Have there ever been times when you wanted to step out onto a balcony but there wasn’t enough room? Roof window balconies provide a creative fix for this frequent issue. They create a distinctive outdoor space directly beneath your roof by fusing the advantages of a small balcony with the functionality of a roof window.
Your attic or loft space can be transformed with these adaptable installations, adding more light and inviting elements. They let you take in the view from a different angle and offer more ventilation. A roof window-balcony can create an open and airy feeling in even the smallest space.
Roof window-balconies come in a variety of forms to accommodate a range of requirements and architectural preferences. Some slide down to form a safety railing, while others open outward to form a small platform. Selecting the ideal option for your home can be made easier if you are aware of the various types and their features.
There are various steps involved in installing a roof window-balcony, such as preparing the roof, putting in the frame, and making sure the insulation is adequate. To guarantee a safe and accurate installation, it is imperative to closely adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and to think about hiring a professional.
A roof window-balcony is an innovative feature that combines a window and a small balcony, providing both daylight and outdoor access. | This feature enhances living spaces, especially in urban environments where outdoor space is limited. |
Types of roof window-balconies include fixed, opening, and sliding designs, each offering different levels of ventilation and access. | Installation involves ensuring proper waterproofing and structural support, often requiring professional installation to maintain safety and functionality. |
- What is the design?
- When and where installation is possible?
- Types of transformers
- By design features
- By material
- By type of opening
- Other varieties
- Parameter requirements
- Installation process
- What difficulties might you encounter??
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Price in Russia
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What is the design?
A translucent structure with two vertically opening doors set in a pitched roof pie is called a roof window-balcony. Effective ventilation of the attic space is ensured by opening the top sash, and the window becomes a vertical balcony railing when the lower portion of the window is tilted.
As a result, this translucent block accomplishes three crucial tasks at once: it allows for the attic to be naturally lit, maintains the right air exchange rate, and allows the building to be used as a fully functional balcony during the summer.
When and where installation is possible?
Roof window installation is feasible in the following categories of underutilized areas found in private and public structures:
- Attic floors, provided that the rafter system descends to the horizontal plane of the attic floor.
- Pitched roofs, if the pitch of the rafters allows the installation of a window unit with a width of more than 700 mm, for unobstructed access to the balcony formed when the sashes are opened.
- Operable under-roof spaces, if they are subject to special requirements to ensure the evacuation of people in the event of an emergency.
However, there are situations in which it is not feasible to install these kinds of translucent, transforming structures:
- If the rafter spacing cannot be increased due to strict design requirements.
- In the case when the slope of the pitched roof forms an angle of less than 15 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, which causes an increased stress concentration from the mass of the snow bag in winter.
- If the pitched roof begins with cutting off the attic wall structures, the height of which exceeds 500 mm, which makes it difficult to easily access the transformable balcony.
Transformer windows are the priciest kind of translucent attic structures, so before you buy and install them, confirm that their intended use can proceed without any problems. If this isn’t feasible, it’s preferable to stick with conventional mid-turn windows and decline to buy such products.
Types of transformers
There are many different kinds of transformers among the manufacturing companies that make window blocks for attics; each is explained in more detail below.
By design features
Balcony windows are categorized into the following groups based on their design elements:
- Attic balcony area:
- Design features: double rotary mechanism with translucent opening doors. Both movable sections operate independently of each other, which allows for easy ventilation of the attic space in winter.
- What kind of roofs is it suitable for: suitable for any pitched roofs, provided that the inclined plane abuts the attic floor structure.
- Advantages: improved view characteristics, morning sunlight entering the room from any angle, the ability to adjust the air exchange rate.
- Disadvantages: difficulty in operating a balcony in winter, rapid wear of fittings, risk of thermal inhomogeneity.
- Vertical retractable balcony:
- Design features: the lower translucent element extends on runners to a standardized amount, the upper rotary sash plays the role of a canopy over the plane of the cantilever balcony.
