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

A beautiful skylight on the roof is not only a spectacular element of the roof design, but also a rather useful structure, because the more such windows in the attic, the better natural lighting will be. Next, you will find out what types of similar structures are divided into, and how they differ from each other. And with homemade ones, I will tell you about the assembly of the 2 most simple options do it yourself.

What are dormer windows

Whatever you say, a roof with windows always attracts attention. Initially, the dormer or observation 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 content has seriously expanded.

Types of viewing windows

There are 4 types of roof window openings:

1. Window opening on the pediment between the roof slopes;
2. Dormer;
3. Antidormer;
4. Attic window built into the roof plane.

Let's consider them in more detail:

• Gable windows mainly typical for gable roofs and broken mansard structures. This is the simplest type of viewing windows. The gables are, in fact, a continuation of the end parts of the outer walls, and the arrangement here is no different from the inset of a conventional window;

• Dormer- these are windows extended beyond the roof, a kind of superstructure on the roof. This type of inspection structures is considered the most common. This is due to the fact that the superstructure does not take up the usable area of ​​the attic, moreover, it, albeit insignificantly, adds this area;

• Antidormer unlike dormers, on the contrary, they are recessed into the roof structure. Their installation is a little easier, but a big problem is the arrangement of reinforced waterproofing, because the rain is poured into this depression almost without hindrance. It makes sense to equip the Antidormer in the lower slopes of the broken mansard roofs;

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

There is also such a thing as lucarnes. In the lucarnes, the 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 popular names, then there are several dozen types of structures. There is no point in trying to tell about everyone, because every master claims to be unique. Therefore, I took the most common directions.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Single slope. 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.
	Dual slope design. Here we see a miniature standard gable roof, and the device rafter system in large and small versions, absolutely 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. Usually used in old styles. The installation is more difficult than the classic gable, but it looks elegant.
	Arched dormer. The construction of spherical arched roofs has always been a troublesome business, therefore, I do not recommend you equip them with your own hands, without the appropriate skill.
	Bat. A new trend in modern architecture. Soft and flowing shapes look great on roofs with a relatively small angle of inclination, but this type of construction also requires professionalism in installation.
	Clerestory. The rooflight looks very impressive, but in private houses such structures are very rare.

Self-assembly options

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

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

A few words about the regulations

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 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 the window on the pediment;
• In cases where several windows are installed in a row on one slope, the distance between them must be at least 800 mm;
• The bottom edge of the window frame should be 1 m from the attic floor.

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

Option number 1: the simplest single-slope design

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Framing the structure. The first is to equip a rectangular frame in the rafter system of the ramp: The rafter legs that get in the way are simply cut to the width of the opening; Further, horizontal bars are packed from above and below. For these purposes, it is best to use the timber from which the rafter legs are made.
	Carrying 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 knock down the frame. The rest of the frame gets lost, as shown in the diagram on the left, from the same bars. Too often, intermediate posts and upper rafter beams should not be installed, a step of 50 cm will be enough. Do not forget to lay insulation between these bars, and each bar is a cold bridge.
	Roof frame. Since our roof is flat, the roof frame is made reinforced, from 2 rows of cross slats. The lower support frame under the window can be mounted at will, I recommend raising the window above the roof by at least 100 mm, so you will protect it from snow and water.
	We sheathe the frame. For external cladding, OSB or waterproof plywood with a thickness of 10 mm or more is used. Dense mineral wool slabs are usually used to insulate the main roof. In the frame of the observation window, the vapor permeability of the insulation is not so relevant, therefore, here you can use foam or EPS. The roofing material 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 rafter 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 is installed, while the edges of the triangle go beyond the main opening. The top of the truss should be flush with the horizontal beam of the opening.

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

After that, a triangle is arranged on the roof plane. You need to connect the ridge bar attachment point 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 sheets of OSB or waterproof plywood, a small frame is stuffed on the sides to "fly out" the roof. At the last stage, everything is sewn up with sheets and you can start installation roofing, insulation and finishing.

Conclusion

The assembly options that I talked about can be improved and changed at will, for example, when you connect 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.

Dormer skylights not only provide access to natural light in attics and attic spaces, but also add attractiveness to the building's exterior. Exists different options their designs and styles. We will talk about the most popular implementation schemes in this article.

Types of dormers

The requirements for the arrangement of windows are quite high. The structure must have the necessary strength, provide a sufficient level of illumination and ventilation of the room under the roof, organically fit into the architectural appearance of the structure, making it recognizable.

Dormer windows have been popular for centuries. Fashion for them appearance was constantly changing, and today dormer and dormer windows can differ significantly in their design features and design.

In addition to window structures mounted directly into the roof plane, windows with vertical glazing are popular:

• without side walls, with a pediment in the plane of the building;
• with side walls and a pediment in the plane of the building;
• with side walls and a pediment outside the plane of the building.

Small triangular, trapezoidal and arched openings with glazing of the entire vertical plane are actively used. Among the structures with side walls, skylights on the roof differ in the type of their roof.:

• single-pitched;
• gable;
• hip;
• arched (with a semicircular or arched arch);
• flat French.

The location and type of windows should be selected taking into account the style of construction, the location of ordinary windows. Otherwise, they will be perceived as a foreign element on the roof.

Window design

The design and installation of the dormer should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of SNiP (SNiP II-26, SNiP 21-01)... Regardless of the design features and style of the selected structure, building rules and regulations must be observed. This allows ensuring the required reliability and durability of this structure without weakening the operational parameters of the building's roof.

The key SNiP requirements for dormer windows include:

• installation is permissible if the angle of inclination of the roof slope is 35 degrees or more;
• superstructures should be located at a regulated distance from the outer walls of the building;
• sash opening and located on the dormer window must have a minimum size of 0.6 × 0.8 m, which means that the permissible size of the roof window will be 1.2 × 0.8 m;
• if the arrangement of a window with a hip roof and a quadrangular opening is provided, its facade cannot be a continuation of the building wall.

