Even a non-residential attic space needs to be equipped with windows. This helps simplify its use and save on electricity. But such structures should be selected and installed as carefully as possible in order to eliminate the slightest errors.

Peculiarities

Roofs on residential buildings come in quite a variety, but the most popular are structures with inclined slopes. Thanks to them, it is possible to create voluminous attics, facilitate the melting of snow and the flow of rain downwards. But in order for the building to really become complete, it is necessary to install windows in the roof. Once they were used exclusively for ventilation, and then they discovered that such designs can increase illumination and visually expand the space. Traditionally, small windows in the roof are called dormer windows, but sometimes they are made large, and ventilation and stabilization of the building are provided by other means.

Kinds

A dormer window is a kind of “house” with a pair of external slopes. Attic openings are located on the same level as the slope and are not covered with awnings, which allows them to transmit maximum light. For vertically directed dormer windows, it is necessary to form a special frame. As a rule, they are made triangular, not recessing the area from the pediment side inward, but exposing them in the same plane as the facade. In an acute-angled roof, the pediments are sometimes equipped with large frames and complemented with atypical details borrowed from temple architecture.

Roof inspection windows can be installed on a single-pitched roof, a gable roof, or a sloping roof.

Any types of roofing structures can be combined with openings of various sizes and geometries. Whether such openings are placed on the roof surface or on the gable is solely up to the homeowners to decide. There are usually no technical obstacles to either solution. If a flat roof is equipped with windows, the drainage sometimes has to be supplemented with new gutters with a slope of 5 to 15 degrees.

A hatch to access the roof is needed no less, and sometimes more, than a simple window.

Getting out of it is much more convenient, especially if you need to inspect and repair things located high up or in hard-to-reach places:

• antennas;
• air conditioning systems;
• gutters;
• skates;
• lightning rods.

Even in the absence of such elements at the top, according to the rules, only a roof whose area does not exceed 100 square meters can be used without a hatch. m. When exiting the hatch, an external or sliding staircase. Quite often stepladders are mounted close to the walls, as well as roof ladders. Stepladders are usually placed perpendicular to the horizon in the plane external wall. Any ladder must be protected from corrosion and made in such a way that it is absolutely safe to use. It is more convenient to climb onto a flat roof external staircase, which is firmly attached to the walls.

Returning to the windows, we cannot help but say about their ceiling options. Such designs are carried out in the very different style, may differ in shape. Their role is not limited to simple illumination of the attic room - often only this technique allows you to create a light and romantic atmosphere in the home. It is not at all necessary to use a simple rectangular or square system: round windows look even better.

The installation of stained glass helps to complement the unusual feeling.

Skylights are a confident competitor to conventional lighting elements and stained glass. They must be assembled by qualified specialists, since it is impossible to do everything efficiently without a specific technology.

They are never made flat; consumers have a choice between shapes such as:

• cut cone;
• semicircle;
• dome;
• trapezoid

Thanks to its special configuration and carefully thought-out assembly, the light diffusion fully realizes the designers' intentions. When creating skylights, in addition to glass, polycarbonate can be used; Moreover, simple glass elements cannot withstand the required load in most cases. With the help of lanterns it is possible to illuminate halls and attics that cannot be equipped with the required number of windows. This is the lighting method used in buildings large area, when you need to illuminate a room that stretches 20-30 meters in length.

To open the skylight, you will need several button presses.

Moreover, some of these structures are equipped with systems that automatically open access to the roof in the event of a fire or other emergency. In residential buildings, this approach is practiced only occasionally, mainly where skylights add a feeling of luxury and increase the overall decorative effect appearance buildings. Electronic equipment, if provided, is mounted together with the mechanics. Before final fixing of glass or polycarbonate, their position is carefully adjusted.

A triangular window in the roof is installed when the main rafter system is being installed. Despite the differences in the finished shape, the exit openings should be in the form of a standard rectangle. Then they install vertical rafter shapes, bringing the edges of the triangular structure beyond the contours of the main opening. The ridge beam connects the floor beams to the highest point of the triangle and runs strictly horizontally. In most cases, a beam with a cross section of 10x5 cm is enough.

This product differs from an ordinary wall window by the presence of a bead - a protrusion inside which a seal is located; the mounted glass unit is pressed against the ledge. In most cases, glazing is not done directly onto the frame, but onto special linings, which reduce the risk of chipping and deformation. Improve aesthetic properties The system is helped by spross, that is, special interlacing of the internal parts of double-glazed windows. To secure the package, glazing beads are used. Most often, the size of the fixing profiles for a specific frame size varies, since a balance must be struck between holding the glass and maintaining its integrity.

A blind skylight is not intended for ventilation or egress to the outside. It is often believed that making such structures from just a few parts allows them to be installed without unnecessary difficulties. But this is not entirely true, if only because there are only partially blind windows. They allow you to save money and radically reduce the load on parts of the fittings. The fewer moving elements, the smaller it is, and therefore the window as a whole will work longer.

Most often, blind windows are made from PVC profile, which is further strengthened.

Fixed glazing is preferable simply because it saves customers money. Eliminating the profile of the sashes and special fittings immediately reduces the fee by 30 - 40%. Even if the window breaks, it will be easier, faster and cheaper to repair it than a structure with opening parts. It is only necessary to replace everything at once if it is completely destroyed, and this does not happen very often. The bulk of defects can be eliminated by replacing the glass unit without affecting the profile.

Fixed windows are much more efficient than opening windows in terms of heat conservation, because the glazing bead is invariably denser than the strongest and most stable fittings. What is important, the only limitation during installation is the strength of the double-glazed window. And if there are sashes, you also need to take into account the size of the fittings and permissible load on hinges, which limits the size of the structure. Not to mention the fact that the closed frame occupies only the space of the opening and allows for fuller use of the internal volume of the attic.

Lack of air access is the most obvious difficulty when using fixed windows.

Usually this problem is solved by ventilation, but this alternative is not always and not everywhere acceptable. The larger the glass unit, the higher the risk that it will break. Preventive measures(booking) partially eliminate the danger, but then you will have to forget about saving money. It is very difficult to clean a sealed window; such work often ends in falls from a height; Evacuation during an emergency also becomes more difficult, so all this must be taken into account.

