Bringing daylight in from above is a quick and effective way to transform a room. Roof windows have the ability to improve living comfort, visual and thermal comfort, and the way we perceive a home. Dark areas are soon a thing of the past, colors pop, and we suddenly want to take possession of that previously underutilized room. What’s more, the good news is that installing roof windows isn’t as expensive as you might think, and the project is very quick: half a day for a replacement,
Cost factors for installing roof windows
Window type
There are several types of openings for a roof window, each of which has an influence on the price. The pivot system is the least expensive: the window tilts completely thanks to a maneuvering bar at the top. It is practical for placing furniture underneath. Projecting windows have the same maneuvering bar but also have a handle at the bottom. This allows it to be opened completely and have a clear view of the outside. Finally, balcony windows are glass windows that, when opened, transform into a real balcony on the roof, where you can lean on it and offer a 180° view of the outside.
Chassis
The frame, meanwhile, must be properly insulated to provide optimal thermal comfort . In terms of materials, wood is the best insulator, especially fir. PVC is also an interesting option. As for aluminum, it is optimized by advanced manufacturing techniques, allowing it to offer excellent thermal performance.
Glazing
At VELUX, customers have a choice of several types of glazing. Standard glazing is installed only on pivot windows. The glass is clear and provides effective thermal insulation. Comfort glazing offers enhanced insulation and significant energy savings. It is designed to block between 77 and 80% of external heat. In addition, it is made of laminated safety glass. All Comfort glazing is the most efficient glazing offered by the VELUX brand. It combines all the elements of comfort: insulating and laminated double glazing, increased thermal and sound insulation, and a “Clear & Clean” coating that makes the window easier to maintain. It is also possible to install specific glazing according to your needs: high sound insulation or triple glazing, for example.
The size and number of windows
To determine the right size for your roof window, be aware that to comply with RT 2012, the glazed surface area must represent at least 1/6th of the living space. This requirement aims to improve the natural lighting aspect of your project.
At VELUX, the overall dimensions (glazed area only) start at 55 cm wide x 70 cm high and can go up to 134 cm x 140 cm high. Obviously, the more windows there are, the higher the quote will be, but the brighter the room will be. It is also possible to install glass roof windows. The VELUX 3-in-1 glass roof, in particular, is an assembly of three roof windows in a single frame, for a lower cost than three separate windows.
The opening
A motorized window, controlled by remote control, is, of course, more expensive than a manually opened window. There are also intelligent systems such as VELUX ACTIVE , designed to monitor the indoor climate automatically. Thanks to its sensors, it detects the temperature, humidity and CO2 levels in the room and automatically opens and closes the roof windows according to the needs for blackout, light and ventilation.