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| Well,
if you've been following the series, you'll have an idea
about the structure and safe access to your new loft
room, but what about filling your room with daylight?
There are four main types of windows for lofts - 1) a
dormer window, which projects outwards from the
roofline, 2) a roof window, which fits in the slope of
the roof, 3) a window in a gable wall or 4) a roof
lantern (raised sections of the roof structure using
double glazed units). There may be planning implications
relating to the look of the property, the impact on the
area and on neighbouring properties and your decision
should be made in consultation with your local planning
officer. |
| If
you are unsure just how many windows you need, a good
guide is for the glazed area to be at least ten per cent
of the floor area, and the lower the pitch of your roof,
the longer the window needs to be for the best possible
view. Windows positioned on both sides of the roof will
help with the light distribution but whichever windows
you use, they should all conform with the statutory
requirements for ventilation and emergency escape where
required (we'll be casting an eye over this aspect in
the next issue.) |
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But
windows are not just holes to bring in daylight - they
open up wonderful opportunities for design and can
transform your room into a superb living area.
Roof windows can be coupled together side by side and/or
one above the other for a stunning effect. You can even
create an instant balcony by using the Velux Cabrio, a
special roof window which opens up into a glazed balcony
complete with side railings - a brilliant idea. Just
imagine being able to throw open french doors or balcony
window and look out over sun-drenched rooftops to the
countryside, sea or city beyond. (Ok, so I'm
getting carried away, but even rain-drenched
rooftops can look charming from above!)
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We've touched on
the thorny issue of statutory regulations over the past issues
and we'll be looking at these in more detail in part 4. Keep
reading! |
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