Materials

Despite all the differences in shape, size and design of roof windows, they have common feature– use of a strictly limited range of materials. Metal-plastic structures have such undoubted advantages as ecological cleanliness, long service, visual appeal and affordability. In any case, the importance of the type of material is greater than the name of the company that undertakes the work. In turn, a double-glazed window is more important than a profile, because it is thinner in design. A simple plastic roof window is preferable because it does not allow any heat to pass through, the thermal expansion of the profile and the glass are very close, and it also has a decent elastic modulus and can easily withstand loads.

Wooden products look beautiful and last a long time, but significant technological difficulties do not allow them to be made cheap.

Even the quality of the wood, which is better than that of PVC, does not allow it to leave the elite niche. To produce windows of the highest category, Siberian cedar or teak is used, both species last over 100 years. Larch falls just short of this level. Pine wood it is relatively cheap, windows made from it last approximately 60 years, which is quite acceptable in practice.

Products made from pure aluminum are worse than wood and plastic, since their thermal conductivity is high. In addition, aluminum and glass have different rates of thermal expansion, so the window's use time is reduced. Considering these problems and the comparative softness of the metal, it is recommended to use it for decorative purposes or harmoniously combine it with polyvinyl chloride - this way they mutually cancel out each other’s shortcomings. As for glass composites, almost zero thermal conductivity is negated by instability in any severe frost.

Design

Having chosen the geometry and material for the roof window, you need to carefully understand its design. The chalet style is characterized by panoramic windows occupying a significant area. Romanesque (medieval style) structures are relatively small and more like slits. If the building is designed in the Gothic spirit, it is worth using arrow-shaped openings directed upward or imitation of fire tongues (this is already late Gothic). Not everyone, of course, will be satisfied with such a stylistic set.

Baroque architecture goes best with curved window shapes– round, elliptical and so on. A subtype of such elements is French windows, which start almost from the floor itself. Classicism in the form in which it came to the end of the 18th century early XIX centuries, always looks simple and monumental. Symmetrical constructions and geometrically correct elements are widely used. It would not be a stylistic mistake to use imposts on the lower sashes and intricately curved lintels.

The design of translucent structures was approached completely differently in the Art Nouveau era - from the beginning of the twentieth century.

Imitating this stylistic direction, you will have to abandon any straight lines and angular designs. It is allowed to use additional crossbars for upper transoms equipped with straight or rounded mullions. Transoms are often divided into small segments, but Bottom part the sash always remains intact. Functional styles, which appeared a little later, are distinguished by the use of asymmetrical sashes. Constructivism is primarily expressed in strict square and rectangular designs, but art deco lovers should prefer stepped or zigzag-shaped windows and an abundance of curved planes.

Dimensions

Regardless of the style and shape, the sizes of roof windows are clearly regulated by GOST provisions. There are many attractive offers on the market, but they are quite easy to understand. As in a regular attic, every 10 sq. m attic should be illuminated with 1 sq. m of glazing. If a children's or living room is equipped inside, the ratio is already 8: 1. Increase lighting internal space it is possible by installing windows on both slopes at once.

Dimensions and configuration are also selected taking into account the roof layout. High windows work best on flat roofs. Small translucent structures are optimal for toilet rooms: they require a certain intensity of illumination and make it difficult to peep from the outside.

The opening axis can be located:

• in the middle;
• upstairs;
• 2/3 in height.

Placement in the center is recognized by experts as the most convenient and practical, and the other two methods will not allow you to accidentally get injured when open window. Observing the outside world and what is happening there will be quite possible if the window is 1 m high and wide.

Usually the distance from the floor is 90 - 120 cm.

The first of these figures is minimal and should under no circumstances be underestimated. On a roof with a slope of 35 degrees, windows 1.6 m in length are installed, and if it is 70 degrees, then the frame is made 1 - 1.2 m in length.

Device options

The design of the window in the acute-angled roof allows large frames to be placed on the gables, while using original parts. In old houses that have retained the same architectural features, it is advisable to use the usual dormer window. When the home is more modern in spirit, the use of an attic format is already allowed. An important difference between dormer windows is that they are not installed without special niches in the roof. The number of fasteners is very large in this case.

Dormer windows are simply attached to the gaps in the rafters. Such elements, in addition to their main function, turn out to be an obstacle to water flows. That is why it is recommended to install them on sloping roofs, the angle of inclination of which is from 15 to 20 degrees. You need to think through the entire scheme very carefully when drawing up a drawing. Much attention is paid to protecting the interior space from cold air, wind and precipitation.

A special type of roof windows is the “balcony”.

Using it allows you to correct the shortcomings of the designers and still use an almost full-fledged balcony in the attics. A similar technological solution was found relatively recently, when designers from Western European countries took up the work. The concept of a transformer is taken as a basis, and precise selection of dimensions to the parameters of buildings helps not to overload the facades.

How to do it yourself?

Dormer windows begin to be made by thinking through and installing the frame. It is advisable to combine this work with the arrangement of the roof rafters as a whole. The window must have an autonomous ridge beam, its own rafters and sheathing, and a roofing pie. In fact, this is another roof, only in a miniature version. The installation of rafter legs for fencing the opening should be done from the maximum durable materials: after all, they will have to endure the loads from everyone components and roofs.

The cross beam located at the bottom is placed flush with external wall. The top one is positioned according to how high the window is wanted. The vertical posts rest against the bottom beam and are then secured at the top with a crossbar. A longitudinally directed beam needs to be added to the finished frame, which will connect it to the beam resting on the rafters. This frame is later supplemented with rafters; they need to be built in exactly the same way as under the main roof of the home.

Fastening the jumpers should be done without cutting into the base of the rafter legs, because then they will be too weak.

Fasteners are stocked in advance, carefully checking whether they are made of good metal. Having finished installing the frame with your own hands, you must evaluate its evenness. The check is carried out by level and plumb line, and even the most insignificant distortions are unacceptable in principle. Without such a test, it is not advisable to install the ridge and set up the rafters.

The side surfaces of the windows are covered with waterproof materials, and special attention is paid to possible leak points. Such problems often appear at joints and corners, at pipe outlets and ventilation.

All these areas are supplied with waterproofing; for it the following can be used:

• pressing strips;
• membranes;
• Weather-resistant silicone-based sealants.

