How to choose roof windows for your home?

Roof windows can be a very practical solution, especially if you have or are thinking about adding a loft space. While they mostly operate like regular windows, they have the added benefit of being positioned at such an angle that allows more sunlight to enter your home, so it’s all the better a solution for dim rooms.

But not all roof windows are created equal. Even in as precise a definition as roof windows there are still many types to choose from, and deciding which among them is the best for your conditions can truly make or break your home’s design. Here are a couple of factors you should look out for when choosing roof windows for your home.

Fixed vs. opening roof windows

This choice is quite self-explanatory, and it’s the same choice you’re always faced with when deciding on any regular window as well. There are designs that can be completely opened, completely fixed and incapable of being opened, as well as partially opened windows where only one sash is mobile. It might be a good idea to choose a window that’s at least partially opened if you want good ventilation or roof access from a given room. If it’s a loft space and you have a slanted roof, you can choose a window in plane (aligned with the roof) or out of plane (not flush with the roof) – it’s your choice.

Choosing the frame material

When it comes to picking any window, one of the most basic questions you want to answer before you begin is what material you want your frame to be made of. In general, there are a lot of options to choose from, such as PVCu, timber, white polyurethane, among others. Always make sure you don’t require special permission to use a given material in your home, and if you do, make sure you get it. Timber is quite timeless and should fit into pretty much any home, though it requires a bit more maintenance than PVCu. All of our windows, regardless of material, are coated with aluminium for extra protection and a sleek look.

Glazing

When it comes to glazing, roof windows have the same number of options as regular windows. Whether you opt for single, double, or even triple glazing depends on a number of factors. Keep in mind that glazing will influence your energy efficiency, thermal efficiency, privacy, safety, and the amount of maintenance you’ll have to devote to your windows, so make sure to take all those factors into considerations when choosing the type of glazing.