GOST provides for the use of various materials for cladding. It can be copper, sheet metal, tiles. By their design features, roof windows can differ in the absence or presence of a roof protrusion, own roof, gutter. Aperture big size can have a balcony, which looks especially interesting and attractive. Lucarne windows are distinguished by the presence of side walls and a fully glazed facade.

Triangular dormer

If you plan to make a dormer with your own hands, most often a triangular-shaped opening with steep roof slopes is mounted. This common design is characterized by the fact that the gable wall of the opening is installed without deepening into the roof - it must be located in the same plane with the corresponding outer wall.

Triangular roof openings should be in line with the windows located below the walls of the building so as not to disturb the architectural proportions of the structure.

The roof slopes of triangular openings are located at a large angle (60-70 degrees), so there is practically no increase in the usable area of ​​the attic. The advantage of triangular windows is aesthetic appeal, the ability to carry out the original layout of the attic room.

If you intend to install a triangular dormer window with your own hands, it should be taken into account that its roof is adjacent to the roof of the building, going down to the place where the groove is formed. Thus, during the arrangement, it is not required to perform waterproofing of the joints of the side walls and the roof, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the sealing and finishing of the opening and the main roofing of the building.

Structural frame

Before proceeding with the construction of the frame, it is necessary to complete the frame of the roof of the house - to erect the gables, to mount the rafter system. Between the rafter legs, in the places where windows are installed, it is necessary to provide openings. The rafter system of the dormer window has its own characteristics: the rafter legs framing such openings must be made double or triple, since they will carry an increased load in the future.

According to SNiP, the gables of openings arranged in the roof must be supported by side walls, which are installed perpendicular to the outer wall deep into the building and have a height of 1.5 meters. The side wall frames are supported by the ceiling beams.

The frame of the side walls is installed after assembling the roof truss system of the building. After that, you should perform the binding of the horizontal beams and racks of the gable frames of the openings.

Further work is carried out in several stages.:

1. Since the gables of the triangular window are located in the same plane with the walls of the building, the lower ends of the rafter legs adjacent to the walls should be cut flush with the wall cladding.
2. Jumper beams are mounted between the double rafters of the opening frame. It is recommended to use metal overhead brackets. The use of cuts and cuts that weaken the rafter beams is not allowed.
3. The openings must be verified for the verticality of the pediment frame, including when installing the ridge bar on it.
4. The rafters for the window opening are cut according to a template and mounted to the ridge and the lower part of the frame.
5. The cladding of the frames of the gables should be carried out flush with the cladding of the outer wall. Construction plywood is usually used.

The device of the valleys

The device of a skylight on the roof, which has a triangular shape, may outwardly look like the arrangement of a multi-gable roof. But there is a noticeable difference in mounting technology. The slopes of a multi-gable roof most often have the same slope, while a triangular opening is equipped with a roof with slopes, the angle of inclination of which is 60-70 degrees. Thus, the connection of the roof slopes of the window with the roof slopes of the building is performed with the formation of non-standard valleys (gutters).

To equip the dormer window, slant rafters are used, into which the rafters rest (at an angle of 60-70 degrees) - shortened rafter legs. For the installation of this structure, it is required to calculate the length and section of the gutter rafter beam, the mating angles of the side walls and the ridge beam. Each triangular rafter opening requires a pair of mirror-symmetrical beams of this type.

Lower part of the dormer

Considering how to make a dormer window, you must carefully consider the installation features of its lower part. It must be arranged in such a way that the inside soft roof hid in it through the side walls, and was not visible from the inside. For this, a simplified method of gutter installation is used.

The gutter beam is installed over the roof sheathing of the house. The lower ends of the rafter legs of the gable roof of the window abut against this beam. At the final stage, the structure is sheathed with plywood sheets, on top of which the roofing material is attached. Plywood sheathing starts from the ridge of the dormer, the installation of the roof covering is carried out from the bottom up.

If it is planned to install window openings on our own, it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the installation features of these structures. It is recommended to entrust the calculation and arrangement of windows of original shapes, the installation of complex roof junctions to professionals.

Dormer roof windows: device, dimensions according to SNiP, rafter system

Types and device of a skylight on the roof. The design of the frame and rafter system when erecting a dormer window with your own hands. Recommended dimensions according to SNiP and GOST

Features of the design and installation of skylights for roofs

Dormer roof windows are installed as a source of natural light and ventilation in attics and attics. And thanks to all kinds constructive solutions they also perform an aesthetic function - the facade of the house acquires an attractive and finished appearance.

Functional purpose

Houses with a roof with a dormer window always stand out against the background of the general development with their original unique look.

Skylights distinguish the building from the background of ordinary houses.

What is a dormer window for? Its main function is to provide ventilation and lighting of the under-roof space. When choosing a location for a source of natural light in an attic or attic, it is important to take into account the orientation of the future dormer window to the cardinal points. It must face south, then all the requirements for the natural insolation of the room will be achieved.

The attic window can be replaced with a ventilation grill device. The absence of even an insignificant ventilation duct in the roof structure will entail significant troubles:

1. Inevitably, heat loss will occur in the attic space, where, when the air is cooled, condensation forms, which, in the absence of ventilation, will accumulate in a closed room.
2. Due to the lack of lighting in the attic, mold and mildew will spread very quickly.

The grille can be installed on the facade of the house from any material. These can be brick, wooden, block houses.

The loft grating replaces the dormer window

Also, a skylight on the roof can provide access to the roof for repair or installation work.

If we talk about the architectural appearance of the building, then the hip, hip or half-hip roof, by its very design, involves the device of dormer windows.

What are

There are different solutions. The window structure can be built into the roof plane or it can be vertical glazing.

The use of small triangular, arched and trapezoidal openings with a fully glazed vertical plane is common.

Dormers on the roof, the designs of which have side walls, differ depending on the type of roof:

• flat;
• quadrangular shed;
• quadrangular gable;
• triangular;
• semicircular;
• panoramic trapezoidal;
• light lanterns;
• round.