It is recommended to make the lower rafters according to templates, and before installation, unnecessary parts are sawed off, giving the product the required size. Having put all the parts in place, the window roof is sheathed with hydrophobic plywood and selected roofing. The plywood is placed moving from above from the ridge beam, this is especially important on a steep slope. The sheet should be clearly oriented along the upper end. Once the plywood is attached, they go down, measure and adjust the other corner pieces.

Work with mansard roof seems simpler because there is no need to build “houses”. But in fact, it is precisely for this reason that the list of requirements is only growing. The awning provides protection against mechanical loads. The flashing from a variety of materials is chosen according to the type of roof covering, since it must be flush with the slope.

Additionally, an external circuit is installed to protect the structure from heat loss and getting wet.

Blinds and curtains are almost never supplied as a set, so you have to buy them separately, focusing on the interior design and your own taste preferences. Slopes must also be used. Having found out how many windows will have to be installed and what their size will be, they begin marking. The necessary points are marked with a reserve of 20-30 mm on the right and left; the upper and lower marks should have a reserve of 100-150 mm. When slicing hydro insulating materials It is worth providing a margin of 0.2 m in all directions compared to the size of the window.

If the main roof has already been laid on top, it is removed or cut off in the designated place. In some cases, it is necessary to dismantle obstructing normal operation rafter structures. Below, 80-100 mm from the sheathing, a support beam is nailed, its cross-section is 5 cm. The lower part of the waterproofing needs to be filled onto this beam, and its top is attached to the sheathing. Side sections waterproofing material supposed to be taken out.

Frame mounting from different manufacturers cannot be done in the same way.

It is best to read the instructions that come with the kit, or get advice from the official representative of the supplier. When the installation of the frame is completed, the brackets are attached to it. The insulation must be attached to the top and laid out on the support beam at the bottom. Now you can mount the sash and adjust the tightness of its pressing using the upper brackets.

The previously released edges of the waterproofing are attached to the frame, and insulation is placed under them. A drainage gutter is installed at the top, which should take into account the design specifics of the window modification. Almost always at this stage they again turn to technical documentation or the help of consultants. The window is equipped with an apron on the outside to prevent leaks.

The edges of the aprons are placed under the sheathing, and a gutter is placed above the lower ones. It is unacceptable to fill joints with foam. It increases the waterproofing properties of the joints, but strong flow pressure can distort the geometry of the window block. Experienced craftsmen use weather-resistant sealants. When creating both roof and dormer windows, it is necessary to use equipment and safety devices for working at height.

Spectacular examples

For a private home you can use the most different designs roof windows. This is what one of the solutions looks like - opening up window unit noble black color. Its external attractiveness is harmoniously combined with the discreet light brown metal tiles around it.

But here they didn’t make a color contrast - they just played on the symmetry of the two structures.

Blind rectangular windows in a very steep roof slope look quite nice.

A balcony format window may look like this: one part rises, and the other, which has a barrier of medium height along the perimeter, appears outside. As can be clearly seen from the photograph, if everything is calculated correctly, the system is quite stable and beautiful, nothing prevents you from going to Fresh air. This is what one of the final stages of installing elegant roof windows looks like: the sheathing is already filled, but the facing material has not yet been laid out. And these white windows, built into a small protruding “house”, will leave few people indifferent, especially due to the contrast with the dim reddish finish of the roof.

On the roofs of modern country houses can be found original designs, which externally resemble a birdhouse, the variety of shapes allows you to decorate the roof in an unusual and beautiful way. This design is called a dormer window.

Window openings located on the roof of houses and in attic rooms are called auditory openings. They first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century; already in the second half, attic structures were invented, which were somewhat different from auditorium ones. They are the ones that are currently most widespread.

Attic structures are created in a sloping area; therefore, they provide more lighting, despite the fact that they take up no more space on the roof than auditorium ones. The installation of roof windows is simpler.

Dormer windows of a triangular design are most widespread; their roof slopes are steeper.

At the same time, the front wall of this design is located on the same plane as the external walls, directly above the usual window opening. This allows you to create a harmonious facade; the structure does not stand out, forming a single whole with the walls of the house itself.

Scope and functions Dormers are most often created on pitched roofs.

Sloping ones are used to create natural lighting in interior spaces located directly under the roof. They are also called attic. Initially, these elements were created in order to be able to ventilate.

attic space

1. Nowadays, when attic spaces are increasingly being used, their functions have expanded slightly: On pitched roofs
2. they allow you to get out onto the roof, ventilate the room and organize natural lighting in the attic. In small attic spaces where the roof is located quite low, they allow you to increase usable space
3. . Especially when the walls start right from the floor of the attic or attic. At the same time, the approach to the windows is easier. Roof with dormer windows

looks attractive and unusual. Organizing them allows you to plan the room under the roof in an original way.

Design

1. There are 4 design options for auditory structures: Antidormer
2. - a structure that is located within the roof slope and is built into the roof. Due to this, the usable area of ​​the attic is reduced. This option is simple to implement and does not require additional costs for materials and increased waterproofing. At the same time, it is not very popular. Dormer
3. – located above the roof slope. There are many options for constructing such a structure; it requires additional reinforcement of the roof elements and the creation of high-quality waterproofing. This design method is the most common. In the gable wall.
4. The window is organized in the same plane as the facade, using the end wall, which has the shape of a triangle. At the same time, the device does not require the creation of additional structures, which facilitates its installation. The entrance to the attic through this window is free - from outside the building, you can climb up the ladder. Sloping window
5. created in attic rooms, the designs and shapes can be different: rectangular, round, triangular. They are located in the plane of the roof itself.– the window is completely made of glass, which allows you to create the most effective natural lighting of the internal under-roof space. Most often, such structures are used in industrial buildings.

SNiP

There are certain requirements for the design and installation of dormer windows, which are specified in SNiPs. Norms and rules help ensure maximum reliability of the structure, its durability and safety.

Key points:

1. Installation can be done only if the roof slope has an angle of at least 35 degrees.
2. Their location must be created at a certain distance relatively outer wall the buildings.
3. Minimum door sizes set within the following limits: 0.6*0.8 meters.
4. Hip roof facade, on which the opening is installed, should not constitute a continuation of the outer wall.

Cladding, according to GOST, can be made with the following materials:

• sheet metal;
• copper;
• tiles;

If the opening is larger established sizes, it is allowed to design a balcony, which allows you to give the building a special elegance. Lunker windows have side walls and are usually designed in a glazed façade.

