Before buying a roof window you should consider the house interior and exterior design, ergonomics and how to get most light from your windows.
Daylight is a fundamental need, and human beings always respond positively to daylight. We get more energy, learn faster and we have less tendency to get stress related illnesses. It is therefore a personal investment to get as much daylight into your attic as possible.

What to consider to maximise light from your roof windows:

• The size of the roof window
• The number of roof windows
• The position of the roof windows
• The shape of the internal lining

Same window area = More daylight

Bigger windows of course admit more daylight, but it is also worth considering more smaller windows as a better overall effect can be achieved (see above).

• Using one roof window would allow daylight to light approximately 46% of this room.
• Using two roof windows with a combined total surface area of the previous window would allow daylight to light approximately 48% of this room.
• Four roof windows with the same combined total surface area distributed more evenly would allow daylight to light approximately 65% of this room!

Correct lining for maximum light

You can also admit more light into the room by using the correct lining. If the lining is vertical below the window, and horizontal above the window, you allow more light to enter the room.

Correct lining for free circulation

Correctly splayed reveals allow more light to enter the room.
Incorrectly splayed reveals trap warm air and may cause condensation. Correctly splayed reveals trap warm air to circulate freely around the room.

Fitting roof windows to rafters

Before deciding on a particular size of window, the structural integrity of the roof should be considered fully. Most roofs can be adapted to take roof windows but some engineered trusses should not be cut without a proven solution. If you have any doubts which beam to cut we recommend professional advice is sought before commencing work.

Outlook of the house

In addition to internal light and design, you should also consider what visual impact the roof windows will have on your house from the outside. Please consider the roof windows' position in relation to existing windows in the house. Then try to balance the need for internal light with the external architecture. By doing this your roof windows will look elegant from the outside and perform according to your needs on the inside.

Snow Guard

Using snow guard above your roof window(s) is always recommended to prevent permanent damage.

Steeper Pitch: Longer Window.

A roof window should always be placed in the correct height and have the correct size to suit your specific needs.

Choosing the correct window size has to do with the roof pitch on your house. If you have a low roof pitch you need a larger roof window height to have the same view as in a house with a steeper roof pitch. A general rule is therefore that "the lower the pitch of the roof, the higher the roof window".

In addition to the size of the roof window you should also consider in which height to install the roof window. It is important that most occupants in the house have a clear view out the window.

There is no one single "correct" window size or window placement. The window should always be placed for the convenience and functionality of the users, and this can vary according to the conditions.

For the same view, a shallow pitch roof requires a taller window than a roof with a steeper pitch.

Choose an appropriate blind

Before buying a blind you have to think about why you need a blind in order to decide which blind type best suits your needs. On the picture you can see the effect of each blind on light and warmth.

Safety during installation