1. Mono-pitched

This is the simplest type, characterized by the presence of a flat roof, the slope of which is less than the slope of the roof.

A shed window has a flat roof with a slight slope

It is characterized by the presence of sufficient space under the ceiling compared to the gable version. When installing it, attention should be paid to the equipment of high-quality drainage for rainwater and other precipitation. The downside of a slight slope is the reduction in the number of roofing material options that can be used.

1. The traditional solution is a window located in the wall plane on a gable roof.

Gable window design significantly reduces roof space

The design itself gable roof characterized by small headroom. The window can have a pointed or rounded shape. A complex design will require large financial costs than shed. The downside is that the roof space will specifically decrease.

1. The external design of the hip window evokes an association with a measured and comfortable life. The angle of inclination of the structure and the roof repeat each other.
2. The arched structure gives the exterior of the house a mansion-like feel. In addition to the horizontal arrangement of the dormer windows, vertical arrangement is possible.
3. The window with the name "skylight" will add visual lightness and airiness to the external appearance of the building.

1. Panoramic roof windows provide high visibility and maximum natural light.
2. The enclosing side surfaces of the trapezoidal window are covered with roofing material.
3. A window called a "bat" is better suited for window structures with a slight slope.
4. Skylights are not used to decorate the façade. They fulfill the practical task of providing an attic living space with sufficient natural light and fresh air... The construction of these windows does not require the construction of auxiliary structures. In terms of waterproofing qualities, modern window systems are reliable and durable.

Constructive decisions

There are several basic layouts for dormer windows:

1. In the gable wall... Located between the roof slopes, the upper part of the end wall, which has the shape of a triangle, is called the gable. The window is positioned in the plane of the facade. This does not require additional reinforcement.

The location of the window in the plane of the facade does not require additional reinforcement

• Dormer... The structure is located on the roof. The main condition for installing such a window is the need to strengthen bearing capacity roofs and waterproofing works. The design of a skylight on the roof of this type is characterized by the fact that the under-roof space does not at all lose useful area, and sometimes even gains. On the windowsill, you can organize a recreation area by placing sofa cushions on it, and under it you can arrange a box for storing household items. For this type of windows, there are many architectural solutions that diversify the appearance of a house made in any style.

The location of the roof window allows you to increase the usable area

• Antidormer... This type of windows, on the contrary, is "recessed" into the surface of the roof, so it does not require additional reinforcement, it is cheaper in design, but it "eats" the area of ​​the room under the roof.

Antidormer reduces part of the roof space

• Inclined or attic... The window is mounted directly into the roof plane. Manufacturers offer many options for the forms and control mechanisms of such products: they can be round, triangular, rectangular. Requirements for them are imposed on moisture resistance and resistance to external loads.

Skylight recessed into the roof

• Clerestory... This is a glazed structure on all sides, allowing the maximum amount of natural light to enter the room. Usually found in roof structures of public and industrial buildings. Can be of any configuration.

Design and installation

Before proceeding with the design, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements of SNiP II-26 and SNiP 21-01. Why do this? Their observance guarantees that the structure being erected will meet the requirements of reliability and durability, while the parameters of the roof will not lose the reliability and quality of their technical parameters.

SNiP conditions regarding the construction of dormer windows:

1. The roof slope must have a slope of 35 degrees - in this case, installation is considered possible.
2. If it is necessary to erect a superstructure, it is important to take into account the recommended distances from the external envelope of the building.
3. The minimum size of the sashes that open and are located on the window is 0.6 by 0.8 meters, therefore, the permissible parameters of the roof window will be 1.2 by 0.8 meters.
4. It is impossible for the facade of a window with a hip roof and a rectangular opening to continue the wall of the building.

GOST assumes the use of different facing materials: copper, sheet metal, roof tiles... Windows can be equipped with ledges, private roofs or gutters.

In some cases, it is possible to arrange a balcony on the roof

With sufficient dimensions of the opening and the presence of the enclosing structure, it is possible to equip the balcony.

Framework development

After determining the parameters of the opening, it is necessary to start developing a drawing of the future structure, which should be not only functional, but also aesthetically attractive.

The width of the auditory opening is taken so that it exceeds half the width of the attic room.

Frame installation

The construction of the skylight should take place at the stage of installation of the supporting system of the main roof of the building..

Structurally, the dormer is a miniature roof. Its roof is equipped with its own supporting structures, battens and, if necessary, a ridge.

The window frame contains the same elements as the roof truss system

First of all, pediments are made on the surface of the roof. Then the ridge bar and rafters are fastened, openings are made in the designated places.

It is necessary to fence openings with strong rafters, on which the main load will be distributed. The rafters can be double or triple.

Racks are laid on the bottom beam, connected at the top with a bar. As a result, the structure must be connected with the upper beam using beams.

The result will be a frame that does not yet have its own rafter system.

Dormer window frame manufacturing scheme

So that the rafters do not lose their bearing capacity, all elements must be fastened using metal fasteners.

Having checked the frame in all directions, you can proceed with the installation of the ridge beam and the supporting structure of the roof.

Peculiarities

Moisture-resistant material is arranged for sheathing the side walls of the structure. The roof covering is laid at the stage of installation of all roofing material.

In order to avoid leaks, it is important to correctly waterproof the butt joints using membranes, silicone sealants, pressure strips.

Dormer roof windows: what is needed, structures, finishing

Dormer roof windows: device, design, options, installation. We consider triangular, round and lattice options.

Dormer on the roof: types of structures, device rules, installation stages

When arranging an attic or attic, the installation of dormer windows has become popular. And it's not only about the design of the roof, which looks more sophisticated and transforms the appearance of the house. The functionality of such a structure consists in additional ventilation of the room, natural lighting and expansion of the space.

Whatever the size of the house, no one will refuse extra useful meters. Most roof structures are designed in such a way that the rafter system significantly reduces the area, which affects comfort. Dormer skylights make up for these disadvantages. The modernized room is light and easy to use.