Types of structures

Currently, construction technologies are actively developing. Thanks to this, more and more design options for openings are emerging.

But the most common types are as follows:

1. Constructions in a gable roof.
2. Oblique(attic).
3. Clerestory.
4. Dormer. Depending on the type of roof, there are subtypes of this type:
   
   • triangular and quadrangular;
   • single-slope and double-slope;
   • trapezoidal;
   • hip;
   • panoramic (from separate segments, created on a trapezoidal roof);
   • flat;
   • arched;
5. Antidormer.

Design

Installation of the frame is carried out according to this scheme

Creating a project for erecting a roof with dormer windows is mandatory. During the design process, it is necessary to take into account some mandatory nuances.

There are certain rules for the placement of structures, non-compliance with which, as practice shows, leads to problems during the operation of the roof:

1. They should not be placed near the ridge, cornice, and also close to the gables.
2. If multiple openings are created, then the distance between them must be maintained at least 0.8 meters. This will allow you to freely conduct preventive examinations roof, prevents snow from accumulating on the roof.

The location and shape of these elements is chosen according to the personal preference of the property owner, the choice may be determined fashion trends in the real estate market, as well as the main goal pursued when creating window openings on the roof - they will be used practically or only as decorative elements.

Advice! This architectural element complicates the construction of the roof. The level of complexity will depend on the type of window design chosen and the roofing material. It is better to entrust the construction of a roof with dormer windows to professional roofers.

An exact drawing of such an element must be reproduced on paper. For this purpose, all measurements are carefully taken. The quantity and dimensions directly depend on the area of ​​the roof space.

The basic rule to consider when making calculations is the following:

If you sum up the width of all the window openings that are created on the roof, the final sum should be greater than the length of the attic, divided in half.

Windows can be in one or two rows. The lower edge can be at least 0.8 meters from the attic floor level, and the location of the upper edge depends on the height in the room.

DIY construction technology

The construction of a roof with these elements should be approached with all responsibility:

1. A scale sketch is created. The width of the opening equal to the distance between the rafters will be ideal.
2. If such a roof is installed in multi-storey building , permission is required.

For installation you will need:

• nails of different sizes;
• triangle and protractor;
• roulette;
• vice;
• hacksaw;
• chisel;
• film;
• timber (material measuring 10*5 centimeters is most often used);
• window (it is better to buy one that does not require complex maintenance);

To create a standard dormer window, you need to go through certain steps.

The work plan is as follows:

1. Plot where work is carried out should be protected.
2. Below the working hole bridges are created.
3. Warning signs posted below, notifying that dangerous work is underway.
4. The frame is being built window opening.
5. Installation in progress window.

Creating a hole:

1. Two support beams are cut from timber, which are placed between the beams. They are secured on both sides with nails.
2. Two more timbers are cut to create reinforcement, they are placed between the outer beams; a vice is used for this. We also nail them.

Creating a reinforced structure for corner risers:

1. A piece of timber is cut off for the lower support. Its length should be equal to the width of the hearing aid + 20 centimeters. Attach it from below, parallel to the support beam, directly to the floor. It should protrude onto the borders of the beam from both sides in equal parts.
2. Two more pieces (for one and the other side) are cut a little longer in length than the distance between the roof and the floor. Marks are made on them at the locations of the reinforcing beams. The timber is cut according to these marks.

Installing a corner post:

1. Measure two beams, the size should be slightly larger than the height of the future window. Each of them is nailed in two places - to the reinforcing beam and to the support located below.
2. Top reinforcement structure it is placed on a reinforcing beam, at the same time, it is pressed close to the post running in the corner, then it is nailed to this post. To strengthen it you need to use a vice. The lower structure is attached in a similar way. Work is carried out on both sides in order.

The corner posts are aligned:

1. Timber being cut width to the depth of the window, adding 25 centimeters. One end is applied to the support beam, the other to the corner structure. The horizontal position is checked, after which the beam is cut along the bottom of the segment at the point of contact with the post and the reinforcing beam.

The upper rod is installed and the ceiling of the structure is formed:

1. The beam is measured in length, equal to the distance between the ends of the outer corner posts. It is installed on the sections of the posts and secured with nails. And the side ceiling becomes a block that was used to level the corner posts.

Creating a window sill:

1. The clearance between the posts is measured, take a beam 2 centimeters more than this distance. Grooves for the window sill are cut out in the corner posts, the depth is 1 centimeter. These places need to be thoroughly cleaned.
2. Next, the window sill is inserted into the prepared grooves and fastened with nails. The window sill is fixed with two more pieces, which are also nailed.
3. Transverse ceiling beams are attached to the roof side. There are only three of them, the length is equal to the distance along the inner edges of the beams on the sides. They are attached in increments of 40 centimeters to the side ceilings. Then the side posts are nailed at the same interval. All that remains is to sheathe the structure.

Roof installation:

1. The number of slanting slats for the roof is calculated as follows: The width of the roof is divided into 30 centimeters. The bars are cut to the obtained length. Stepping back a centimeter from the ends, draw a line diagonally on each element. An incision is made along these lines.
2. Tapered planks are installed with the flat side down, the wide end faces the house, and the narrow end is laid on the side ceiling. All the planks are attached in turn, the distance between them is 2.5 centimeters. Plywood or chipboard is fixed on top of this structure.
3. All that remains is to nail the covering boards and edge the roof around the window, seal the cracks with moisture sealant, and fix the drip strip. Then the window is installed.

10 minutes to read.

A dormer window is a window located in the roof of a building. Its main function is ventilation and lighting of the attic space. However, in addition to purely technical functions, dormer windows have a decorative value, being an important component of the external appearance of the building. In this article we will analyze the main types of dormer windows, their designs, the nuances of selection and placement.

A short excursion into history

For the first time, dormer windows began to be used in the architecture of medieval Europe, becoming especially widespread during the Renaissance (XV-XVI centuries). In Gothic buildings they were traditionally decorated with rich stucco or carvings, turrets, side pilasters and false columns. Structurally, they were a continuation of the wall of the building’s facade and were located parallel to it. Visible from afar, such structures in an exquisite decorative frame became a real calling card of the entire building.

