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 functional content has expanded significantly.

Types of viewing windows

There are 4 types window openings on the roof:

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 typical for gable roofs and broken attic 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;

• Antidormer 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 an antidormer 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 in finished roof without serious disassembly of the roofing pie.

There is also such a thing as lucarnes. 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 most simple 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 structure of the rafter system in the large and small versions is absolutely the same.
	Triangular window. This window is also a type 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 antique 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.
	Clerestory. 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

During construction similar structures By law, you need to 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;
• Bottom cut window frame should be at a distance of 1 m from the attic floor.

Normal daylight 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. TO vertical posts horizontal roof rafters are nailed. 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 rafters 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. Vertex roof 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 in this case 100x50 mm timber is enough.

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. At the last stage, everything is sewn up with sheets and installation can begin. roofing, 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 a gable roof. If you have any questions, write in the comments, I will try to help.

November 1, 2017

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First of all, a dormer window is installed on the roof to provide. If the room is intended to be used as a living room, then it is also necessary to create natural lighting. Another reason why you need a dormer window is the ability to leave the house through the roof in case of an emergency - fire, flood, etc. Such windows are an integral part of the external appearance of the building, giving it uniqueness and individuality.

Structural solution of dormer windows

As he says in dormer windows SNiP:

• their installation is permitted if the roof slope is at least 35 degrees;
• the entire area of ​​the dormer windows should be equal to 1/300 of the area of ​​the horizontal projection of the roof of the building;
• ceiling beams, which are the support and frame for the roof, must be placed directly above the windows that are mounted on the roof.

Dormers have their own roof, which can have a wide variety of shapes. In recent years, a triangular dormer window with steep roof slopes has become increasingly popular. This design is preferred by owners of country estates and private households.

This style is distinguished by the absence of a recess in the gable wall with a dormer window into the roof. It is placed on the same level with outer wall buildings.

Due to the significant height of the room under the peaked roof, it becomes possible to place large frames on the pediment of the dormer window, and in the decoration of the attic to use elements that resemble the vaults of cathedrals.

In addition, the triangular dormer window, as can be seen in the photo, is installed on the same axis with the window of the house, which is located below it - so it does not look redundant, but is perceived as a single whole with the facade. Due to the large steepness of the slopes (64 degrees), this arrangement of a dormer window on the roof, unfortunately, does not increase the usable area of ​​the attic.

Since the roof of the dormer triangular window descends to the main roof of the building before the valley is formed, there is no problem with waterproofing the junction of the side walls with the roof. This circumstance makes it easier to finish and seal not only the windows located on the roof, but also the roofing covering of the house. In order for the installation to be carried out correctly, it will be necessary to carry out measurements during the work and make calculations, or rather, their structural elements.

Dormer window frame

To provide lighting and ventilation to the attic space, it is necessary to create a dormer window frame.

But first you need to make the frame of the roof of the house - the order of the work is as follows:

• install gables;
• fasten the ridge beam and rafter legs;
• When constructing a roof truss system in places where the location of dormer windows is planned, openings must be provided in advance. The rafters framing them are made double, often triple, since an increased load will be placed on them.

When dormer windows are created, GOST stipulates that their gables are supported by side walls 1.5 meters high and extending deep into the house in the direction from it external wall. In this case, the frames of these walls must rest on the ceiling beams located under the window on the roof.

After the rafter system of the main roof of the house has been assembled, the frames of the side walls are mounted, and after that the crossbars and posts of the pediment frames of the windows on the horizontal roof are attached to them.

The further installation diagram for the dormer window looks like this:

• since the window gables are located in the same plane with the main wall of the building, the ends of the rafter legs, which are adjacent to them from below, are cut off at the same level as the wall sheathing;
• At the height of the ridge beams of the windows on the roof provided for in the project, lintel beams are mounted between the double legs of the rafters. Here it is strictly forbidden to make cuts or tap-ins, as this can weaken the strength of the rafter beams, so it is advisable to use metal overhead brackets to secure the ends of the lintels;
• Before installing the ridge beams of the dormer window in place, check the vertical position of the gable frames. After this they are nailed down;
• according to the template, cut a pair of rafters and install them on the gables;
• sheets of facing waterproof plywood are used to cover the gable frames. As a result, the gable sheathing should be flush with the wall sheathing.

