When embarking on a home improvement or refurbishment project, regardless of the scale or budget available, one important factor to consider is the role of natural light. Given that we spend as much as 90% of our time indoors, healthy indoor climates are vital in buildings, and in particular, our homes.
With busy work and home lives to contend with, we need to strongly consider how we gain as much natural light as possible in the spaces we use the most. Roof windows can be used to utilise the natural daylight we do have and bring in some much-needed light into a dark space.
A roof window can typically let in up to twice as much light as a conventional vertical window. This is because the glazing unit is angled directly towards the natural light source, with very little diffused or reflected light. It can allow daylight to penetrate deep into a room, illuminating areas that might otherwise be quite dark. Roof Windows can also enhance views, offer more comfort, improve indoor climate, and even be more energy efficient.
When it comes to roof windows, there are a number of options to consider. It’s important to speak to an expert and select the right product to match your living space, as well as the best fit to gain maximum daylight, comfort and energy efficiency.
Choosing the right roof windows
At VELUX®, we design windows for all types of buildings with various functions, and our products are continually evolving.
The most recognised type of roof window for homeowners is the centre-pivot roof window, but it’s also worth considering top-hung versions, and thinking about whether the positioning will suit manual or remote control operation.
Top-hung roof windows open outwards with a handle at the bottom of the window, making them ideal for installations where the bottom of the window is easily within arm’s reach. VELUX® top-hung roof windows open 45° outwards for an unrestricted view and maximise the amount of natural daylight that can be allowed in.
Classic centre-pivot roof windows are ideal for lower installations and feature a top control bar, allowing the user to install the window lower than an equivalent top-hung operated roof window. This makes space for living areas with furniture beneath the roof window and helps create a perfect view of the outside surroundings whilst standing and when seated.
Electric roof windows should also be considered for households, particularly for those who forget to open and close windows during the day and at night to improve ventilation. This job is made simpler for homeowners through the use of automatically controlled roof windows, with blinds and shutters which can be opened and closed with just one touch of a button. VELUX INTEGRA® products offer quiet and efficient remote control operation and provide an ideal solution for out-of-reach situations.
VELUX INTEGRA® roof windows also offer predefined programmes, enabling a range of comfort levels based on specific needs such as ‘good morning’, ‘good night’, ‘ventilation’, ‘on holiday’ and much more. With the touch-screen control pad, every window can be reached easier and faster – from up to 20m away from the window.
Contemporary design
Sleek designs and contemporary styles are becoming increasingly more important to consumer builds and the white polyurethane products from VELUX® are an ideal solution.
Using only the best high quality moulded polyurethane with an insulated timber core, the moisture resistant materials are well suited for humid rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms. A lacquered finish seals the windows ensuring their longevity.
For homeowners looking to give their house a modern, fresh feel, this finish is perfect for contemporary interiors and its low maintenance qualities make it an ideal long-term solution for out-of-reach areas.
Making the most of your space
Sun tunnels provide a natural daylight solution for windowless areas such as halls, storage cupboards or tight areas of the home that have limited access to natural daylight. The product is comprised of a round, rooftop window and a tunnel to transport the daylight inside allowing homeowners to achieve a brighter, more natural indoor environment.
The New Generation VELUX® Sun Tunnel, launched earlier this year, uses innovative Edge-Glow technology, a new ring of clear glass around the edge of the ceiling diffuser that allows for better daylight dispersion. The resulting natural light is more dynamic, more cost effective and brings more health benefits than electrical lighting, as well as reducing energy consumption.
Bring in the outdoors
If you’re working on a loft conversion, the perfect solution to incorporate extra daylight is to add a roof balcony. Even if the floor space in a loft is limited, it’s still possible to enjoy added space and light. The New Generation VELUX CABRIO® Balcony offers the chance to give areas in workplaces and homes extra space and light. Transforming from a roof window to a balcony in seconds, the VELUX CABRIO® Balcony gives even the smallest areas an injection of daylight and space, as well as control of fresher air to add value and a real wow factor to any home or building. With triple glazing as standard, the CABRIO® Balcony is also available in a new larger size, with an external frame size of 114cm by 252cm, providing more space for enjoying the outdoors, indoors.
For further details on the VELUX® range or advice on any products, visit www.velux.co.uk
