Glazing ideas
Charley Ward explores the window solutions that can bring light and head height to your attic room
A breakdown of the options available for adding much-needed daylight and extra headroom to attic conversions
When it comes to turning your loft into a bright and useable zone, you’ll be dealing with vaulted walls where standard windows won’t be suitable. Thankfully there’s a wide range of glazing options available that will bring light and fresh air into attic rooms. Could one of these work for you?
Dormer windows
Creating a space that allows for vertical windows by projecting out of the sloping roof is a good solution for adding daylight and bringing extra headroom to a storey that often needs more of both. If you’re installing dormers to the front of your property, you’ll probably need formal planning permission, but rear additions usually fall under permitted development rights. Make sure to check with your council to find out what applies to your home.
Getting the look of a dormer right can be tricky, so it’s best to seek advice from a design professional. Going large will maximise internal space, but be careful to ensure your home remains looking proportionate on the outside.
Rooflights
Generally an affordable option, rooflights offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing the positioning of your windows on the roof and, in most cases, they won’t need planning permission. This means you can add brightness and ventilation where you need it most. You might want to position them near the shower or above a bath in an ensuite in order to remove the steam, at a height that preserves privacy, or strategically place them to provide daylight in a study area, for instance.
Some products have built-in rain sensors that close automatically when it starts to rain, meaning you can leave your rooflight open to maximise the benefits of fresh air without worrying about when the weather may change.
Balcony windows
These units push out to create extra headroom when open and fold back to sit flush with the slope of the roof when closed. Comprised of two glazed panels, the upper one is top-hung to swing out, while the lower unit is bottom-hung and opens with an integrated bannister that automatically unfolds for safety. When open, these units provide extra living space, a greater sense of volume and fresh air. The top section can be opened separately for when you just want the ventilation. Typically, this type of fenestration does not require planning permission as the balcony that’s created is not a permanent structure.
Gable-end windows
In some circumstances, the flanks of your building might offer the opportunity to introduce more light. For example, you may be able to fit standard windows (possibly with privacy glass) into the gable walls. If your property doesn’t have any overlooking issues, you might even be able to integrate an entirely glazed gable. This is complex and expensive work, but will add real wow factor to your scheme.