Installation of window top grooves

At first glance, it seems that the structural solution and method of installing a dormer triangular window is similar to creating a multi-gable roof, but in reality there is a significant difference. So the slopes on a multi-gable roof have a standard slope. As for the triangular-type dormer windows, the roof slopes above them, which have a slope of 64 degrees, are connected to the roof slopes of the entire house, for which this angle is 40 degrees. In this case, the grooves are non-standard: the lower and upper parts are made differently.

In the upper part of the roof for the window (from the attic it looks like the vault of a cathedral), a design with slanted rafters is used - they support the support of the flanges (shortened rafters), located at an angle of 64 degrees. To carry out installation, you need to know the parameters of the valley rafter beam and the angles of contact with the ridge beam and the side wall.

1. Using a long level or plumb line, transfer the position of the center to the floor where the groove intersects with the beam of the ridge of the window on the roof.
2. Using a ruler, draw a line from the resulting point to the corner of the side wall. Next, draw the line of the ridge beam. Both of these segments are nothing more than a projection of the valley and the rafter beams of the ridge beam onto a horizontal plane.
3. Using a square, measure the resulting angle on the floor. Using the data obtained, the lower end of the valley rafter beam is sawed down, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the connection with the side wall of the opening.
4. A cord is pulled between the corner of the side wall and the ridge beam and the cut angle of the upper end of the rafter beam is measured using a square. The distance between these points is measured and thus the length of the rafter beam of the valley is determined.
5. Next, the projection line of the beam is transferred to the upper beam (it is located on the side wall) and the size of its lower supporting cut is measured.
6. Then the workpiece is marked - it is cut to length and the end edges are cut, observing angles of 18 and 72 degrees - and installed in place.

measure the length of the resulting chalk line and cut out a blank for the support beam from wood;

its side outer edge is cut at an angle of 64 degrees;

nailed in accordance with the line drawn using chalk.

Stages of installing a dormer window, more details in the video:

Rafter blanks for the bottom of the roof window slope are made according to a single template. During installation, their ends are cut to required sizes and installed in place.

At the final stage, when a roof with a dormer window is installed, it is necessary to sheathe the roof of this window with sheets of plywood. They begin to do the work in the direction from above the ridge. Standing at the very top, the plywood sheet is oriented along its top edge. Then, located at the bottom, measure and fasten the remaining corner elements.

The variety of designs of dormer windows allows them to fit into any type of roof. From this article you will learn about the history of the appearance of dormer window openings, their types and functions. The proposed material contains information about standard designs of dormer windows on the roof, the intricacies of their design, placement and selection.

Dormers as the center of the composition

A little history

Dormer windows became widespread in the early Renaissance, in the 16th century. At this time, the roofs of palaces and houses of noble citizens were decorated with magnificent window openings, called lucarnes. Lucarne, as a rule, was a continuation façade wall, or was located parallel to it. Such structures were given great decorative significance; stucco molding and stone carving were used in their decoration; the building was often crowned with a pointed Gothic roof, framed by intricate openwork turrets.

By the mid-19th century, dormers on roofs had become a common feature of urban and rural landscapes throughout Europe. They became simpler in appearance, losing their provocative luxury, but still successfully fulfilled their decorative and utilitarian functions. At this time, attic spaces began to turn into residential attics, which also contributed to the spread of dormer windows.

Lucarnes at Chenonceau Castle, France

In Russia, such architectural details were first discussed in 1817, after the completion of the construction of the Moscow Manege, when, due to a violation of technology, elements of the roof structure began to deteriorate. The defects that threatened the integrity of the building were repaired by a master named Slukhov. He came up with the idea of ​​equipping the roof with two rows of window openings, designed in the form of neat houses under gable roofs; each structure was equipped with a glass window facade. Original solution established the ventilation of the attic space, saved the structure from destruction and, according to legend, gave the name to roof window openings.

The architectural innovation of turning an attic into a living space quickly spread throughout the country. Dormer windows turned out to be a useful invention - their various designs are actively used in modern projects.

Manege, Moscow

Types of roof window openings

On modern houses Four types of auditory openings can be seen:

Window on the gable(in the gable wall). Making an opening from the front (end) side is the most common solution for gable and mansard roofs. This design is the most economically advantageous; its installation is, in fact, the insertion of a regular window.

Attic window in gable wall

Dormer. Gable roof with a dormer window protruding beyond the roof slope, what is commonly called a cuckoo window. The cuckoo window is a popular option, with many modifications. As an additional architectural element at home, the cuckoo complicates the roof structure, which leads to additional financial expenses. At the same time, the dormer carries an aesthetic load, increases the living space and expands the all-round view. The glass in the dormer is installed vertically, which somewhat limits the flow of light.