- Which roofs are suitable for: pitched roofs that rest on the vertical walls of the attic with a height of up to 1.5 m.
- Advantages: possibility of forming a full-fledged balcony with an usable surface.
- Disadvantages: rafters need to be rearranged, since the width of the cantilever part can reach 1.5 – 2.0 m, high retail cost of the structure, the need for periodic servicing of mechanisms.
In order to create a dependable stop when selecting a retractable structure, load-bearing components must be built in compliance with the supplier’s technical specifications and the intricate design drawings.
By material
Transforming windows are also separated into a number of categories based on the material utilized:
- Wooden:
- Design features: the profile is made from completely natural components – hard wood (oak, larch, teak, red meranti). To prevent the formation of mold or destruction under the influence of an aggressive environment, the outer and inner surfaces are treated with protective penetrating compounds and paint coatings.
- What roofs is it suitable for: any pitched roofs, the supporting structures of which are presented in the form of wooden rafters located at a certain pitch. When installing a window, optimal heat transfer resistance is achieved, increased sound insulation properties, and delamination of the assembly seam is eliminated due to the identical thermal expansion of the material.
- Advantages: high environmental friendliness, the porous structure of wood does not require additional insulation, the structure is easily restored in case of physical wear or mechanical damage.
- Disadvantages: paints and varnishes require periodic renovation, high degree of fire hazard, if moisture gets into the structure of the material, the frame may swell.
- Plastic:
- Design features: multi-chamber energy-efficient profile is reinforced with a steel frame, which minimizes deformation and the risk of destruction of the finished product.
- Which roofs are suitable for: pitched roofs covered with metal tiles or sheets with seams, for attic interiors finished in a modern style.
- Advantages: minimal moisture absorption, increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation, relatively low retail cost.
- Disadvantages: plastic deformations lead to bending of the structure over time, white plastic turns yellow under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, low environmental friendliness – when heated, PVC products release toxins.
- Metal:
- Design features: aluminum or galvanized sheets are bent into the shape of a closed profile using the cold deformation method and covered with protective powder coatings, followed by sintering in a heat chamber.
- Suitable for: pitched roofs over attics of residential or public buildings with metal rafters, ideal for installation in an enclosing structure made of metal tiles or galvanized sheets.
- Advantages: increased reliability and durability of each product, the ability to construct extended structures with a uniform cross-section, minimal moisture absorption, immunity to sunlight.
- Disadvantages: risk of corrosion if the protective layer is damaged, occurrence of cold bridges, provided there is no rupture in the cross-section of the product, when using thin metal, dents may form due to impact.
- Combined:
- Design features: the frames of window block-balconies are a combination of steel and plastic or metal and wooden elements. In the manufacture of such window structures, the maximum wear resistance is achieved; the products do not deform under the influence of impact loads, or when a snow bag forms.
- Suitable for: all types of pitched roofs with an inclination angle of 15 to 60 degrees, provided there is sufficient free space for installing a balcony structure.
- Advantages: resistance to precipitation, ease of operation and adjustment of fittings, no need to restore the product during long-term operation.
- Disadvantages: high retail cost, complexity of repair work and maintenance, in case of breakdown.
It’s important to estimate potential heat loss before buying metal profiles and, if required, to insulate the profile structure’s internal cavities from the inside.
By type of opening
There are three basic types of transforming windows that can be installed in pitched roofs, depending on the kind of opening:
- Rotating, with offset axes:
- Design features: movable sashes open in the vertical direction, relative to the rotary axis, located either at the level with the fastening of horizontal imposts, or with a slight offset to the center of the product.
- Suitable for: classic pitched roofs, provided the rafters are attached to the wall plate, located at the same level as the last floor slab.
- Advantages: the lowest cost of products among windows in the price category under consideration, ease of operation and maintenance of mechanisms, including their adjustment.