The construction term “dormer window” is used only in Russian, having no analogues in other countries. Thus, in Europe, windows in the roofs of buildings, since the Middle Ages, have traditionally been called “lucarnes” in the French manner.

Dormer windows - lucarnes

In England and the USA, the name dormer or skylight is more common - attic, skylight. Where did this rather strange name come from in our language? There are two versions of the origin of this name. One is given in V. Dahl’s Russian language dictionary, and the other is associated with the legend about the construction of the Moscow Manege.

The great Russian ethnographer Dal in his dictionary gives the following interpretation of this architectural term. “A hearing window made in the roof.” The word “rumor” previously in colloquial Russian also had the meaning of “vent”, “ventilation hole”. Dahl is inclined towards this interpretation, because “there is nothing to listen to in the attic through this window.” The legendary version associated with the construction of an arena in Moscow is also widespread. This building, now located on Manezhnaya Square of the same name, was erected in honor of the five-year anniversary of the expulsion of Napoleonic hordes from Russia.

As you can see, the playpen has many dormers

Initially, the Manege was called Exertsirgauz, and was intended for drill training of troops, as well as for reviews and parades during bad weather. The initiator of the construction was personally the victorious Emperor Alexander I. The construction of the building was completed in a year, and the autocrat had to personally accept the building. But by the time Alexander visited the Manege, a big problem had occurred: dropped ceilings, richly decorated plaster stucco, for some reason were noticeably deformed. This did not escape the meticulous gaze of the emperor, who ordered the cause of the defect to be identified and eliminated.

The reason turned out to be simple: deformation of the rafters made of larch. The metal roof of the Manege heated up in the summer sun, and after it, the attic space, made without vents, also heated up. Civil engineer Slukhov was entrusted with correcting the situation, who found a way out in the device along the entire length of the roof of two rows ventilation windows. Since then, roof windows have become an invariable part of the structures of all large buildings, especially covered with metal. And in Russian architecture, they are named after the engineer Slukhov, and the name “auditory” is supposedly assigned to them.

More information about the history of dormer windows:

Types of roof windows

Over time, dormer windows began to be installed in all houses, which was facilitated by the fashion for arranging residential attics in previously uninhabited attics. Today, all their varieties can be divided into several main types:

• Pedimental. They are installed in the end, gable wall of the house and are currently the most common and simple design. Used for gable roofs, and is an inset regular window into a gable wall. Its geometric shape can be very different - from rectangular to round and multifaceted.
  
• Dormer. This design came to us from England, as evidenced by its name. In Russia it is often informally called “cuckoo”. It is located directly in the roof of the building, protruding beyond its boundaries. Dormer has several options, depending on the shape of the walls and external slopes. This type of dormer window is structurally quite complex, and entails additional costs of time and effort for its arrangement. However, it allows you to increase the internal volume of the attic space and has undeniable design advantages.
  
• Antidormer. A similar dormer window is also located in the roof slope. But, unlike the dormer, it does not go beyond the slope, but, on the contrary, seems to be buried in it. This design, although it has its aesthetic appeal, is not so popular due to the complexity of its implementation and the need for careful waterproofing. Also, the anti-dormer “eats” a significant part of the internal under-roof space.
  
• Dormer window. An option that is installed in the roof slope, but does not protrude or recess into it. The window is located at an angle, flush with the slope. This allows you to maximize the level of natural light in the attic. In terms of its design, this version of the dormer window is the simplest and most inexpensive. The downside is the need for good waterproofing of the joints of the window structure and roof slopes to avoid leaks.
  
• Clerestory. In a strict sense, skylights are not considered dormer windows, although they perform the same functions. They are installed on flat roofs and are designed to allow sunlight to enter the building. If the design includes skylights with opening flaps, they also serve to ventilate the premises.
  

Types of dormer windows

The dormer dormer window has the greatest aesthetic appeal and gives builders - both professional architects and self-taught carpenters - the greatest flight of imagination. Today you can find a variety of types of “cuckoos” located in rural huts and country mansions, public and administrative buildings and country houses. The most common designs of dormers are:

• Mono-pitched. The roof of the dormer window slopes towards the street.
• Gable. The shape of the roof of such a “cuckoo” repeats the classic gable roof of a conventional building.
• Triangular. A simplified version of a gable dormer, in which there are no side walls.
• Hip. Has a more respectable appearance. Traditionally, the slope of the hip is made at the same angle as the slope of the roof of the house.
• Flat, or French. They have a flat roof with small slopes on all three sides.
• Arched. A rather complex version of a dormer window with a roof rounded in the form of an arch.
• "Bat". A complicated type of arched dormer, having a curvilinear shape, tapering and sharpening towards the edges. In Europe it is also called "bull's eye".

These are only the main, so to speak, typical versions of dormers. In fact, there are many transitional forms that combine elements of one design or another.

Technical functions of the dormer window

In addition to decorative and aesthetic functions, dormer windows also play a purely utilitarian role. Moreover, this role is the main one - the durability and ease of use of the structure depend on it. Among their main technical purposes are:

Depending on whether the attic space is residential or not, the dormer windows can be glazed or covered with decorative bars.

Glass provides warmth in the residential attic, but allows the room to be ventilated only when the sash is opened. If the attic is not residential, then glazing the roof windows is not recommended. It is better to choose an option with bars or blinds that prevent cats and birds from entering the attic, but do not interfere with natural ventilation.

Building code requirements

Vaults building codes actives have their own requirements for dormer windows. So, according to SNiP, the pediments of a window installed in pitched roof, must be supported by side walls. The height of these side walls should not be less than one and a half meters. The side walls should rest on the beams attic floors, and the window pediment is additionally placed on the outer wall of the building. Therefore, in accordance with the standards, when constructing a roof frame, a rafter system is initially installed, and only after that the racks are tied to the rafters.

Next, the arrangement of the dormer window is carried out according to the scheme prescribed in GOST No. 12-506-81. The rafters adjacent to the side walls of the dormer are made double, and their ends are cut flush with the outer wall of the building. Then beams are installed between them with rafters, serving as jumpers. These beams must be secured to the rafter legs using overhead brackets. Cutting or cutting into rafters is not allowed, as this weakens the roof frame structure.

Gable frames are made strictly vertically, flush with the external load-bearing wall of the building. After installing the dormer ridge, the verticality of the pediment is checked again. All connections are carefully secured using overhead brackets and screws, or through bolted connections. It is recommended to use moisture-resistant plywood for cladding the gable of a dormer window.