Types of dormer window designs

In the gable wall, the windows are located on the end side of the roof. They are built-in window frames with ventilation and lighting functions. The useful area is not increased. No holes are made in the roof covering.

Dormer is a frame structure protruding above the roof. By increasing the space, not only the roof configuration changes, but also the appearance of the house. For practicality, several windows are installed at once, which can be located on one or both sides of the roof slopes.

Antidormer reminds design features dormer, but the frame deepens into the roof plane, which reduces the usable area of ​​the attic. This type is used in large areas where hiding space will not create discomfort during operation.

A sloped window, consisting only of a window frame, is mounted in the roof plane. Functionality comes down to lighting and ventilation of the attic.

Often used in the arrangement of the attic are dormer varieties, justified by great functionality:

Improving the general appearance of the structure.

The shape of the dormer can repeat different geometric shapes:

Popular arched frame configurations that significantly improve general form Houses.

Rules for the construction of dormer windows in the roof

There are no clearly regulated rules for installing windows into the roofing surface. Mainly they adhere to general building technologies and norms. And yet, there are some nuances that you should pay attention to.

Installation of skylights is allowed only on roofs with a slope of 35 degrees.

The minimum dimensions of the flaps are 0.6 x 0.8 m.

It is unacceptable to place windows next to the ridge, pediments, cornices.

Window structures are built in between the rafters. It is only allowed to file a small part of the load-bearing beams with the subsequent redistribution of the load to the adjacent rafters. It is forbidden to make a full saw cut, as the rigidity of the roof and the loss of its bearing capacity may be violated.

Dormer windows should not protrude beyond the boundaries of the outer wall of the house.

When installing several windows in a row, an interval of at least 0.8 m must be observed.

When determining the number of windows and their parameters, the rules of proportionality are taken into account: the indicator of the sum of the width of all openings must correspond to half the length of the attic space.

The design of the window system is built according to all the rules of roofing structures. Includes: rafters, battens, roofing, drainage system.

Stages of installation of the dormer window

Like any construction, installation window construction starts with the development of a project, which takes into account important factors:

Choosing the type of window construction;

Determination of the number of windows and their parameters;

Calculation of the bearing capacity of the roof and the structure as a whole;

Mounting options and materials used.

Drawing up the drawings will facilitate the subsequent installation.

After the completion of the design and preparatory work, installation is started. The first is the frame of the dormer, on which the lathing is subsequently made with a step of 50-55 cm. Next, the ridge part is installed and the rafter system is mounted. If the installation is carried out during the construction of the roof, then the finished frame is fixed to the rafters of the main roof structure. When equipping the existing roof with windows, first, a place for the auditory object is cut out in the roofing pie without damaging the supporting beams. Then the frame is installed and fastened to the rafters.

The final stage consists in covering the gables with moisture-resistant plywood, fixing the waterproofing film and covering the window structure with roofing material. Particular attention is paid to the junctions, since it is through them that a leak can form.

From the inside, the dormer is sheathed with a finishing board or clapboard. It is impractical to use plaster and other mixtures.

Cutting out a fragment of the roofing cake must be done carefully so as not to damage the waterproofing layer of the main roof.

Dormer structure wall cladding is best done with steel siding. It will provide not only a presentable look, but also create a solid protection from wind and precipitation.

Treat all joints and connections of the dormer window parts with a sealant.

For the construction of the frame, only materials with the parameters specified in the design documentation are used. The savings in size can be fatal for a finished structure that cannot withstand gusty winds or snow drifts.

It is possible to arrange window openings in several rows, if the roofing area allows.

When creating skylights, it is important to harmoniously fit them into the overall concept of the house. The same slopes of the roof, repeating decorative elements, the same type of roofing change the appearance of the building, add sophistication and presentability.

Dormer on the roof: types of structures, device rules, installation stages

Dormer window on the roof: types of structures, device rules, installation stages When arranging an attic or attic, the installation of dormer windows has become popular. And it's not just the design

Dormer on the roof: design and what it serves

Hip roofs differ from other types of roofs in one interesting structural element - a dormer, which is used in almost any house building with this type of roof. True, most of those who saw dormer windows in the attic cannot tell exactly for what purposes they are needed, and only a few know whether it is possible to build roofs without using such structures. Civil engineers, experienced roofers and architects can justify why such a structure as a dormer window on the roof is needed, as well as how to draw up a drawing of such windows correctly. For future owners of private housing construction, it is important to know and understand why dormer roofing windows are needed, all the more, this knowledge is needed if you already have your own house.

Dormer on the roof and its functionality

A dormer is a special opening / opening in the roof of a building. Such a window differs from the usual ordinary opening for a window in its smaller size and its functionality. The main purpose of the roof window is to perform the following functions:

An example of a skylight on a roof

1. Providing access to natural light in the attic space.
2. Ventilation and air circulation in the under-roof space.
3. An auxiliary exit to the roof is directly from the attic.

In addition to the listed functions, such a dormer serves as a decorative detail of the exterior decoration of the house, when it is equipped taking into account the individual characteristics and tastes of the owner.

Also, such a skylight on the roof, design and drawing, which can be any, brings the following advantages for individual housing construction:

• no matter how high-quality the thermal insulation of interfloor ceilings is, heat loss at the attic is inevitable. In other words, heated air masses always tend upward to the roof surface, where they collide with a colder roof covering - tiles, steel, slate. Condensation forms on the under-roof planes, and moisture destroys not only wood rafters;
• in a damp and unlit room, the formation and development of fungi and mold is significantly accelerated, and their spores, over time, will penetrate into the indoor premises;
• when there is no sunlight and normal circulation of air masses in the attic, the air becomes musty and even dangerous for human life: it is filled with spores of black mold, which causes serious problems for human health;
• the dormers also perform the function of a check valve in strong winds. Such strong wind loads can break the roof or even simply tear it from its place, since the wind, blowing under its surface, forms rarefied flows that raise the edges of the roof. It is the dormer windows that are able to accept such effects of bad weather, and the winds will break them faster than completely tear off the roof from the housing construction;
• in addition, even when the building is very large, with a massive heavy roof, and the risk that the wind will rip it from its place is minimal, dormer roof windows are still needed.

