Factors To Consider When Purchasing Roof Windows
Natural light appears to be a hot trend in house design. It manifests itself in a number of ways, the most common one being roof windows. It should come as no surprise, though. A roof window can really add to the look of any house, as well as provide you with lovely views of the sky and huge amounts of natural light.
When it comes to purchasing a roof window, you need to consider more than just its size and color. To make the entire process a bit easier for you, we share our knowledge on the matter.
With our advice, you should be able to buy roof windows that will reduce your energy consumption, maximize daylight, and improve the thermal performance of your house.
Manufacturer
With so many window manufacturers on the market, it can be tricky to figure out which one is the best. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s an impossible task. So, how to differentiate between a reliable and unreliable manufacturer?
First of all, a reliable manufacturer is one that has been around for some time. The longer the company has been in business, the more experience it has. Experience does make a difference here!
The next thing, no matter whether you are looking for pitched rooflights or flat roof windows such as the ones available at https://sunluxroofwindows.co.uk/24-flat-roof-windows, you should check whether the manufacturer is certified or not. Some manufacturers are not certified because they do not meet the required standards. In this case, you should stay away from these manufacturers and look for another one.
A good manufacturer will also ask you a series of questions before making your order. They will know what you need exactly in terms of window specifications and installation requirements. This shows that they care about customer satisfaction, and they will do their best to provide you with a great product.
Finally, a good manufacturer is one that has great references. You can start by checking out some testimonials online. If most of them are positive, this is a good indication that the manufacturer is worth your trust.
Energy Efficiency
Nowadays, energy efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing any type of product. The same goes for roof windows. The most energy-efficient roof windows are those that are double or triple-glazed. They are also usually filled with argon gas, which will prevent your house from losing heat in the winter and gaining heat in the summer.
You should also look for a window with a low U-value, which indicates how much heat is transferred through the window. The lower the U-value, the better.
Material
The material of the roof window is also important. The most common materials are wood and PVC. Both of these materials have their pros and cons. For example, wood is a natural material that will add to the beauty of your house. However, it is not as durable as PVC, and it will require more maintenance.
On the other hand, PVC is a very durable material that is easy to maintain, but it is not as aesthetically pleasing as wood. You could also buy roof windows made of steel or aluminum. They are both very durable and require little maintenance.
Size
You need to make sure that the window is not too big or too small for the space in which it will be installed. If it is too big, it will look out of place, and it will not be as energy-efficient. If it is too small, you will not get enough light, and you might as well not bother with a window at all.
With that in mind, take precise measurements of the space where you want to install it before you go shopping for roof windows. Otherwise, you might end up with a roof window that you are completely unsatisfied with.
Price
Of course, the price is also an important factor to consider. You need to find a balance between quality and price. A cheap window will probably not be very energy-efficient, and it might not last long, while you might not necessarily need an antique window from a Victorian era that would cost you a couple of thousand pounds.
The best thing to do here is to compare the prices and features of different roof windows and find the one that offers the best value for money.
Type
There are two main types of roof windows – fixed and opening. As the name suggests, a fixed window cannot be opened. On the other hand, opening windows can be opened to let in more air or light.
Fixed windows are usually more durable and easier to maintain, but they reduce the natural flow of air through the house. In turn, opening windows are much more flexible and allow for better ventilation, but they also require more maintenance work.
Opening Mechanism
You have three types of opening mechanisms to choose from – manual and electric. A manual window is the most basic type, and it is opened with a handle, whereas an electric window is opened with a remote.
An electric window can be equipped with a rain sensor that will close the window automatically if it starts raining. Unfortunately, such windows tend to be a whole lot pricier than manual ones.
Installation
You can either install the roof window yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and that you know what you are doing.
Otherwise, you might damage the window or even hurt yourself. If you are not confident in your DIY skills, it is best to hire a professional. They will install the window quickly and without any problems.
In Conclusion
To sum up, there are many factors that you need to consider when purchasing roof windows. Nevertheless, you should not rush the entire process. Instead, take your time to do your research and only then make a decision. To make the process a bit easier, try to write down what you need and want from the window. This way, you will be able to narrow down your options and find the perfect roof window for your house.
If you do not know what you are looking for yet, do not worry. Just browse through different websites and see what is available on the market. Once you find a few options that you like, compare their prices, features, and warranties. With our advice and your research, you should be able to find roof windows that will suit both your needs and your budget.