All provisions of GOST in relation to private construction are rather advisory in nature. That's why House master, who independently builds a house, may allow deviations from building standards, but not to the detriment of technical specifications designs. Thus, it should be provided effective waterproofing roofs and walls of the dormer, especially in places where it interfaces with the roof of the house.

If the attic is residential, then you should provide required level thermal insulation, covering the walls and roof of the dormer window with insulation and vapor barrier.

How to make a dormer window with your own hands, see the following video:

Features of choice

When choosing the type of dormer window, you need to rely on a number of factors. If the attic is not residential, and the window is needed only as a ventilation hole, then it is better to opt for the pediment option. This is the simplest and most low-budget type of dormer windows, which can be easily cut even in a ready-made roof.

When a home owner wants to decorate the roof with a decorative structure that gives the building an original and sophisticated look, you can choose one of the types of dormer windows. Thanks to their design, they are clearly visible from the outside, and can be made in various design options. They will also solve the problem of insufficient internal space in the attic.

For residential attics, sloping windows installed flush with the roof slope are most suitable. They provide excellent natural lighting to the interior space. In the same time dormer window- the simplest option for installation directly in the roof, which does not require the construction of additional frame structures in the form of walls and pediments. For good thermal insulation, it is recommended to install double-glazed windows in roof windows.

Dormer windows are not only an architectural and aesthetic element of the house design, but also perform important technical functions. Therefore, their selection and arrangement should be approached as responsibly as possible, taking into account all the factors influencing their operational characteristics.

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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 an effective element of roof design, 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 the DIYers about assembling the 2 most simple options with your own hands.

What types of dormer windows are there?

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

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. An attic window built into the roof plane.

Let's look at them in more detail:

• Pediment windows mainly characteristic of gable roofs and broken mansard structures. This is the simplest type of viewing windows. The gables, in fact, are a continuation of the end parts of the external walls, and the arrangement here is no different from installing a regular window;

• - a structure that is located within the roof slope and is built into the roof. Due to this, the usable area of ​​the attic is reduced. This option is simple to implement and does not require additional costs for materials and increased waterproofing. At the same time, it is not very popular.- these are windows extended beyond the roof, a kind of superstructure on the roof. This type viewing structures are 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 slightly, adds this area;

• There are 4 design options for auditory structures: unlike dormer, on the contrary, they are recessed into the roof structure. Their installation is a little easier, but big problem is the arrangement of enhanced waterproofing, because rain almost unhinderedly pours into this depression. It makes sense to install anti-dormers in the lower slopes of broken attic 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 a finished roof without serious disassembly of the roofing pie.

There is also such a thing as lucarne. 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.

Types of designs

Now let's talk about types of structures. If you look at architectural delights and popular 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. Therefore, I took the most common directions.

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Single-pitch. 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.
	Gable design. Here we see a standard gable roof in miniature, and the device rafter system The large and small versions are 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. Typically used in vintage styles. Installation is more difficult than a classic gable, but it looks elegant.
	Arched dormer. The construction of spherical arched roofs has always been a troublesome task, so I do not recommend you to equip them with your own hands, without the appropriate skill.
	Bat. New trend in modern architecture. Soft and smooth shapes look great on roofs with a relatively small angle of inclination, but this type of structure also requires professionalism in installation.
	created in attic rooms, the designs and shapes can be different: rectangular, round, triangular. They are located in the plane of the roof itself.. The skylight looks very impressive, but such structures are very rare in private homes.

Self-assembly options

It is advisable to plan and arrange dormer windows 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 to call a professional.

A few words about standards

When constructing 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 roof slope angle is less than 35º, then it is better to limit yourself to a 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 lower cut of the window frame should be at a distance of 1 m from the attic floor.

Normal natural light is ensured if the window area is 14–16% of the floor area in the attic. But according to regulations, the area of ​​windows should not exceed half the floor area in the attic.

Option No. 1: the simplest single-pitch design

Illustrations	Recommendations
	Framing the structure. The first to install a rectangular frame in the rafter system of the slope: Rafter legs that get in the way are simply cut to the width of the opening; Then horizontal bars are placed on top and bottom. For these purposes, it is best to use the timber from which they are made rafter legs.
	Support racks. The extreme vertical posts are made of 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 is knocked together, as shown in the diagram on the left, from the same bars. It is not worth installing intermediate posts and upper rafter beams too often; a step of 50 cm will be enough. Don’t forget, you still need to lay insulation between these bars, and each block is a cold bridge.
	Roof frame. Since our roof is flat, roof frame It is made reinforced, from 2 rows of cross bars. The lower support frame under the window can be mounted as desired; I recommend raising the window above the roof by at least 100 mm, this way you will protect it from snow and water.
	Sheathing the frame. For external cladding, OSB or waterproof plywood with a thickness of 10 mm or more is used. To insulate the main roof, dense slabs of mineral wool are usually used. In the frame of the viewing window, the vapor permeability of the insulation is not so important, so foam plastic or EPS 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 installed at the stage of arrangement of 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 face truss is installed, with the edges of the triangle extending 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 beam is installed. It connects the floor beam of the opening with the vertex of the triangle and is located strictly horizontally. In this case, 100x50 mm timber is sufficient.

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

After covering the front truss with OSB sheets or waterproof plywood, it is stuffed on the sides small frame for the “departure” of the roof. On last stage everything is sewn up with sheets and installation can begin roofing covering, insulation and finishing.

Conclusion

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

A dormer window is a frame with glass that is built into the plane of the roof.

It can have a wide variety of shapes and designs, thanks to which the appearance of the entire house becomes original and unique and the building acquires its own style.

What types of dormer windows are there?

The types of dormer windows are determined by the shape of the roof above the window and design features: with flat roof;

· quadrangular lean-to;

· With hip roof;

· triangular;

· quadrangular with a gable roof;

· panoramic with trapezoid roof;

· attic;

· round or semicircular;

· all glass and many other options.

Dormer windows on the roof serve to ventilate a room in which no one lives, so that everyone wooden structures were not subject to rotting.

