Loft conversion: how to choose velux sizes and positions

mariann_2

Hi
we are just to start a loft conversion for a home office but cant work out what size veluxes to have and how to position them - we want to be able to have a good view out of the velux and not too narrow - then some say that 2 windows above each other look good.

The room is quite long and thin with another small room at the front and we have 3-4 veluxes planned

i keep going round in circles on this one:rotfl:

ta for any comments

thehairybuilder

mariann

my suggestion would be to opt for GHL velux windows as they are top hung . This means that when you open them you will have unobstructed views

most people seem to always choose the standard GGL type as they`re the cheapest , they`re good windows but as they pivot from centre they obstruct your view and intrude into the room restricting your internal movement

JMO

jackieb

Is your loft on the 3rd floor? When we converted our loft we had to have a certain size of Velux window. It had to be top hung (for escape purposes), and it had to be only a certain height from the guttering outside (so in case of fire we would be able to hang out the window and our feet would reach the gutters!) We put in 2 windows and could do what we wanted with the other one - but at least one had to be to fire regulations.

Disregard that - I just looked online and apparently there was new regulations that came into force in 2008, in which more emphasis was made on escape from the stairs.

Jon_Tiffany

Velux windows do not cost very much relativw to overall cost, I would say go for the biggest you can fit in. But bear in mind that even smaller velux's will still let in a lot of light, thats great in the winter but in the summer they will also let in a lot of heat.

Whatever, windows you go for I would certainly recommend that you also buy some velux blinds, they have a reflective coating on the back to help keep it cool in the summer.

TheHairybuilders suggestion of getting the GHL windows is a top tip BTW.

MX5huggy

Consider conservation style if you live in any type of period property

http://www.velux.co.uk/Products/RoofWindowSystem/?pid=H0062

AGBAGB

I did my own loft conversion and had a similar dilemma.

If I rembember right for the part "L" regs it had to have less than 20% of the floor space as glazing. So that set the top limit.

Then considering the roof rafter spacing, triming just one out at either side of the roof. Gave me the max width.

The length was then down to what fitted well between apex and walls. I was under the fire escape regs as well so had to have one low down.

I covered the whole build on a blog. Pictures of the Velux here

It's also worth think where you might need a bit of extra head room. The velux will give 6" ish more.

typeractive

AGBAGB - I've read through a few posts on your loft conversion before. You're inspirational!!! What a great site. I've also got a blog on the go (well I've started it, just not too happy with the design at the moment lol). I'm a total novice yet keen to learn and work hard! Anyway, great site and lovely work with beautiful illustrations dotted throughout - well done!