Gable dormers

Antidormer. In contrast to the previous design, the antidormer does not protrude beyond the slope, but is built in and recessed into its surface. Antidormer is cheaper and easier to implement than cuckoo, although it requires careful waterproofing. Despite the original appearance, this variety is not widely used, since it reduces the useful volume of the attic space. Antidormer, with his vertical arrangement glass, suitable for installation in a broken attic roof.

Single-pitch dormer and anti-drumer

Dormer window. The dormer window in the attic roof is built into the inclined plane of the roof, which provides maximum natural light. Installing an inclined window is characterized by a small amount of work and financial expenses. Dormer windows of various shapes and sizes look impressive, but are not without some costs - they are more expensive than conventional plastic analogues, are prone to leaks and, if located high, are inconvenient to use.

Double dormer window

One way to fill your attic space with sunlight is to install a skylight. Such translucent structures are installed on flat roofs; They come in a variety of sizes and configurations and make elegant additions to any home style. Rooflights require careful design and selection of materials.

Design diversity

It seems that variety constructive solutions knows no boundaries; Each craftsman strives to give the dormer window individual features. However, all this splendor can be reduced to a small number of typical window designs, which include the following models:

With a single slope(flat) roof. Window with side walls and flat roof, the slope of which is less than the slope of the main roof. In this design there is enough space under the ceiling (unlike a gable one).

With gable. A classic and much-loved cuckoo, the structure of the rafter system repeats the traditional gable roof.

Forms for every taste

Triangular dormer. It is a simplified version of the previous version and gives the building a romantic, fairy-tale look. The difference is the absence of side walls, which makes the superstructure simple to implement. The main drawback is that there is not much light coming in.

Dormer under hip roof . The hip roof with dormer windows attracts the eye, and the building acquires a respectable and elegant appearance. To achieve harmony, the angle of the hip above the dormer follows the angle of the main roof.

Dormers under the hip

On our website you can find contacts construction companies that offer. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.

Arched dormer. Attractive in appearance, but troublesome to arrange and therefore a rare option. Such window openings are sometimes placed vertically, one above the other.

Arched Dormers

Bat. The window opening is elongated and pointed at the corners (in medieval architecture it was called a “bull’s eye”). A plastic form, the construction of which requires professional skills from the performer.

Bat

Clerestory. The design, which gives the building an airy effect, can be in the shape of a pyramid, sphere, rectangle, or oval.

Functions of dormer windows

Many people decide in advance that the house must have at least one dormer window on the roof, for which appropriate changes are made at the sketching stage. Modern dormer windows have several purposes:

Ventilation. The first function of the window dormer opening. High-quality ventilation improves air circulation in the attic, so that the roofing material is not at risk of deformation and damage.

The main functions of roof windows

Lighting. The second practical goal justifies the complication of the roof structure. Sloping roof windows cope best with this.

Increase usable space. A quality not found in all types of dormer windows.

Exit to the roof. If it's time to hold repair work, the auditory opening is the most comfortable and safe way get on the roof.

Design. A typical house with a regular roof looks standard and a little boring. Dormer windows are great opportunity turn Vacation home into a design project.

Video description

About the history of dormer windows in the following video:

Subtleties of design

Dormers must comply with the overall architectural concept country house. When a decision is made about the need for a dormer window on the roof; the design is included in the sketch and drawing, and then in the final design. The design of the frame of the dormer window and the rafter system of the roof of the house takes place simultaneously. The complexity of the project and the parameters of the dormer opening are largely determined by the selected roofing material.

After the general frame is ready, it will be the turn of the roofing cake. In order for it to turn out to be of high quality, it is necessary to think through proper thermal and waterproofing and select the finishing roofing material. There are SNiP standards for dormer windows; in relation to private construction, they are rather advisory in nature and offer the most rational methods of roof design:

Possibility of arrangement. It is unlikely that there will be a place for a dormer window if the slope angle does not exceed 35º. In this case, it is recommended to limit the window opening to the pediment.

Creating a Project

Size. The minimum opening parameters are 1.2 by 0.8 m.

Accommodation. The main tasks solved by dormer and attic windows are lighting and ventilation; therefore, it is not advisable to install them on the north side of the house.