They are used as a door to the roof for repairs and maintenance, as well as an emergency exit in case of fire and other incidents. There are 4 main types of dormer windows:
In the gable wall. The location of this design is the top end wall between the slopes. As a rule, this area has a triangular shape. Such a dormer window is quite easy to install, since no additional structures are required for it.
Dormer. This design is located above the roof slope and protrudes above it. The design of such an element is not simple, so you will have to work hard when making calculations. The most important thing is to strengthen the supporting structure of the roof and waterproof the window well. Dormer, in turn, has many modifications: gable, single-pitch, arched, triangular, built-in, panoramic.

Antidormer. It is the antipode of a dormer, that is, it is located in the very slope of the roof and does not protrude beyond it. This type of dormer window is not very common, although it is easier to construct and costs less. But at the same time it decreases effective area attic space.

Sloping window. Another name is a dormer window, which is in line with the roof. These are the most modern designs, a huge variety of forms of which are represented by metal-plastic products. They do not add any special beauty to the roof, but they do an excellent job of their functions: they allow a stream of light to pass through and do not require the installation of additional load-bearing elements and perfectly protect against moisture and water.

Useful tips

If you like a structure similar to the roof, the drawing should be ready at the stage of developing the roof frame. In the process of sketching and designing, you need to think through everything carefully, including the types of windows, their number and location.

Many years of experience have shown that it is not necessary to stir hearing aids window designs near the fronts, at a short distance from the ridge and near the eaves. The pitch between the windows should be such that the roofing material can be laid without difficulty. If the distance is small, snow will accumulate in the gaps, and preventive inspections of the roof will be difficult. Therefore, the minimum step between windows is 80 cm.

The lower edge of the window opening should be at a height of about 90 cm from the attic floor level. The owners are free to choose the height; it depends on the height of the ceiling of the attic itself.

Video instructions for installing a dormer window with your own hands:

Window installation

The installation of dormer windows on the roof begins immediately after the installation of the general rafter system of the entire roof. Everything needs to be planned in advance.

The frame for the dormer window is made of beams, but sometimes the side walls are lined with brick. In this case, the side walls should rest on the floor beams and be located at right angles to the outer wall. If the window opening is too wide, you need to compensate for the load. To do this, use reinforced rafter legs (2-3 pieces together) framing the window opening.

Experts do not recommend cutting lintels into the rafters; this weakens the entire structure. The best option for fixing all elements is metal fasteners. Increased attention should be paid to the installation of the waterproofing layer. The window structure itself is insulated with the same material as the entire roof.

The window frame itself is another miniature roof, so you need to be very careful when making calculations. Answering the question of how to make a frame for a dormer window, we give below the sequence of work:
Fence the openings with rafter legs prepared to size from strong wooden beams that can withstand the load of the entire frame.
Lay transverse beams, with the lowest element being at the level of the house wall, and the top element at your own discretion, depending on the height of the window.
Install the vertical posts on the lower horizontal beam, which is located at the level of the outer wall, and tie them together using the upper cross beam.

Fasten the frame to the top beam using longitudinal bars.
Check the position of the frame both vertically and horizontally.
Lay the ridge beams and rafters of the miniature window roof. It is better to make a template and cut out these elements using it.
Cover the walls on both sides with durable, moisture-resistant material.

The covering on the roof of the window and on the roof of the building itself is installed simultaneously to ensure that the roof is solid, durable and of high quality. When installing dormer windows, you need to be very careful so that the intended decoration of the roof and the house does not turn into a defect.

If you have a living space in the attic, then the design of the dormer window serves for lighting.

True, experts say that such openings allow much less sun into the house than attic ones, since the side walls prevent light from entering inside.

They can be installed on the roof of almost any structure - single-slope, gable, hipped, broken, multi-gable.

The most possible various options combination of the roof of the house with the appearance of the opening, and it can be placed both on the roof itself and on the pediment.

If you have chosen a flat roof option for your home, then you should consider that such a device must be equipped with additional gutters for drainage.

Therefore, the roof must be made at a slope of approximately 5 to 15º.

Option of a quadrangular shape with a gable and pitched roof similar in design to a window with a flat roof, but the slope angle of the slopes should be from 15 º.

On the roofs of private houses and summer cottages, triangular options are often found. Instead of side walls, it has slopes.

This way you can install it with fewer joints, but significantly less light will enter the room.

The option about round shape. It makes the appearance of the house very unusual.

Most interesting option both in terms of functionality and appearance, is the dormer window in the form of a skylight.

It makes the house visually lighter and airier, and allows a lot of sun into the rooms.

The roof window is also attached between the rafters. They are used on slopes of 15 - 20º. This is an obstacle to water flows, so the design of this option is very complex.

Making this product with your own hands is almost impossible, so it is best to order ready-made wooden or plastic windows from specialists.

Finished products from manufacturers have a special cover, which, when opened, protects the room from water ingress.

Dormer window design

Before creating a drawing of your future dormer window, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements of SNiP, since compliance with building codes for installing a dormer or attic window with your own hands is necessary.

By adhering to these requirements, you will receive a reliable and durable product with powerful performance parameters.

· Installation is possible only if the roof has an angle of inclination of 35º;

· Superstructures must be placed at a clearly limited distance from the external walls;

· The doors must be no smaller than 0.6 by 0.8 m, that is, the opening size must be at least 1.2 by 0.8 m;

· If you want to make an opening with a hip roof, then it will not continue the wall of the house.

As for materials, copper, metal sheets, and tiles are used for cladding. Some options may have their own roof, ledges, and gutters.

If a very large opening is made in the roof, it can serve as a balcony.

Based on the parameters of your home, it depends on what types of dormer windows you can make.

Dormer window frame

When you have determined the dimensions of your opening, you should develop drawings of the future product. It should not only fulfill its functions, but also decorate the facade of the house.

Experts say that the total width of the auditory openings should be more than half the width of the attic.

After you have drawn up the drawing, you can begin constructing the product yourself. Manufacturing should begin when the supporting roof system of the entire building is installed.

The roof of the opening has its own load-bearing structures and sheathing; if it is gable, then it also has its own ridge. The design of the dormer opening is similar to the design of the roof of a house, only miniature.

First, the pediments are made on the roof of the house, then the ridge beams and rafters are attached. Openings are made in the right places.

They are fenced with very strong rafters, since they will bear the entire load. You can use double and even triple rafters.

After this, beams are fastened across the rafters. The lower beam will be placed at the level of the outer wall of the building. And the top one is as provided for by the dimensions of the future window.

