Roof windows: a guide to choosing

Roof windows: advantages, disadvantages and advice for the ideal choice.

Choosing the right roof windows is not an easy task, unless you have a lot of experience. That's why we've written an article, dedicated to those who want to listen to our suggestions on the different types of window openings .

Just like with other different types of window frames, there are many elements that can affect the final estimate for a roof window:

• type of glass;
• window size;
• model;
• chassis;
• position;
• installation difficulties.

However, this is a world in which it is forbidden to make choices dictated only by price issues : roof windows - as well as window motors - represent one of the main tools for making a small room with a sloping roof liveable and comfortable.

A well-done attic renovation cannot ignore a careful choice of roof windows .

Roof Windows: Our Guide to Choosing

Roof windows help make habitable spaces that are normally dark or underused, such as attics. Want to know how to choose the right type for your room? Read on for more information and helpful tips.

It is clear that, to make a choice, you must first evaluate the location of the property . Is it a noisy place? Is it a very cold or very hot space? In these circumstances, the choice of double glazing will be essential.

The range of possible solutions, in essence, varies from standard glass to ideal solutions for buildings with energy class A or A+ that also have anti-dew characteristics and offer the maximum possible performance in terms of thermal insulation.

In this regard, we recommend that you take a look at our mini-guide on thermal break fixtures .

Size is also important : you can decide to make a small opening to save money, but for the room to be comfortable, the roof window must represent at least 12% of the room's floor area.

Other aspects to evaluate are the frame, based on the tastes and style of the environment, and the accessories (maintenance kits, electric opening devices, operating rods, adapters). The latter, negligible in normal homes, are fundamental as regards the attic as the roof windows could be located in difficult and inconvenient places to reach.

The advantages of roof windows

A roof window includes significant advantages: it will let more natural light into your room which will not only make the environment more comfortable, but will have positive effects on your physical and mental well-being .

Furthermore, this type of window frame thermally insulates the environment and therefore makes even the most unexpected spaces livable. It is a good idea to install them to recover unused areas of the attic and create small lofts or guest rooms.

The materials that roof windows are made of

The most commonly used materials for roof windows are:

• the pvc ;
• the wood;
• aluminum.

The first is a plastic material widely used for window frames because it combines excellent quality with a low price. PVC windows are durable, resistant and do not require special maintenance or care. Finally, they contribute to the thermal insulation of the house, not letting air pass through and maintaining the internal temperature.

Wooden windows , on the other hand, offer a more classic style and also excellent thermal insulation. They are very resistant but require more care, since this material can easily wear out over time.

Finally, aluminum is strong but light, with excellent insulating properties. The cost is higher than other materials but an aluminum roof window does not require maintenance or specific care.

Roof window openings

Another feature to consider when choosing roof windows is their opening . If it is inconvenient or takes up too much space, it can cause inconvenience, especially in small spaces such as attics.

Among the different types of openings , the most suitable for roof windows are:

• swing;
• on the balance;
• compass style.

The first is the classic casement opening , in which the doors open towards the inside of the house. This type can become inconvenient if used in very high roof windows, since they will take up a lot of space inside the room.

The pivot opening is the most convenient and most used for attic windows ( skylights ). As shown in the following image, the sash rotates on a central pin in the frame and therefore allows for an opening that takes up little space: this also makes cleaning easier.

Finally, compass openings are, of all, those that take up the least space and for this reason they are ideal for attics and roofs. They have a mechanism that provides for the opening of the door, fixed on the upper side, towards the outside. This type is easy to manage, it can be opened easily but, if positioned too high, there is also the possibility of automation . However, cleaning the glass can be problematic.

Roof Skylights (Flat Roof Windows)

A separate category is that of roof skylights , otherwise known as flat roof windows.

They are essential for giving light and airiness to structurally very dark environments such as warehouses or lofts.

Even on this front, the choice is very wide: you can range from basic, non-opening models of small dimensions, to large skylights, with electric closing, anti-burglary technology and smoke and heat evacuation system.

How much does a roof window cost?

For the reasons mentioned above, it becomes clear that it is not possible to determine the prices of roof windows in a universal manner .

In fact, you can range from very small manual roof windows, which cost around 300 euros, to large balcony roof windows which cost more than 2000 euros.

Further down in this article you can find a table with the prices of different models and brands to help you find your way around the sector.

Roof windows average prices

Let's start right away by talking about prices. They depend above all on the size and materials you choose for the windows to be installed on the roof. In the following table you will find indicative prices for the most common types of windows.

Remember that the dimensions of roof windows can vary : they depend on the space you have available and the slope of your roof.

Material	Dimensions (in cm)	Price
PVC	55 x 75	560 - 610 €
PVC	65 x 100	620 - 670 €
PVC	80 x 100	655 - 700 €
PVC	100 x 120	800 - 840 €
PVC	130 x 100	870 - 900 €
Wood	55 x 75	550 - 600 €
Wood	65 x 100	570 - 620 €
Wood	80 x 100	600 - 650 €
Wood	100 x 120	760 - 820 €
Wood	130 x 100	850 - 880 €

How to get the most out of your attic?

Once you have installed your new roof windows, organize your spaces as best as possible. Here are some useful tips for you:

• Create balconies to take advantage of more surfaces and increase the living space of the attic;
• Use the beams to hang objects , such as a lamp or even, why not, a hanging chair;
• Use light colors for walls and furniture , combined with natural light, will make the rooms appear larger.

How to choose roof windows?

Choosing roof windows, however, is not just a question of price but also of type in relation to the environment.

Here is a list of "special" models with their relative functions:

• Solar tunnel (brings sunlight into dark, poorly lit rooms with no openings);
• Bi-fold window (ideal for those who want not only light but also the possibility of going out onto the roof);
• Window for smoke and heat evacuation (suitable for rooms with stoves or fireplaces);
• Flat roof window (can be fixed, or opened manually with a winch or electric);
• Roof window with convertible balcony (converts from roof window to balcony in seconds).