Converting a loft is exciting because you get to decide how to let light into a previously dark and unused space. During the planning stages, the biggest impact on how bright and inviting the end room will be is from the roof windows, so it is worth making this decision early on.
Rooflights vs Dormer Windows
Because they allow an unexpected amount of light to enter without changing a home’s external profile, flat rooflights installed directly into the roof’s slope are a common option. As an added bonus, this can help with planning permission. However, dormer windows form a vertical wall and a typical headroom-and-light-giving window, and are usually more effective when the space is going to be a bedroom or home office.
Positioning for Maximum Light
Roof lights that face south capture the most direct sunlight and north-facing roof lights capture softer, more gentle light. This is consistent throughout the day and is often preferred by homeowners for a home office or studio space. We always walk the sun path across the roof with our clients to determine the optimum position for windows.
Ventilation and Comfort
In the summer months, loft spaces can get particularly hot so the extra cost of remote control options and rain sensors to open roof lights is worthwhile. Along with insulation, good ventilation allows a transformed loft to be comfortable all year round, avoiding the creation of a room that is only useable for six months of the year.
Building Regulations to Bear in Mind
Roof windows in a loft conversion must comply with current building regulations regarding means of escape, safety glazing, and thermal performance. Partnering with a specialist loft conversion company ensures that these regulations are incorporated into the design from the beginning, rather than causing delays later.
We can arrange a site visit if you’d like to discuss the best roof window options for your home.