- Disadvantages: requires periodic adjustment of the rotary axis; winter ventilation can only be carried out when installing a multi-stage clamp.
- Swing:
- Design features: open horizontally, relative to the axis of rotation located coaxially with the rafter legs, provide access to the roof when only the upper segment is opened.
- Which roofs are suitable for: attic roofs, the operation of which implies unhindered evacuation of people, as well as direct access for maintenance or surface cleaning.
- Advantages: ease of installation, since the fittings consist of simple rotary hinges, and the locking handle is located along the opposite long side of the sash.
- Disadvantages: difficulty opening the structure under increased load from thick snow cover, risk of snow getting in during winter ventilation, require installation of scissors to be able to tilt the movable part of the window.
- Retractable:
- Design features: the mechanism consists of movable skids and rollers on ball bearings, which ensure the movement of the balcony console to the desired amount.
- Which roofs are suitable for: sloping roofs with vertical sections of walls.
- Advantages: original design, improved view characteristics, when assembled, snow and other precipitation will not fall on the balcony.
- Disadvantages: high cost, risk of corrosion of moving elements, need for service and repair, if the calculated temporary load from the weight of people is not observed, deformations of the guides may occur.
- Electric motors can be integrated into all of these mechanisms to ensure comfortable opening at the push of a button.
Other varieties
Because attic transformable window designs are always evolving, innovators worldwide provide unique renditions and fixes for transparent components like these:
- Hinged, thermally strengthened attic blocks that form a resting plane – open in the vertical direction, relative to the lower attachment point.
- Tilt roof windows with top fixing point. – when opened, the telescopic structure forms a shelf for support, as well as for installing decor.
- Rotary structures with a fan shelf – when opened, a bay window is formed, which can be used both for decorative purposes and as a recreation area, provided that a panoramic window is installed.
The primary disadvantage of the above-discussed designs is that they are made in single copies, lack a certificate, and cannot be utilized in capital structures that have been turned over to the state commission as possibly hazardous structures.
An inventive architectural element known as a roof window-balcony converts a roof window into a tiny balcony that offers fresh air, natural light, and an outdoor area. These adaptable units are available in several varieties, each made to accommodate distinct roof shapes and aesthetics. A successful installation of a roof window-balcony necessitates adhering to manufacturer guidelines and consulting professionals as there are specific steps involved in ensuring proper sealing, insulation, and structural support.
Parameter requirements
There are several significant design and functional requirements that go into the fundamentals of balcony windows:
- Strength of the window block structure, fittings and other elements.
- When installing a translucent product on sloping roofs, it is necessary to use triplex or thermally strengthened glass.
- Installation of a balcony window should not weaken the load-bearing capacity of the rafter system.
- After installing a translucent structure, the product should not cause a drop in energy efficiency below the design limit.
- A window unit with a balcony must provide noise insulation of 42 dB, which is the norm for residential premises.
- The installation seam is arranged in such a way that its service life is no less than that of the translucent element itself.
- Transformer window fittings must meet the highest reliability category – at least 40 – 50 thousand. complete opening and closing cycles, without the need for major repairs or replacement.
If these requirements are not met, which affect most translucent structures mounted in roof structures as well as vertical external walls, there is a chance that their use won’t be allowed when the facility is being commission.
Installation process
It is advised to hire professionals to install these roof windows since they will need close adherence to every detail of the technology map and a heightened awareness of the subtleties:
- If it is necessary to rearrange the rafter legs, it will be necessary to calculate the roof structure for strength and carry out reinforcement.
- The window block is attached to the rafters and other adjacent structures to form an assembly seam, which is subsequently filled with foam and sealed with sealing tape.
- Considering that the attic floor is the place where the greatest amount of thermal energy accumulates, in order to avoid the formation of condensation, a vapor-permeable membrane will be required to seal the seam.
- Immediately after installation, the fittings are subject to adjustment with control of the normal opening of each segment.
- Side slopes must be finished with an additional layer of insulation.