Rooftop location. Choosing a place for window openings is a matter of taste and common sense. The main wish is not to place them too close to the edges of the roof (to the ridge, eaves, gable wall - no closer than 1 m), this weakens the reliability of the system.

Multiple window placement. At least 0.8 m is left between adjacent auditory openings. This distance is maintained so that there are no problems when laying the finishing coating. In addition, closely located structures complicate preventive inspection and repair, and in winter they accumulate snow intensively and make it difficult to clear.

Placement of a dormer window. The distance of the opening to the attic floor is at least 1 m.

Video description

About attic windows in the following video:

The peculiarity of dormer windows as architectural elements is that their type and quantity are chosen depending on the style of the house, as well as on the purpose (decorative or utilitarian). Since there are no strict rules governing design, they are guided by accumulated practical experience and the personal taste of the customer or designer.

How to choose the right type of dormer window

When determining the type of dormer window suitable for the roof of a future house, the priorities are:

If you want to improve aesthetics To add originality to the building as a whole, pay attention to the bat design, arched dormer or skylight.

If lighting comes to the fore attic space, preference should be given to attic double-glazed windows. This will be a practical choice - modern models double-glazed windows, despite the large glazing area, are safe to use and have energy-saving characteristics.

Dormers in a modern project

In recent years, most owners have chosen dormer windows much more often than dormer windows; the latter can be seen mainly on houses in classic style. This is due to several reasons:

Attic structures provide better air exchange and transmit 30-40% more light.

Majority country houses are being built By modern projects . In such buildings, skylights look more natural.

Despite the higher cost, in the end skylights are more economical. Their installation does not require changing the roof structure, and the work is not so labor-intensive.

Video description

About the undoubted benefits of dormer windows in the following video:

If you neglect such an element as a dormer window and do not take care of the roof structure, unpleasant consequences are inevitable:

Lack of regular air circulation(through a window opening or ventilation system) will lead to an increase in its humidity and the accumulation of condensation.

Lack of regular lighting coupled with high humidity promotes the appearance of mold, which will start the process of destruction of the rafter system.

Roof without window openings has increased tightness, but this quality has Negative consequences. During a strong gusty wind, a difference in air pressure occurs - it is higher inside. Because of this difference (when there is an air flow outside and under the roof it is motionless), a lifting force begins to act on the rigidly fixed roof, like on an airplane wing. The dormer window equalizes pressure indoors and outdoors, preventing damage to the roof.

Dormers are an important part of the design

Conclusion

Dormer windows have a significant impact on the overall perception of the house, so they are designed at the sketch stage, simultaneously with the house. An error in calculations or work turns an original architectural detail into a conspicuous defect, which also affects the reliability of the structure. A prudent owner entrusts the construction of the roof to a specialized construction organization. Qualified designers and experienced roofers will ensure a quality result: reliable rafter system, impeccable heat and waterproofing, aesthetic finishing.

Photo from the site: lestnitsygid.ru

Introduction to the topic and general knowledge: what is a roof dormer and what does it serve?

Photo from website: kryshadoma.com

In fact, if you raise your head up and take a closer look at the roofs of the buildings surrounding you, you will notice that in any attic or simply hip roof of a fairly large size there is usually not one, but several dormers, placed symmetrically. Moreover, among the people, such structural elements have quite a lot of different names. For example, they are usually spoken as birdhouse, dormer, rooster, etc. But most often, such small projections with windows and a roof, similar to gnome houses, are still called dormer windows. It makes sense to find out what it is and what it is used for, so that you don’t throw up your hands when troubles arise.

First of all, you need to figure out what dormers are needed for, and only then look for the reason for such a name. Initially, dormers had exclusively technical significance; with the help of such vents, constant proper ventilation of attic spaces was ensured, in order to avoid overheating of structures, as well as their deformation, which could lead to the destruction of the structure as a whole.

It is remarkable that few people understand why a dormer window is called a dormer window, and there is no scientific, that is, reliable explanation for this, but there are several kind of folk versions about the origin of such a name. In fact, it is more likely that the name comes from the old Russian word “hearing”, which not only meant the ability to hear, but also called a hole, a small hole through which you can hear something.

