A loft conversion is a very popular renovation project because of all the benefits it offers. It gives you a chance to extend your house, which means that you can gain valuable living space without having to move to another place, and it’s also a way to increase the value of your property. But to achieve such a result, you need to find the right roof windows – they are one of the key elements of a successful conversion. That’s why it’s important to learn as much as possible about the available options and the differences between them.
You can Improve the Performance of your Window
The biggest advantage of installing roof windows is the amount of daylight you get to bring into your home. Adding such a window is an easy way to keep your rooms bright throughout the day without having to use artificial lighting, so in effect, you can not only increase the comfort of your loft but also save up on utility bills. Unfortunately, there’s a downside as well – your loft can heat up relatively quickly during summer. However, it doesn’t mean you simply have to come to terms with this issue, you can solve it by adding a solar window film or roof window blinds that will help protect your home from overheating.
You need to find the right Window for your Roof
Not all roof windows are the same. This may seem like the most obvious thing, but, in reality, many people seem surprised that windows for flat roofs and those for pitched roofs are actually quite different. Before buying new windows, you should determine the slope of the roof as it will influence not only your choice when it comes to windows but also the type of flashing and installation method required. In most cases getting planning permission should not be necessary, but just to be sure, it’s always better to consult local authorities before installing roof windows.
Buying high-Quality Windows is not Enough
You can buy the best windows out there, produced by the most reliable manufacturer, but they won’t give you the results you’re hoping for if they are not installed properly. Only with the right flashing and insulation, you’ll be able to ensure the thermal performance of your new windows. Not to mention that thanks to the right installation, your windows will simply last longer, and you won’t have to worry about issues like leakages or condensation for a long time.
You can Install your own Roof Windows
Hiring a professional contractor is always the best and most effective way to make sure your renovation project goes smoothly and without any unnecessary complications. But when it comes to installing roof windows, especially replacing your old windows with the new ones in the same size and shape, you should be able to tackle this task on your own if you feel confident in your DIY skills – though getting someone to help is always a good idea for the sake of efficiency and safety. But if you have no experience, it is advisable to go with professional installation to avoid costly mistakes.
Not every Roof Window opens in the same way
And finally, it’s also worth mentioning that each type of roof window opens in a slightly different manner. That is, of course, if it opens at all, because, among all of the available options, you can find fixed skylights as well as the centre pivot and top hung ones. In case of roof windows installed in difficult-to-reach places, installing an electric opening mechanism or at least equipping yourself with an opening rod may also be a good idea.
With all the information listed above, you’re now well-equipped to make an informed decision, choose the best roof windows and use them to completely transform your entire home by filling it with sunlight!