ridge beam in the opening to the edges of the front truss. The rafter legs of the window frame will rest on these bars.

After sheathing the front truss with OSB sheets or waterproof plywood, a small frame is stuffed on the sides for the roof to “fly out”. At the last stage, everything is sewn up with sheets and you can proceed with the installation of roofing, insulation and fine finishing.

Conclusion

The assembly options that I talked about can be improved and changed as you wish, for example, when you combine the first and second options, you will get a full-fledged dormer with a gable roof. If you have any questions, write in the comments, I will try to help.

November 1, 2017

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A room equipped in the attic is called an attic. It was invented in Paris back in 1630 and the relevance of this architectural solution has not been lost to this day, moreover, given the growth in suburban construction, it is constantly used.

The design of the attic should work like a roof

The design of the attic is determined by the type of roof itself. Historically, the best version of the roof profile for arranging an attic room is the so-called sloping roof. The figure shows the ratio of the volume of this room in the case of a gable and a broken line.

Even with the naked eye, it is clear that the size of the room under the sloping roof is larger than under the gable one. It can also be seen that it is larger in area than the one located on the ground floor, this is due to the design feature of the house itself. Yes, and several of them.

Attic frame without insulation

The construction of the attic room implies that it automatically becomes an integral part of the roof structure. That is, the beams that are used to make the walls and ceiling of the attic, take on the load from the roof structure, making it more durable and stable.

For the manufacture of an attic in a frame house, it is necessary to use the same materials that were used in the construction of the main walls and the ceiling of the first floor.

That is, if a beam of 150x50 mm was used for the walls, then the same one should be used in the arrangement of the attic room.

As supports, under the wall beam, logs of the ceiling of the first floor are used. Fastening is carried out using nails or a corner and wood screws. How exactly to fix the beams is chosen by the developer himself based on his experience and knowledge.

The subtleties of construction

Complicate the life of builders, the need to install windows, because of this, you either have to use windows that are designed for use in the attic. Another point that can complicate the life of the developer is insufficient natural ventilation, that is, it will be necessary to take measures to create forced ventilation in the attic. In addition, a complex roof entails an increase in labor intensity in the arrangement of thermal and waterproofing. But all these difficulties are outweighed by the attractive appearance of a house with a mansard roof, and an extra room never hurts.

Non-bearing elements of the attic frame

The non-bearing elements of the attic room include those that are used for wall and ceiling cladding, as well as for heat and vapor barrier of the room itself. In this case, it may be necessary to create an additional frame on the vertically installed beams of the room wall frame. To finish the room, lining is usually used, the main thing is that when it is nailed, it is unacceptable for pieces of thermal insulation to get into the cracks.

Attic insulation

The work associated with it is associated with certain difficulties, namely, it is quite time-consuming and complex, and some developers go to violate the order of work in order to speed up the work.

The thickness of the insulation depends on in which part of our country the house is being built, if we talk about central Russia, then it would be optimal to use a heat-insulating mat 150 mm thick.

In this case, a material such as basalt wool or its equivalent is suitable for roof insulation.

Some masters use. Any roofing material is suitable for covering the roof, but it must be remembered that there are materials that will require constant ventilation, such as metal tiles and their analogues. In other words, the developer will have to provide a gap of 20–30 mm between the metal tile and the film covering the thermal insulation.

roofing pie

Theoretically, subject to all the subtleties and high-quality work, the roof should not let moisture through and condensation does not form. If, however, flaws were made during the arrangement of the roof, then the condensate formed under the tiles will settle on the surface of the film, which prevents it from getting inside the insulation. And after a while it just dries up.

The insulation is placed between the rafters, and if the width of the board is less than the thickness of the heat-insulating mat, then you can either nail an additional bar to the rafters, or fix a drywall sheet, but in this case, the surface of the sheet and mat must be separated by special vapor barrier paper. Such a design will guarantee normal vapor permeability, in other words, the steam generated as a result of the temperature difference between the room and the inner layer of insulation will settle on the surface of the paper and gradually evaporate. To ensure its evaporation between the insulation and the waterproofing layer, it is necessary to leave a gap of about 10-15 mm, through which the steam will be removed.

Another small detail, for guaranteed removal of steam, it is desirable that the roof ridge be cold, for this, small observation windows can be arranged in the gable, this approach avoids the formation of condensate even in severe cold weather.

Window

In order for the attic room to have natural light, it is advisable to arrange windows. Before deciding which windows and how many to install, remember that a rooftop window always lets in more light.

In the case of an attic, one large window will give slightly less light than two small ones installed at a small distance from each other. For greater efficiency, it is advisable to place windows as high as possible from the floor of the attic room, but it is necessary to take into account the height of the person who will live in this room.

When calculating the window area, you can use an empirical formula, that is, derived from practical experience. The ideal ratio is 1 to 8, that is, with a room area of 16 square meters, the window area should be 2 or more square meters.

Windows in the attic

Windows in the attic are placed in the space between the rafters and are installed simultaneously with the roof. The window frame can be attached directly to the rafters.

If the dimensions of the window are smaller than the width of the rafter pitch, then it is necessary to make a crate under it, that is, fill additional burs on the rafters and, if necessary, install a support beam. If the size of the window exceeds the width of the rafter pitch, then it is possible to either make cutouts in the rafters or install a sheathing under the window, as shown in the figure below.

Roof structure

Balcony

Balcony area for the attic can be arranged in several ways, from the side of the pediment or from the side of the slope.

To arrange a balcony from the side of the roof, the craftsmen use a window-balcony combination. This design is shown in the figure below. It is installed according to the same rules as a simple window.

Window-balcony in the attic

The balcony on the side of the pediment can have several versions, for example, the wall of the pediment is arranged at a distance of two or three steps of the rafters, and the floor is covered in the vacated space and a railing is installed flush with the roof cut.

Balcony under the roof

If there is a desire to make a remote balcony, then even during the construction of the interfloor ceiling, you can take out the beams to the required length. By the way, to increase the reliability of such a design, it does not hurt to install support pillars under it, just as shown in the figure below.

Balcony remote from the total volume of the house

Projects of houses with an attic

And this is a project of a house 6 by 4 meters, the total building area is 24 m2. Total area: 36 m2.

House with mansard roof 6x4

Plan of the 1st floor and attic floor

We want to offer you a few to choose from.
For example, the first option. House 6x6 meters, total area - 30 m2

The volume of the internal organization of the house 6x6