They act as a valve to prevent vibrations that are not beneficial to housing construction.

Varieties of dormer windows

Dormer windows are often also called dormers, because they are located in the details of the rafter structure that forms the roof of the housing construction. Structurally, these window roof openings are typical - an opening / opening in the roofing planes. However, roofing builders have come up with different types of these elements, on which the truss structure of the house-building roof directly depends:

Dormer configurations

• with side walls and roof arrangement over the window dormer;
• without walls and the formation of a roof on the dormer - this design is called an anti-aircraft lantern;
• directly in the facade plane and with side walls.

Also, these window dormers differ from one another in their geometric shape:

1. In the form of a semicircle / arch.
2. Trapezoidal.
3. In the shape of a triangle.
4. Rectangular in combination with an arch roof.

By type of roof over the dormer opening:

1. With two pitched planes.
2. Hip.
3. With one pitched plane.

Important: a window roof opening can be equipped directly in the roof of a building with an exit outside or with glazing of the entire plane of the window roof opening.

Dormer on the roof construction, drawing, design features

As with the independent design of any other roofing structures, the design of dormer windows requires the implementation of SNiP, other building regulations and norms approved by various government bodies and taking into account all technological features arrangement of some parts of private housing construction. Taking into account such standards, the auditory windows will be reliable and durable, and will also not reduce the overall performance characteristics buildings.

Skylight drawing

Specialists present the following basic requirements for the design of roof window openings of this type:

1. The roof slope must be more than 35 degrees.
2. The superstructure above the roof opening must be removed from outer walls individual housing construction at a specified distance.
3. The sashes of the window roof opening must also be of certain sizes:
   • minimum - 60 × 80 centimeters;
   • maximum - 120 × 80 centimeters.
4. A rectangular opening with a hip roof should not be a continuation of the wall of the under-roof (attic) space.

Also, these requirements include advice on the choice of building materials for cladding, which are used to equip roof skylights. For these purposes, the following are best suited:

It is important to remember that in the course of drawing up a project, under any conditions, a drawing is made for each planned element of the structure being erected. When it is difficult not to draw such a project on your own, you need to contact highly qualified specialists for help.

Dormer roof windows construction

The structural features of a window roof opening depend on its frame.

The main characteristics of the structure of the dormer window frame:

• the width of the window roof opening must be more than 1/2 of the width of the direct attic room;
• the frame of this element is equipped simultaneously with the supporting structure of the roof, because it also has its own supporting system and lathing (with gable-type openings and a ridge assembly);
• installation of reliable rafters, the total load of the structure is distributed to them;
• details of the window structure can be cut according to a template, which will greatly facilitate the installation process;
• all components of the structure of the dormer roofing window are fixed with steel fasteners;
• the side walls of such an opening in the under-roof space are sewn up with moisture-resistant building materials, and they do the same with the joints (this will help prevent the formation of leaks).

1. Membrane films.
2. Silicone sealants.
3. Pressing strips.

In the already built roof, it is also possible to make dormer windows of almost any type. For these purposes, it is necessary to follow the following rules for its arrangement:

• the window roof opening is located in the center of the roof slope / wall of the attic - between the supporting rafters;
• after cutting the opening, load-bearing rafters are installed, and a window frame is mounted on them (fixing tightly with self-tapping screws);
• the final stage is the sealing of the constructed dormer.

In this case, the sealing is carried out with a sealant with an acrylic / silicone base or a waterproof film.

Important: in typical projects for skylights on the roof, the structure (drawing) almost completely repeats the general shape of the roof, but in a very reduced form.

Dormer skylight: design, drawing, professional advice, video

Which skylight design is best for a private house. How to correctly draw up a drawing of a skylight on the roof - advice from experienced roofing specialists.

Roof dormer construction + drawings and photos. The variety of skylight designs makes them suitable for any type of roof.

In this article, you will learn about what types and functions there are. The article describes information about standard designs, all the subtleties of design, mounting and selection.

In modern homes, you can see four types of dormers:

• Windows on the gables.

This end (front) opening device is the most popular solution for mansard and gable roofs. In addition, the gable window has become an economically viable option, as the installation is similar to the inset of a conventional window.

• Dormer. In everyday life, a gable roof, which has a dormer window protruding beyond the roof slope, has the simple name "cuckoo". Such a window is also a popular option with many modifications. As an additional element of the architecture of the house, the cuckoo complicates the design, and this will lead to unplanned expenses. But nevertheless, the dormer also carries an aesthetic load, namely, it increases the living area and expands the view in a circle. The glass must be installed vertically, and this slightly restricts the flow of light.

If you want to fill the attic with sunlight, installing a skylight would be an excellent option. This is a special translucent structure that is installed on a flat roof. They are so varied in size and configuration that they are an elegant addition to any style of home. But installing an anti-aircraft lantern will require careful design and selection of materials.

Designs and their variety

It may seem that the variety of designs and design solutions knows no boundaries, and every craftsman tries to make his dormer better.

Most people know that a house must have at least one dormer, so there is always a dormer design in the drawing.

Modern roof windows have several functions:

1. Airing. This is the first and most important function of the opening. There must be high-quality ventilation in the attic, due to which the roofing material will not be damaged, etc.
2. Lighting. This is the second goal, which is also practical, and it fully justifies all the difficulties that will have to be faced during design and installation. For this purpose, skylights will do the best.
3. Expansion of usable space. But this is a quality that is not inherent in all types of dormers.
4. Roof exit. If repair work is required, then the dormer window will be the safest and most convenient way to get to the roof.
5. Design. A typical house with a standard roof looks a little old-fashioned and boring. Dormers are a great opportunity to make yours unique and attractive.

Nuances of design

First of all, the dormer must necessarily correspond to the general concept of the architectural plan. country house... When the time comes to decide whether a dormer is needed on the roof, the structure will need to be included in the sketch, drawing, and then in the final project. The design of the frame for the future dormer window and the roof truss system should be carried out at the same time. The complexity of the project and the parameters of the window will be largely determined by what material for the roof you have chosen.

