Lucarnes or dormer window in the roof : the types and characteristics

superstructures of different shape on the roof or built into it flat windows called hearing.In ancient times, this type of roof window became known as lucarnes, and even today, many that way it is called.

Nowadays lucarnes or skylight mainly regarded as a stylish and unusual decorative detail roof.However, many people forget that, in addition to its beauty, the roofing element performs a variety of practical problems.In this article, the "House of Dreams" tells the history of lucarnes, its varieties and specifications.

Dormer lucarnes

What lucarnes and when she appeared

lucarnes called add-on ramp attic roof with a window on the facade.This construction is also called "hearing" or roof window.Lucarnes become the hallmark of the architectural style of the ruling at the turn of the late Gothic and early Renaissance.This dormer era was just a beautiful decorative element and only opportunity to ventilate the attic of the building.

Often lucarnes facade decorated with rich stucco, gilding and mosaic laying.In many European countries it is installed on it distinctive house signs.In England, close to the XVI century dormer window became a compulsory part of the rich people's homes.In France this roof element was made to equip the castles and palaces.

story dormer window in the roof

lucarnes roof

Perhaps-lucarnes window and would have remained just a decorative element that gives the building pretentiousness and pretentiousness, but gradually the population of Europe began to increase, which is whythere is a need for additional floor space.On the basis of the needs arising authorities decided to make the attic apartment, and the window opening in the roof was the only opportunity to illuminate and ventilate the room under the roof.And even today attic floors are often used as living quarters, so lucarnes - is not only an opportunity to bring into your home notes of classic styles, but also an important functional element.

lucarnes Mansard window with balcony Photo

Slope skylight

Types skylights

types and characteristics lyukaren vary a lot depending on the design features of the roof and windows forms.The following classification of roof windows are the most common:

• flat roof .The slope of the roof, in this case ranges from 5 to 15 degrees.Features lucarnes with a flat roof cover and allow maximum ventilation.However, for comfortable operation of a dormer window have to be equipped with drain.
• With pent roof .In this case, the roof inclination angle is at least 15 degrees.Depending upon decorative objectives, the shape of the roof may be either rectangular or trapezoidal.
• With a gable roof .Dormer with a gable roof to maximize the space of the attic floor, and therefore, this type of lucarnes often installed in residential areas.
• With hipped roof .This type of dormer windows equipped with a gable roof, which allows you to expand the size of usable space as possible.
• triangular, circular and semi-circular windows .Generally, unusual geometrical shape windows are used in order to give the structure a certain style.They fit perfectly into the overall roof, changing its shape is interesting.

protrusion above the roof lucarnes

Features lyukaren

Nowadays, most of the roof window installed either during the reconstruction of old buildings, or in order to maximize the usable space of the attic floor.In the second case, the design lucarnes very important to consider the main functional problem - the possibility of the expansion of space, additional lighting and comfort ventilation.

size and shape of the dormer window is determined depending on the structural characteristics of the roof.In addition, at the design stage it is important to determine the place where lucarnes will be located, because of this depends largely on its functionality.

lucarnes roof photo

example, lucarnes located in the attic of the end walls, characterized by high operating convenience, but to consider them as a source of additional coverage does not make sense.

windows arranged vertically, it is recommended to install at very low roofs, where due to the small angle of inclination, they literally hang over the house.Vertical dormer window allows to increase the area of ​​the attic and the degree of illumination.However, this design features lucarnes alter the geometry of the roof, due to which the process becomes complicated and snow clearing indoor air exchange is disturbed.To reduce these problems, along with a window is required to install drainage.Vertical lucarnes window gives the building a certain awkwardness and pomposity, so most of them erected in the large country houses.But skylights such a plan quite harmoniously fit into virtually any architectural style.

Vertical lucarnes

Another type of vertical lucarnes are so-called "recessed" dormers.They differ from hearing the previous window type appears only in that very window cloth mounted deeper into the structure."Recessed" lucarnes most useful in cases where you need to be equipped with a terrace or balcony.However, they almost do not provide additional lighting.

Types skylights

Types lyukaren roof

most popular roof window is lucarnes inclined type.The peculiarity of this construction is that the angle of inclination of the window repeats roof angle, whereby illumination attics increased on average by 50%.Since in this case lucarnes acts as part of the roof, it does not disrupt the geometry of the roof and introduces no disharmony in its shape.However, keep in mind that it is impossible to install a skylight virtually alone, since its installation must include waterproofing, conduct safety procedures, as well as insulation.In addition, do not have a dormer window on the sunny side of the house, as in this case, the lighting is too bright.

lucarnes roof with balcony

roof window photo

Regardless of the types and forms lucarnes always the original decoration of the house.However, it is essential that this design perfectly fit into the style and color of the roof, creating a one-piece with her ensemble.