Next, racks are placed on the underlying beam, which are connected on top with a block. The further arrangement involves connecting the structure to the upper beam using beams. In recent years, the use of roof windows has become increasingly widespread. In addition, occupying the same roof area, they provide more light due to the slope, in addition, they are much easier to install.

And yet, a dilemma often arises: what to choose? If the house was built a long time ago and it is necessary to adhere to certain architectural frameworks, then a dormer window will most likely be suitable. If the house was built relatively recently and you simply decided to make a residential attic for your house, then an attic may be suitable.

First, let's look at the auditory variety. To install it, you need special niches that the roof must have. The frame of the truss and side walls requires a large number of connections with the main roof; it is quite difficult to do it “by eye”. Therefore, we need a drawing created good specialist. The pediment and side walls are sheathed with construction plywood and sheathed with façade material. Roofing materials are laid on the roof at the same level as the main roof. The connection between the dormer window and the roof is waterproofed and insulated.

The roof window is mounted between two rafters. Attic roofs serve as a barrier to water flow, which is why such a structure is usually installed mainly on roofs with a slope of 15-20 degrees. Modern roof windows are enough complex designs having good protection against leaks and cold. It will be very difficult to make it yourself, so that it turns out to be of high quality and reliable. Therefore, you will make your life easier by simply purchasing it from a reliable manufacturer. Fastening to the roof is carried out using a support plate. To drain water, the frame has a special flashing, represented by a metal frame, which is located around the perimeter. In order to open it, the design has friction hinges that are located just above the center of the window. They open the window frame so that all the water that gets into it flows onto the roof and does not get inside.

MAKING A WINDOW OPENING IN A FINISHED ROOF

In private homes there is often a need for window opening in the roof. Completely redoing a roof is a rather long and expensive task, so it is possible to construct a dormer opening using several techniques.
Determining where the window will be

Window parameters should occupy no more than 10% of the space underneath them. Big windows on the roof provoke a large loss of heat. In addition, their glass is not strong enough and is not as resistant to external influences as necessary. The best option is to position the window clearly centered between two load-bearing beams roofs.

We mount the window frame

Cut the required hole for the window opening in the slate and begin installing the window frame. It is installed on the load-bearing roof rafters using a special wooden frame 40x50 mm. It is better to attach it to the rafters using stainless material. The frame is mounted with wood screws with tight fixation to the rafters. You can also mount a frame dormer window that will be parallel to the roof of the house, but such complex structures are best left to professionals.

Sealing and finishing the window opening

Sealants that are suitable for this:

· vapor-tight sealed self-expanding tape;

· acrylic;

· bituminous;

· silicone.

Self-expanding tape, laid in a layer around the perimeter, is best suited. The top of the crack can be sealed with acrylic material. It is better to perform such actions in warm and dry weather. If you decide to build a dormer window with your own hands, then let’s talk about it in a little more detail.

VARIETIES OF DUMPER WINDOWS

A flat roof dormer is usually installed with gutters, so the roof should have a slope of 5 to 15 degrees. A quadrangular design with a single-pitched or gable roof is similar to a window with a flat roof, but it must have a slightly larger slope of the slopes, at least 15 degrees.

A triangular dormer window is most often found on the roofs of country houses and cottages. This design does not have side walls; their place is taken by roof slopes. This leads to a reduction in the amount of waterproofing work, but at the same time reduces the illumination of the attic if the front part of such a window is not directed towards the facade of the house. IN Lately appeared interesting solution in a round shape. Popularly, such structures are called “frog mouth” or “bat”.

The most functional is the window in the form of a skylight. Visually, this is a lightweight structure that does not weigh down the roof, and it illuminates the attic perfectly. Specialists usually adhere to the following figures when drawing up drawings, determining the number and size of dormer windows: the total width must not exceed half the width of the attic, the lower edges of the dormer windows must be at a height of 0.9 m from the floor; The higher the dormer window is located, the better the lighting.

Frame

The dormer window frame is installed at the same time that the roof rafter system is being installed. If the roof is gable, the frame has its own sheathing and rafters. It's basically a separate mini-roof. When a rafter system is being erected, in those places where dormer windows are planned, it is necessary to provide openings that protect the rafter legs with increased strength, because they will have to take on the weight of the dormer window structure.

Then transverse beams are laid on the rafter legs: the upper one according to the size of the window, and the lower one at the level of the outer wall of the house. Vertical posts are installed on the lower beam, which are connected at the top by a transverse bar. We get a frame, which we fasten with longitudinal beams to an upper beam, which is laid on reinforced rafters. So we get a frame, but so far without the rafter system of the window itself. The rafter system in the attic is made following the image of the main roof structure.
Triangular window frame

When installing lintel beams, it is not advisable to make cuts into the rafters of the main roof structure in order to prevent weakening of the load-bearing capacity. All frame elements are fastened using metal fasteners. After checking the frame horizontally and vertically, you can install the ridge beam and small rafters of the dormer roof. Cut the rafters according to the template - this simplifies the work quite well. The side walls are covered with moisture-resistant material. The window roof is installed simultaneously with the installation of roofing material on the main roof.

Properly waterproof the joints between the dormer and the main roof to prevent leaks.

So the rafters can lose their bearing capacity. All elements must be secured to metal fasteners.

The rafters can be cut into templates, which will significantly simplify the construction of the opening.

The walls are sheathed with moisture-resistant materials, and the roof is made together with the installation of the roof of the entire house.

Particular attention should be paid to insulating joints from moisture to prevent leaks.

Membranes, silicone sealants, and pressure strips are used as insulating materials.

If you want to make a roof window with your own hands, then such a device is installed directly in the roof.

Their advantage is that they allow more sunlight into the rooms, and installation is much faster.

How to make such a window in a finished roof?

Often home owners need to install a dormer window in a finished roof.

Remaking it completely is not a cheap task, as a result of which many are interested in how to make such a window themselves. Making this option is not at all difficult.

It is better to place the dormer window in the center between the load-bearing beams. This will make the window stronger and more stable.

An opening is cut into the roofing material. Then the frame is installed on the supporting rafters.

They fasten it with self-tapping screws, fixing it very tightly.

The window opening should be carefully sealed with bitumen, silicone or acrylic sealant or vapor-tight tape.