After the frame is ready, it will be the turn for the roof. To obtain a high-quality layer, you will need to think about what kind of thermal insulation and waterproofing you will use, as well as choose in advance the finishing material for the roof.

There are certain SNiP standards in relation to dormer windows, although this refers more to private construction as recommendations, and the most rational design methods are proposed:

• The possibility of arrangement. You are unlikely to find a location if the slope angle is less than 35 degrees. In this case, we recommend using only window openings on the gables.
• Dimensions. The minimum opening indicators are 120 cm by 80 cm.
• Accommodation. The main tasks of the construction of a skylight on the roof, attic and attic are ventilation and lighting, therefore the best solution would be to install it on any side of the house, except for the north.
• Rooftop location. Choosing a place for a roof window opening is just a matter of taste. The main point is that the windows are not located too close to the edge of the roof (from the cornice, the ridge, the wall of the pediment - at least 100 cm), as this can weaken the reliability of the system.
• Location of several windows. If you plan to make several windows in a row, then the distance between them should be at least 80 cm. This distance is required so that there are no problems when laying the topcoat. In addition, if the windows are located close, the preventive examination will be aggravated in the future, and in winter snow will accumulate and it will be difficult to remove it from the roof.
• Placement of a window in the attic. The distance of the openings to the attic floor must be at least 100 cm.

The peculiarity of dormer windows, as elements of architecture, is that their number and type are selected depending on the style and purpose of the house (utilitarian or decorative). Since in private construction there is no clear established rules, it remains to be guided by their experience in construction and the tastes of the customer / designer.

How to choose a dormer window

When choosing the type of skylight that will suit your rooftop, you should highlight the goals you have set for the windows. Determinants, which is more important for you:

• Improving aesthetics, when you want to add originality to the building. In this case perfect choice there will be a dormer in the form of an arch, a "bat" or a skylight.
• Daylight, which will be very useful in a residential attic. We advise you to buy an attic double-glazed window for this, as it will be practical - with modern window models, even with a large glazing area, such double-glazed windows will be safe and equipped with energy saving, and these are additional positive characteristics.

Over the past few years, homeowners have become more choosy and are now opting for skylights over dormers. By the way, the latter are often found only in those houses that are made in the classic style.

This can be explained as follows:

1. Skylights provide improved air exchange and are able to transmit 35% more light.
2. In most country houses, modern projects were used during the construction, and it is in this type of buildings that skylights will look more natural.
3. Despite the increased cost, such windows are still more economical, since their installation does not require changing the roof structure and it is not so laborious.

If you decide that the design of the skylight on the roof will be superfluous and want to completely abandon it, you will get the following unpleasant consequences:

• Lack of timely air circulation through the ventilation system or window opening can lead to an increase in humidity and the formation of condensation.
• In the absence of normal lighting, together with high level moisture will begin to form mold, and this is to start the process of destruction of the system.
• A roof without a window opening is more airtight, but this has its drawbacks, since with a strong gusty wind, air pressure differences will appear, and it is even higher inside. Also, because of this difference, a lift will act behind the overly fixed roof, like on the wings of an airplane. And the dormer, if available, evens out the pressure on the street and in the room, which will prevent damage to the roof.

Conclusion

Dormers are far from the last element that affects the perception of the house, therefore, such elements should be designed even when creating a sketch.

In the event of an error in calculations or work, you can turn the original architectural detail into a defect that will be conspicuous and affect the reliability of the structure. Prudent homeowners entrust the creation of the roof and the installation of window openings on the roof only to specialized companies.

Experienced planners and roofers will give amazing results - an excellent rafter system, a reliable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

A dormer skylight is nothing more than an architectural structure on a ramp that performs certain functions. Another name for this element is lucarne (from Latin lucerna - lamp, French spelling lucarne). The frame of the lucarne is usually located in the same plane as the facade wall, and can often serve as an extension of it.

Initially, such windows were conceived as a way to ventilate the space under the roof. But, gradually they became an important element of architecture, enlivening the general perception. At the time when attics began to be rebuilt into residential attics, lucarnes became a source of natural light.

Types of dormers

The main types of dormers that can occur are presented in the following table:

Gable	Mono-pitched
Mono-pitched	Hip
Flat french	Arched with glazing of the entire opening
Triangular	Arched
Arched	Built-in
With side walls and a gable outside the façade	With side walls and a pediment in the plane of the facade

Based on the main types, we will highlight the most common:

• Lucarne with flat roof ... A drain is provided for such a window, therefore it is made with a roof slope from 5 to 15 °.
• Quadrangular window with a pitched roof... The main difference with the previous version is that it has an inclination angle of 15 ° and higher. The roof of such a hatch can be rectangular, end or in the form of a trapezoid.
• Gable lucarne... In Germany, such a window was called a "house for a gnome."
• Triangular dormer.
• Semicircular window... It has various names: "frog's mouth", "bat", "bull's eye", "pike window", the difference of which is mainly in the degree of smoothness of the wave of the roof. The “bat” has a smooth wave, the “bull's eye” has a steeper wave and an oval window. The curved shape of the side walls allows them to harmoniously fit into the roof and give the entire building a special, unusual appearance.

Let's take a closer look at each type.

Semicircular dormer

Let's start with a more laborious option, a semicircular lucarne. "Bullseye" is a stylish implementation that can significantly increase the cost of work and get the least amount of daylight in the attic or attic. On the other side of the scale, there are no blind corners where snow could accumulate, and a good drain of rainwater. The second main advantage is its attractive appearance. Bovine is very rarely mounted, so uniqueness is guaranteed. This roof decoration looks very beautiful, harmonious and functional.

Manufacturing the semicircular version significantly increases the overall cost of manufacturing the roof. This is due to the additional costs of design, roofing and the purchase of special materials. The used windows of irregular shape are also more expensive than the standard ones.