However, there is also a legend that describes in detail what it is - a dormer window, as well as where this definition came from, in a completely different way. This legend concerns the construction of the Moscow Manege in 17 of the nineteenth century. Naturally, a team of roofers, led by master Slukhov, was also busy with the construction. At first, the roof was solid and there were no air vents in it, but even before the final completion of the project, it was discovered that the colossal attic spaces were so overheated that they simply deformed the rafters and almost destroyed the entire structure. That is why master Slukhov suggested making special cones that would provide light and ensure proper ventilation.

Wonderful dormer windows on the roof: photos and main advantages

Photo from the site: recn.ru

Initially, dormer-type windows were intended solely to provide high-quality ventilation, therefore they are never placed on the north side, from where cold air masses can blow in, but over time, it became clear that such windows are simply ideal for lighting. In some countries, certain sizes of dormer windows on the roof, their shape and even wishes in decoration are even specifically prescribed, for example, in such old cities as Krakow or Prague. If there is no need for lighting, then such windows can be simply covered with bars, which will not affect the appearance of the building in any way.

Thus, we have already understood what dormer windows are, it remains to figure out why everyone prefers to make such elements in the roof. It is also worth understanding what benefits such design details can bring to the structure as a whole, which many have heard about, but only narrow specialists understand such issues.

Photo from the site: onduline.ru

• No matter how well the floors between floors are insulated, losses of thermal energy from the attic are simply inevitable. That is, warm air tends upward to the roof, where it collides with cold metal, tiles or slate. Condensation forms on the inner surface, and water can undermine the stone, and not only destroy the wooden rafters.
• In a dark and damp room, fungus and mold appear much more quickly, which over time will certainly get inside the room.
• In the absence of sunlight and free air movement, the air in the attic becomes musty and dangerous to humans, filled with black mold spores, which can lead to serious health problems.
• Dormer windows also have properties check valve when there is a strong wind. It can destroy a solid roof or simply tear it off, since blowing under it, it creates rarefied flows, which lift the edges of the roof. If there are windows, they are the ones who are able to take on the entire pressure of bad weather, and the wind is more likely to knock them out than to blow off the entire roof.

That is, even when the building is large enough, and the roof is quite heavy, and you are not afraid that it will be blown off by the wind, a dormer window on the roof is necessary, since it will work like a valve and prevent the occurrence of vibration, which is one hundred percent impossible cannot benefit the building.

Dormer window on the roof: design, drawing and comments about

Photo from the site: info-krovlya.ru

Every architect, and even builder, is well aware of what such a window is intended for, and the design of a dormer window can be classical, but not only that. The classic is a kind of small house on the roof, here you just need to roughly calculate the illumination (every meter of window is ten meters of usable internal area), and that’s all. In addition, it is worth understanding that the design of the dormer window can in no way violate the beam system, therefore they are made precisely in the spaces between the load-bearing beams, and nothing else.

Among other things, the dormer window is an outlet for lighting and ventilation, and not just decorative element, therefore they must be functional, for which they are often glazed or closed with special blinds, which will prevent blowing in attic spaces a variety of precipitation, dust, dirt and debris, which are often driven by the wind. At proper organization design of dormer windows, the temperature inside and outside the attic should not differ by more than five to fifteen degrees, in one direction or another, this will mean that everything is in order, and your house is reliably protected from vibrations, as well as condensation and all its unpleasant consequences.

Photo from the site: StoyDiz.ru

It is also worth understanding that structurally, all such structures can be divided into two main types of dormer windows, which would not hurt to understand:

1. Single-pitch dormer windows can only be installed on a roof where its main slope is no more than twenty-five degrees. This creates a flow of precipitation towards the window, which is not very good. This option is quite simple to implement, however, an additional guarantee against leakage will be required, for which the roof overhang is made much larger, which sometimes looks quite ridiculous. If the slope is even less, for example, fifteen percent, then you will have to use special materials, for example, rolled asphalt, with roofing felt or molten tar on top. It doesn’t look very nice, and you’ll have to tinker a lot, although it won’t cost much.
2. A better and more suitable option are gable dormer windows; a photo of a similar option can be seen above. It is clear that you will have to work hard here, mainly due to the joining of two surfaces. What will be important here is high-quality sealing of all seams and joints, and then the water will flow where it is needed. Such a window can be either with a pointed or a rounded roof, which is especially popular with architects who create special forms of buildings for which such elements will seem like business card. The cost of constructing a window will be much higher than a lean-to window, but the basic functionality is significantly different.

