The attic has long ceased to be a part of the house that serves as a storage room for unnecessary things. In modern construction, it is a place where cosy rooms or even an entire flat can be created. And although slanted walls can sometimes be impractical, the view from the windows can be really beautiful. In this case, roof windows are the ideal solution, as they not only provide the attic with natural light but also give the interior an unusual atmosphere.
First of all, it is important to remember that roof windows must be much more durable than traditional facade windows. They are exposed to harsh weather conditions, which is why they must be made of the highest quality materials so that they can serve us for many years. Unfortunately, quality alone is not enough. The key factor in this case is also the proper care of roof windows, where you should pay attention to several important things.
In most cases, roof windows are pivot windows, so washing them, as difficult as it may seem, is not that difficult. Many models also have a built-in locking bolt that makes it easier to keep the window sash in a stable position. This makes cleaning the windows an easy and quick job. Importantly, the skylights are covered with an invisible coating that is activated by the sun and after washing the windows. This coating ensures that dirt is broken down and rinsed away by the rain. Due to the weather conditions that skylights are exposed to, it is important to remember to maintain them regularly and refresh the impregnation. Wooden window frames should be refurbished at least once every 5 years. Scratches and chips should be cleaned with 180–220 grit sandpaper or a medium-thickness sanding sponge. Remove the resulting dust and wipe with a damp and then dry cloth. Then apply two coats of water-based varnish or water-based opaque paint. In addition to cleaning the panes and frames, you should also pay attention to the small parts of the window, such as seals, hinges, fittings and moving parts. Check their technical condition regularly. If necessary, oil the fittings and hinges, and replace any seals that are damaged. Filters and diffusers are also very important as they ensure a supply of fresh air and keep out dust and insects. They should also be regularly inspected and cleaned and, if necessary, the filter should be replaced. This prevents dust and insects from getting inside. Clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner or cleaning products, e.g. water with detergent. Roof windows are particularly exposed to harsh weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, snowfall, hail, rain and strong winds. That is why it is so important that they are made of the highest quality materials. Thanks to their high durability and strength, they will be able to serve us for many years. However, we also have to take care of them, especially in winter when snow and ice form on the glass. Ice on skylights forms when water from melting snow runs down the glass and freezes again, which can block the water drainage. Therefore, regularly check if the drainage gutter in the sealing flange is unobstructed and, if necessary, remove any debris that blocks the water drainage. A good solution in this case would be to install a heating cable system that will melt the ice barrier and snow in the flange.
An additional protection for roof windows will also be roller blinds, which will work in all weather conditions throughout the year. In winter, they will provide additional insulation against heat loss as well as protection against snowfall, hail, heavy rain and strong winds. Thanks to the covered blinds, we can also darken the interior during the day, and most importantly, they do not block the windows, which allows us to open them and let in fresh air. Read also:Seals, filters and other details
Skylights and weather conditions
