Product category:
Roofing and Roofllights
News Release from: Fakro GB | Subject: Roof windows
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 June 2008
Setting new standards in Roof windows
Despite the popularity of loft space conversion, little attention tends to be given to the contribution varying roof window configurations can make to interior design.
Not surprisingly in a sector which is still relatively new, there is still a constant flow of product developments, in response to changing Building Regulations and ever more exacting design requirements According to Fakro GB's Sales Director Phil Adams, "The standard centre pivot window is still by far the most popular, but the need to supply products with varying performance characteristics and visual styles is growing"
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 7 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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With greater use of roof windows for their contribution to interior design, there has been a marked trend towards use of L-shaped windows.
Initial choice at design stage between dormer and roof window may come down to style preference, but a roof window provides up to 50% more natural light than a vertical window and costs significantly less.
Dormers affect roof construction and rafter spacing, require insulation and present potential maintenance problems with ridges, hips and valleys.
Though they have a distinctive, traditional appearance, scope for positioning within the roof is limited.
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By contrast, use of roof windows rarely carries any structural implications, while a variety of shapes, sizes and combinations provides far greater flexibility and choice.
Installation is quick and far greater thermal efficiency is provided.
As a general rule for a living space, Fakro recommends that the roof window glazing area should be no less than 1:8 of the floor area.
Dormers may not be able to meet this standard, relying often on individual, large windows which can leave areas of varying light and shadow.
Even with roof windows, however, the standard of natural light is far better if a number of smaller windows are placed in different parts of the roof.
They can also be used to good effect in standard or L-shaped combinations, to provide a modern style and feel.
By extending a standard roof window into the wall, the L-shaped combination increases the field of view, something which those preferring dormers may find offers the ideal alternative.
The vertical element is already available in centre pivot and non-opening options, and late 2007 will see Fakro add another which provides a tilt and turn.
Within the room, the join between the two elements is masked by a stylish matching pine board.
Top windows, available in either arched or triangular profile, can be installed at the join above any other Fakro window, to provide strikingly distinctive character.
A further example of design versatility is the curved roof window, launched by Fakro in early 2006 for use in Dutch barn conversions and contemporary metal roof constructions.
This represents one of the most striking and unusual developments to date as previous bespoke windows were predominantly non-opening.
Taking a completely different perspective, the PTP window is made from re-inforced PVC, for use in high humidity areas such as wet rooms and kitchens.
With the trend in favour of upside-down houses and increasing popularity of wet rooms, the value of a product which also has the facility to deal with high levels of water vapour and match other PVC wall windows is an option some have favoured purely for aesthetic purposes.
Top-hung and pivot alternatives will be launched later this year to complement the existing centre pivot option.
The design has even taken account of subsequent recycling, by enabling the steel re-inforcement elements to be stripped out for disposal.
Development of something as simple as a hinge mechanism may not outwardly seem to be a major contribution to loft functionality and effectiveness.
However, by extending the choice of opening option, from top-opening to centre-pivot at the flick of a switch in the frame, the FPP preSelect design has provided a window with complete stability in any position.
One of the few arguments made in favour of dormers is access to and speed of window opening.
Like other Fakro windows, the FPP's operating handle is in the lower part of the frame, so the window is easier to use, even when situated close to the roof apex.
Even with a single roof window a number of factors have still to be considered - glazing, shape, size and flashing and, for a growing number of specifiers, sustainability.
As awareness of developments in the market begins to catch up, it has proved fertile ground for those prepared to misrepresent factors from U-value and ventilation performance, to standards such as BBA and FSC accreditation.
This may have little effect on decor and layout, but has affected choice of product.
Fakro can point to both BBA and FSC accreditation but, as Phil Adams added "Many well known roof windows are wrongly assumed to enjoy BBA accreditation while standards for FSC certification have proved too stringent for most manufacturers to meet.
Claims which are not supported in fact are now being questioned by designers so we continue to urge caution".
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