Photo from the site: dearhouse.ru

Often, the radius-dome design of the original dormer windows is also used, but it is more complex in implementation and installation, which is why not every professional master takes on such projects. To cover such windows, it is most often customary to use the same material as the rest of the roof, although there are options, just if you do it this way, the roof will look solid. You also need to understand that the design of the “house” of the dormer window will necessarily exactly repeat the design of a conventional roof, with all the rafters and load-bearing beams, otherwise it may turn out to be unreliable and short-lived.

In addition, dormer windows can have completely different sizes, everything will depend on the configuration and dimensions of the roof itself, its slope, the distance between the supporting main beams, but there are still several recommendations. For example, if there is an attic, dormer windows can be placed no higher than a meter from the floor of this room in the attic. Another thing worth considering is expert advice regarding the number of such vents. Their total width must exceed half the length of the roof slope, otherwise they simply will not be of any use.

Photo from the site: forumhouse.ru

Finally, it’s worth talking a little about the materials from which dormer windows can be made, since this really matters. Naturally, previously only wooden dormer windows could have been popular, since it is quite difficult to ensure sealing. Wood is extremely hygroscopic and if it has not undergone proper processing and impregnation, it will very quickly become unusable. It will have to be carefully monitored, thoroughly examined once or twice a year, and, if necessary, restored and painted.

Because optimal choice at this time, of course, they will become plastic, as well as metal-plastic windows, which are easy to care for, durable and extremely functional in use. you can read the instructions on our website, which will make the work much easier, especially for those who have not previously dealt with such structures.

Readers, hello! I rarely watch TV in the morning, but today I woke up early, got some sleep, and decided to see what was going on in the world.

The abundance of windows on the roofs immediately caught my eye. I will tell you why dormer windows are created on the roof in this article.

Why are dormer windows needed, is it possible to do without them, and in general, what is a dormer window?

Such questions often arise during the construction of hipped roofs, the answers to which sometimes even from specialist builders are not so clear as to realize the true need for a dormer window.

A birdhouse or dormer window is a small structural element (window) of mansard or attic roofs. This window has a lot of original names: rooster, train, bull's eye, bat, gnome's house, hatch, dormer.

At first, the window was designed only for the purpose of ventilating the attic space, but over time it began to serve as a natural source of light in the attic and acquired its functional and decorative significance.

Natural lighting of the attic floor determines the location of the dormer window - south direction. Since the main purpose of a “gnome house” is to obtain high-quality ventilation and lighting, such an architectural element is never located on the north side.

As already written above, the main function of the dormer window is- This is to ensure sufficient ventilation of the attic. But what happens if you ignore the design recommendations and do not install, at a minimum, a ventilation duct:

1. Even with high-quality interfloor thermal insulation, heat loss into the attic space is inevitable. This heat cools sharply in the attic and falls out in the form of condensation, which, if there is insufficient ventilation, affects its accumulation.
2. Lack of lighting provokes the accelerated formation of mold and mildew, not to mention such unpleasant creatures. Therefore, even a very clean house owner, if there is no dormer window in the attic, will constantly experience unpleasant factors.

Justification for the need for a dormer window from the point of view of physics and the fundamentals of construction: The roof is the weakest element of the building; strong winds constantly try to destroy it, and when the roof structure is rigid enough, the wind tries to lift it.

The question arises: “How is this?”

A strong wind, due to the speed of the air flow, causes a vacuum above the roof, but under the roof without a dormer window the pressure does not change. Therefore, the roof, like a balloon, tries to rise, and accordingly, the higher the wind speed, the more this phenomenon manifests itself.

Note!

Even if the roof is heavy and securely attached to the walls, vibration is sure to occur, which negatively affects the entire structure.

From the point of view of practical construction in conditions of inclement weather conditions, the dormer window is a kind of overpressure valve, i.e. a strong flow of wind will knock out the windows faster, thereby balancing the pressure, rather than lifting the entire roof.

Design of traditional dormer windows

1. The classic manifestation of a dormer window is a roof superstructure in the form of a small house. Moreover, a rough calculation of the size of the dormer window is carried out according to the rules of room illumination.
2. Since dormer windows must be installed without disturbing or changing the beam structure, most often several windows are built in the spaces between the beams.
3. Dormer windows are made either glazed or simply louvered, and the window opening is often combined with a ventilation system based on blinds. Sufficient ventilation of the attic space is considered to be a temperature difference of 5-10 degrees relative to the street.

With a greater temperature difference, the appearance of condensation will be more pronounced, which will require the use of materials in the roof that can regulate humidity.