The lower slope, which doubles as a threshold, needs to be completed after the balcony window is installed so that it won’t collapse under a person’s weight.
What difficulties might you encounter??
Beginners may commit several grave errors when installing transforming window blocks, which will have unfavorable effects.
- Freezing of the assembly seam – when fixing window blocks, it is necessary to completely eliminate the risk of direct contact of the profile structure with the rafter legs.
- To avoid the formation of a cold bridge, it is also necessary to install a damper tape made of elastic elastomer around the entire perimeter of the parts of the window frame protruding from the plane.
- Leakage of the window frame – the external junction of the finishing roof covering to the frame of the window unit must be reinforced with a plastic or steel overlay, which is glued with silicone or acrylic sealant.
- Distortion of the translucent block – before fixing the anchor plates, it is necessary to ensure that the frame is aligned with the position of the inclined rafter legs, which eliminates the formation of stress concentrations and depressurization of the seam.
- Touching of the moving parts of the window against the supporting frame – during operation of the window unit, distortion or swelling of the wooden parts may occur, which requires periodic adjustment of the fittings.
The manufacturer has specified that transforming window units should be used for at least that amount of time, provided that all the listed nuances and recommendations are followed.
Advantages and disadvantages
Customers are increasingly choosing balcony windows because of their many advantages:
- Maximum illumination of the used attic space.
- Possibility of creating a full-fledged recreation area in the summer.
- Effective ventilation of the under-roof space.
- Reliability and durability of the design.
- Attractive appearance, the product fits into almost any interior.
These window designs offer many benefits, but they also have certain drawbacks:
- The need for periodic maintenance of mechanisms.
- If the product breaks down, it requires the intervention of professionals to carry out repair work.
- High retail cost of the product.
- Difficulty of installation.
- The need to intervene in the roof structure, which leads to a decrease in load-bearing capacity.
The majority of the drawbacks are subjective, and customer demand is unaffected by these drawbacks.
Price in Russia
Because there are many businesses that produce and distribute balcony windows, there is intense competition in the market, which drives down prices.
Therefore, the average prices for products in the category under consideration are as follows:
- Pivoting window units with tilting sashes – from 130 – 170 thousand. rub.
- Retractable balconies – from 200 – 230 thousand. rub.
- Swinging emergency exits – from 60 – 70 thousand. rub.
- Non-standard products – from 200 – 250 thousand. rub.
- Hinged window structures in wooden frame with increased length (from 1500 mm and more) – from 250 thousand. rub.
- Metal roof windows designed to provide evacuation – from 60 – 80 thousand. rub.
The prices mentioned above might change based on a specific supplier’s internal marketing strategy.
A roof window-balcony combines the advantages of a balcony and windows to create a multipurpose addition to any house. It functions as a distinctive architectural element that expands outdoor space into otherwise underutilized roof areas while also enhancing natural light.
Roof window-balconies come in a variety of forms, each intended to meet specific functional requirements and architectural aesthetics. A straightforward, non-opening design that optimizes light intake and views is provided by fixed roof windows. Conversely, ventilated roof windows let in light and fresh air, which makes them perfect for rooms that need ventilation.
Waterproofing and structural integrity must be carefully considered when installing a roof window-balcony. It entails making incisions into the roof structure, making sure the weight of the window-balcony is properly supported, and caulking against possible leaks. It is advised to have a professional installer to guarantee functionality and safety.
Complying with local building codes and regulations is essential when planning the installation of a roof window-balcony. These codes specify things like load-bearing capacity, energy efficiency requirements, and safety requirements. Following these instructions guarantees that the installation is both legally compliant and safe.
In summary, a roof window-balcony is a contemporary solution that improves a home’s usability and visual appeal. It can turn a roof space into a brightly lit area with more outdoor access with a variety of options and careful installation considerations. In residential architecture, a roof window-balcony adds value and versatility, whether for the purpose of increasing natural light or creating a unique living space.