Lucarne Bullseye

The design of such a skylight requires careful attention to detail. Maintaining proportions is important.

How to make a drawing? First of all, you need to set the length and height of the opening of the hatch (segments ac- half as long and bc). From point a a straight line is drawn perpendicular to the base and a segment is marked on it ad = ac... Around the point d a circle with a radius is drawn ad... On the segment ab the point of intersection with the circle is marked ( e). Next, draw a straight line from the point d through the point e to the point of intersection with the line on which the segment is located bc... Intersection point - f... Around this point, the next circle with a radius is drawn fe... Tracing the curve aeb you can see the outline of a bull's eye. The other part looms similarly.

The construction of the "bull's eye" is started only after the complete assembly of the truss structure. Then unnecessary elements are removed from it and wooden circles are installed (structural elements used to give it an arched shape). In this case, it is the eaves board of a semicircular dormer window. The construction of the "bull's eye" slope is formed by spacer bars, on the one hand, attached to the horizontal bars between the rafters, and on the other hand, resting on the pediment wall. Next, the lathing and counter-lathing are mounted - the basis for the topcoat.

Two variants of the "bull's eye" design:

	A construction of curved shapes - circled. Curved elements are made in separate templates. The upper part of the structure is covered with rigid sheathing made of flexible plywood, roofing cardboard and holds the curved elements of the trusses together. In place of the trimmed rafters, jumpers are installed, transferring the load to the adjacent rafters.
	Hip design. The front wall of the lucarne is made in the same way as in the previous version from the circle. Further, from the lintel to the beam, the rafters are laid.

For a semicircular window, it is necessary to choose a roofing material that will evenly cover curved surfaces. Covers made of small elements such as shale and even straw are optimal. You can also use ceramic tongue-and-groove tiles. But, it will require higher qualifications and skill during installation. The number of shingles in one row should be the same as below. Therefore, you need to choose the correct packing density in different areas.

Single-pitched dormer window

The simplest and most common form of a lucarne is a window with shed roof... In the classic version, the window and the roof above it are rectangular. There are options when the top or end wall is made in the form of a trapezoid. For these structures, it is necessary that the angle of inclination of the main roof is large enough. As a rule, dormer roofs are covered with the same material as the main roof. When using shingles, it is recommended to make the upper abutment of the window through one or two rows of shingles from the ridge. This will give a more balanced appearance and improve rainwater protection.

Dormer with a pitched roof

One of the varieties of this type is a dormer with a flat roof (with a slope of 5 - 15 °). Its main task is to let in the maximum amount of light and air into the room. Drainage is carried out using a gutter.

For the first time, such lukarns began to appear in the ancient cities of Germany due to the banal reason of overpopulation. People, in order to get additional living space, began to use the reserves of the roof. A lucarne with a gable roof provided the largest number space and light. In addition, they significantly transform the appearance of the entire building for the better. Over time, lucarnes, along with balconies, bay windows, turrets and roof decorations, acquired great architectural significance.

For the form under consideration, there are about seven different names used in different parts of Germany: "saddle-shaped", "pitched", "roofing house", "Frisian", "house for a gnome", "lukarne". These constructions can be found on many old buildings and architectural monuments. In Germany, there are laws to protect the architectural appearance of the city, and during the reconstruction of buildings, the developer is obliged to recreate the appearance of the dormer.

Dormer with a gable roof

Performance variations in different styles are as follows:

• With or without eaves.
• With or without gable ledge.
• With or without gutters.

The roof of such a window is most often made of the same material as the main one. Side and gable walls can be finished various materials(slate, wood, plaster). Ideally, the gable roof has one window opening. A horizontal structure with multiple windows looks too wide and unwieldy. It should also be borne in mind that the angle of inclination of the rafters of the hatch should be comparable to the angle of inclination of the main roof.

Lucarne with hip roof- this is one of the varieties of structures with a gable roof. Its front slope is usually at the same angle as the main roof, which creates a more graceful look. This saves usable space. It is preferable to cover such lucarnes with metal, however, the use of ceramics and slate is not excluded. This type is typical for the northern regions of Germany, where hip roofs are very common in architecture.

Triangular dormer

Small triangular or, as they are also called, "acute-angled" dormers were originally used for ventilation or as small light sources for the attic space on pitched roofs. Triangular lucarnes are often found on historic buildings. When designing them, it is important that they are not too large or too small to fit seamlessly into the main concept. The angle of inclination should be approximately the same as the angle of inclination of the main roof. The main task of the triangular hatch is to let in as much air and light as possible into the attic, while creating additional space is not a priority. The advantage is that it can be installed at a higher level.

Triangular dormer

Having considered the main types of lucarnes, we emphasize that there are no hard design rules. Their location and size depend on the individual preferences of the designer, current innovations in architecture. It is very important to decide what function the dormer will perform on the roof - decorative or practical. In any case, the structure should look harmoniously in the general plan of the building, not too close to the ridge or eaves of the roof, as well as to the gables (lateral sides). It is necessary to maintain a minimum distance between two windows - 0.8 m. The smaller distance complicates the installation of the roof covering and contributes to the formation of snow bags.

A dormer window is a glazed window frame on the roof designed for lighting and ventilation of the attic or attic, as well as for direct access to the roof. This small architectural element has many names: "birdhouse", "house of the gnomes" and the historical "lukarna". As a rule, the dormer is located parallel to the facade wall or is its continuation. There are thousands of ways how to make a skylight on the roof and decorate it in an original way, giving the building its own unique look.

What is a dormer window for?

The roof dormers were originally conceived to equalize the air pressure between the outside atmospheric and the inside under-roof. In terms of the laws of physics, excess pressure would more likely knock out fragile glass than lift and deform a heavy roof.

In addition to its practical function, lucarne often has a decorative value. Decorated with carved platbands, stucco frames and others decorative elements, it serves as a decoration for both the exterior of the house and the interior of the attic.

What are the dormer windows?

The variety of types of roof superstructures is determined by the given shape of the window opening and the architecture of the roof.