Structurally, dormer windows are mainly of two types:

Single-pitch– the roof is made flat with a roof slope of about 15 degrees, which creates a flow of precipitation towards the window.

This design is distinguished by its ease of manufacture, but for greater reliability against leakage it is necessary to provide a sufficient overhang of the roof over the house itself, which from the outside looks slightly comical (a large hat on a small head).

Gable dormer structures are more difficult to manufacture due to the need to organize the correct joining of roof parts at different angles. But provided that the seams are properly sealed, they are more practical (water flow is better distributed) and visually more logical.

As a variety gable construction For dormer windows, a radius or dome roof is often made, which looks more solid.

For the manufacture of dormer window structures, so as not to disturb the harmony of the architecture, similar materials are used with the roof. Moreover, the installation of dormer windows is useful both on newly constructed roofs and on those requiring repair.

source: http://postroimka-dom.ru

Comfort, Beautiful design, sufficient forced ventilation, illumination of the room - these are the tasks that dormer windows solve.

The room located under the roof is often not only technical, but also residential.

Therefore, the requirements for the installation of façade windows are very high. The dormer window is a kind of business card of the building.

Made in the required style, they complete the roof structure and make the building recognizable among others.

The fashion for the appearance of windows has changed, different times dormer windows range from magnificent and pretentious, as, for example, in the Middle Ages, to completely simple and invisible in the early seventies of the last century.

Nowadays, roof and dormer windows, despite all the similarity of functions, have completely different design features from each other. A roof window is, as a rule, a frame with glass inscribed in the plane of the roof.

Modern construction technologies led to a huge variety of forms and other design features to the taste of the customer.

Classification of dormer window device

The design of a dormer window according to the design of the roof slope can be classified as follows:

• flat;
• quadrangular single-pitched;
• quadrangular gable;
• triangular;
• semicircular;
• panoramic, trapezoidal;
• completely glass, the so-called “light lantern”.

Architectural features of triangular dormer windows

Widespread in modern buildings received triangular dormer windows with roof slopes of a large angle of inclination. The pediment of such a window is in the same plane as the pediment of the entire building.

The installation of a triangular window is carried out according to such a scheme that its axial lines coincide with the axial lines of the windows of the walls of the building itself, which makes it possible to perceive the dormer window as a harmonious element, skillfully included in the set of the entire building.

The steepness of the roof slopes does not allow increasing the volume of the attic, but it solves other problems, such as storm drainage of the building.

The advantage of installing dormer windows of this type is the simplicity of solving the issue of waterproofing the side walls. The slope of such a window goes down to the roof of the building to the valley, solving the issue of tightness of both the window and the entire roof of the building as a whole.

Design and installation of a dormer window frame

The installation of dormer windows according to the project begins with the installation of a frame onto which the dormer window itself is attached.

Of course, the frame of the dormer window is in no way a separate element; it is assembled together with the roof frame of the entire building. The roof base consists of rafters and ridge beams.

Helpful advice!

Between the rafters, in the places where the dormer windows are installed, there is a significant strengthening of the structure; double and triple rafters are provided. This is due to solving issues of safety and structural rigidity.

Technologies have been developed that provide correct installation dormer windows.

Schematically, the technology for installing dormer windows can be outlined as follows:

• According to GOST 1250681, the lower rafter legs must be cut flush with the plane of the main building
• Installation and fastening of double lintel beams installed between double rafter legs. To avoid reducing the strength of the structure, cutting them into the body of the rafter beams is not allowed.
• Verification of the verticality of gable frames when installing ridge beams
  dormer window. The next stage of installation is fastening the ridge beams into place
• A pair of rafters is cut out according to the template, and then attached to the gables of the dormers
• The frame must be sewn up with sheets of construction waterproof plywood.

source: http://stroyara.ru

Expanding the space

The device in the roof of the dormer window is one of effective methods improving the appearance of the house, lighting the attic space and its ventilation. And the most important thing is that with the help of these windows you can create additional useful living space.

If the height of your attic does not meet the requirements of SNiP (for more than half of the area it should be at least 2.25 meters from the finished floor to the ceiling), installing a dormer window will help expand the space in your home if necessary.

Even small ones, they add usable space and visually expand the attic. In my own way appearance dormer windows resemble small house consisting of walls, windows and roof.

As expected, they fit into general style homes and have similar window lines, roof slopes, trim and architectural details. Often the dormer window intersects with the roof at its highest point - this is the level of the ridge main roof.