Dormer windows differ in the shape of the window frame:

• rectangular,
• triangular,
• arched (semicircular).

By the design of the slopes:

• single-slope,
• gable,
• hip.

By the method of location in the roof structure:

• Dormer - made in the form of a ledge in the roof slope, requires increased waterproofing. The most common in the practice of construction work.
• Antidormer - built into the roof structure, therefore does not require additional waterproofing, which makes it easier to perform. However, it takes away the interior space from the attic and, apparently, for this reason, is rare.
• An inclined window is the same as a dormer.
• In the gable wall - the dormer is installed in the end wall. The frame is often in the shape of a triangle, trapezoid, or arch.
• Skylight - a window or glass structure on a horizontal or sloping roof with a minimum permissible slope (5-15 0).

Also attic "birdhouses" are made with side walls and without them. They are located with a pediment in the same plane with the facade wall or outside its plane, slightly higher and further on the roof slope.

What is the difference between a dormer and an attic window?

A variant of a glazed roof opening is a dormer window. Only it is not installed vertically, but at an angle, and lies in the same plane with the roof slope. By virtue of its constructive location, such a window must withstand the same loads as the material covering the roof: rain, hail, the severity of the snow cover. A significant advantage of skylights is that they let in more light into the under-roof space than vertical window openings closed from above and from the sides by a "birdhouse" box.

If there is an opportunity to make an opening roof window large enough, you can turn it into a balcony door and organize an attic balcony, as in the photo below.

Since skylights should not allow external moisture to pass through, it is unlikely that it will be possible to make a waterproof frame for them yourself. It is recommended to purchase ready-made plastic and wooden double-glazed windows from the official manufacturer. Such window blocks are manufactured in compliance with the production technology and, as part of the roofing sheathing, meet all the necessary requirements.

Dormer window in the form of a skylight

Historically, a lantern in architecture is a girded architectural form that crowns the dome of a building and serves as a source of overhead lighting and ventilation. Lanterns decorated with decorative details were installed on temples and cathedrals. Nowadays, a lantern is a glass part of a horizontal roof. It is made in the form of a flat window, dome, pyramid, or in the form of a greenhouse. They visually increase the height of the attic room and let in more sunlight.

Roof window: practical and aesthetically pleasing

Because of these examples, one might get the impression that dormers are needed only in living quarters, and in uninhabited attics used as storage for all belongings, they are not appropriate. This is not entirely true, since the exits in the roof are needed for ventilation of the attic space and for providing technical access to the roof. Roof shapes and options for roofing superstructures can be very diverse. Lucarnes are placed both on roof slopes and gables - end walls of a gable roof. Completed with creative approach, they will become decorative decoration your entire home.

Standards

Sitting down to think about the design and starting to draw up a drawing of the future dormer window, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the requirements sanitary standards and rules, better known as SNiPs.

If the project provides for the arrangement of several auditory openings in a row, the distance between their outer edges should be at least 80 cm. Compliance with this requirement will allow you to freely arrange preventive inspections of the roof, clean it from snow or leaves, and replace the roofing material. On some roofs, two rows of dormers can be seen, one above the other. In this case, it is recommended to observe the same standards: the step from the bottom edge to the floor and between the openings themselves is from 0.8 m.

Getting started

As mentioned above and as can be seen from the drawings below, the most popular skylight design is the dormer. Therefore, in most sources, the description of the construction of an attic window involves the construction of just this type of dormer.

Installation of the roofing "house" is carried out only on the already installed load-bearing rafter "legs". With its constructive structure, the auditory opening resembles the structure of the roof, only in miniature. It has its own rafter system, lathing, and with a gable roof - a ridge.

As for the inclined roof window inscribed in the roof surface, its construction does not require the construction of a separate frame. However, additional requirements are imposed on the quality of the window unit. Since one of the purposes of the dormer is to illuminate the attic, the owner should take this into account and plan a dormer on the south side of the roof. At worst - in the east or west, but most importantly - not in the north.

Manufacturing process

In the place of arrangement of the dormer window, the load-bearing beams are cut out and removed. It is better if the bearing rafters are at the same time the edges of the opening to be equipped.

Ideally, the width of the dormer is equal to the distance between the sloped rafters.

Since it is better to install dormers without disturbing the rafter system, several roofing superstructures are often built in the gaps between the beams. Then reinforced vertical racks, a window frame and a top covering of rafter bars are mounted. As a rule, the frame of the "birdhouse" is made of beams, although if the foundation and the bearing walls of the house allow, the pediment and side walls of the "gnome house" are laid out with bricks.

The vertical posts are installed on the lower horizontal frontal board... Their tops are connected by another horizontal beam - a lintel above the window. The vertical posts are connected at the top with a girder, and inclined rafters are mounted on the girder - the basis of the mini-roof above the dormer. At the top point where the rafters meet, a ridge bar is laid.

Outside, the structure is sheathed with a board, plywood, other facade and roofing materials... Since the dormer is part of the roofing system, it must have reliable moisture and thermal insulation. Therefore, special attention is paid to the sealing of joints and the use of a suitable insulating material: bitumen, insulation, silicone and acrylic sealants, vapor-proof film. All parts are fastened with metal corners and strips using self-tapping screws or construction nails.

After installation of all elements and completion exterior decoration move on to the interior design of the attic or attic exit. Here the owner has unlimited creative freedom. Wooden parts are covered with protective primers or paints and varnishes, areas below and above the dormer window are made to match the overall interior of the under-roof space. Curtains or blinds are used as curtains from excess sun. If the attic is heated, then under the window, as is customary in standard city apartments, you can hang a radiator.

Conclusion

So, the dormer has a functional and decorative value. On the one hand, it serves to ventilate and illuminate the attic space, and provides access to the roof. On the other hand, it brings variety to the architecture, gives the building a unique look. The homeowner who has conceived to build a dormer window on his roof is faced with a choice: to hire an experienced construction team or to assemble the structure with his own hands according to his own drawings.