Since a dormer window can significantly change general form home, its proportions should be carefully thought out. A well-designed dormer will usually be large in size to justify the full cost of its installation.

However, a dormer window should not spoil the architectural integrity of your home; this can happen if it turns out to be very bulky.

Note!

It is better to wisely place about two or three small dormers along the roof; this will look much better than one huge one.

Dormer window placement options

The dormer window can have almost the same number of configurations and shapes as there are architectural styles. But basically there are only two types - single-slope and gable.

Single-pitched dormer window

The simplest form of a dormer window. It has flat roof, with a slope slightly less than the slope of the main roof. It will be much easier to install such a window than another dormer window, and the construction itself will be more cost-effective.

This relationship is due to the fact that it provides more space above the head than a gable dormer window of the same width.

The slope angle of the roof on a single-pitch dormer window does not depend on the slope of the roof of the building itself. When solving a specific problem, it is necessary to remember that the smaller the slope of the roof slope of the dormer window, the more space there will be above your head.

And as a result, the usable area directly inside the building will increase. The only thing worth considering when designing a slope is ensuring proper drainage of rainwater.

As the slope decreases, the types of roofing material that you can use to cover the building are limited.

Conventional roofing felt or fiberglass roofing tiles require a minimum slope of 25% (25 centimeters of vertical drop per 100 centimeters of horizontal run). Wooden tiles are not recommended for use with a slope of less than 30%.

A roof with a slope of less than 25% usually requires special roofing material; such as compacted asphalt covered with seamless rubber roll roofing or hot tar.

Gable dormer window

A gable dormer window can have a peaked or rounded roof, and precipitation drains from it on both sides of the window.

A gable dormer window is complex design, and its construction, as a rule, requires greater costs than the construction of a single-pitched dormer window.

Helpful advice!

It is worth remembering that a roof with such a design seriously reduces the height of the ceiling, and most of the area that we get when constructing a dormer window will not constitute useful living space.

Construction of a dormer window

When constructing a dormer window, it is necessary to remove part of the roof and roof deck, and then saw down a series of rafters to create an opening. When gluing window parts, you can use drywall adhesive.

Before starting this work, the rafter legs should be carefully secured using temporary supports. All this work must be planned for those days when the weather is warm and dry.

With all this, it is also necessary to provide temporary cover for the opening in the roof before starting work. Often used for such purposes plastic sheets, which are temporarily fixed to the roof.

source: http://stroybower.ru

The name of the dormer window is known to everyone, but few people know why it is called that.

In Vladimir Dahl’s explanatory dictionary, this term is placed in the article “Hearing”, next to the words “vent”, “opening” and “for hearing”.

Continuing the series of interpretations, the scientist wrote down “rumor in the roof” and “dormer window.”

Interestingly, in the same article by Dahl, the expression “rumors blow with the wind” is given. Previously, such windows were installed in servants' rooms, and their name is quite consistent with evening gatherings and snatches of conversations carried by the wind.

There is another legend associated with the Moscow Manege, which was built in 1817 in honor of the victory over Napoleonic France. The construction of the Manege was carried out by an artel of a serf man named Slukhov.

Initially, the roof of the Manege, like the gables, was without windows and the attic was not ventilated. During the intense heat, the attic became hot, and the expanding air deformed the building's ceiling and roof.

The incident was reported to Emperor Alexander I, and the roof had to be urgently redone. Slukhov found a way out and placed it on the slopes a large number of windows for ventilation, after which they were called by the name of the craftsman - dormer windows.

Another function of windows was to reduce the load on the ceiling. The beams could not withstand the weight of the huge span and sagged. A strong draft created a zone of low pressure above the ceiling, due to which the load on the beams decreased.

Nowadays, dormers are widely used in the construction of pitched roofs and perform three functions: access to the roof, ventilation and lighting of the attic space.

The four most famous types of dormer windows are:

• with a gable roof;
• with a gable roof;
• with a flat roof;
• circular

The design of the roofs of the dormer windows is carried out according to general rules. Can be used as a coating roofing materials ondulin, metal tiles, and others.

Dormer window frames are mounted in the same plane as the walls and are varied. The most common are frames with rectangular and arc (circular) openings.

Another name for dormer windows is “lucarne,” which is translated from French as a dormer window. In recent years, attics have become very popular and it is possible that soon the term “dormer window” will remain only in old books.