Knee windows - more than just a beautiful view in the attic
An attic with a high knee wall offers enormous design possibilities. First of all, traditional roof windows can be extended by combining them with vertical bow windows. Such a construction has many advantages, which we will certainly appreciate during everyday use of our dream loft. When and why should you decide to install L-shaped elbow windows? What should be taken into account during their selection and installation? Find the answers in this article!
Advantages of L-shaped eaves windows in the loft
Kneystone windows are an excellent alternative to traditional facade windows and a great complement to slope windows. Grouped together in vertical sets, they bring a number of benefits:
Maximum daylighting: They significantly extend the daylight inflow zone. Due to the vertical installation of the lower sash, light enters through the L-shaped window even when there is a thick layer of snow on the roof.
Enlarged field of vision: With an L-shaped L-shaped window, you can enjoy a panoramic view and unobstructed observation of the immediate surroundings of your home - even when sitting down.
Optical enlargement of space: Large glazings in the attic optically enlarge it, adding a modern, open expression.
Decorative: Enriched with additional accessories, such as matching plisses or blinds, they help to create a unique, cosy atmosphere in the interior.
Knee windows vs. knee wall height
It is worth remembering that the insertion of a knee window is only possible if the knee wall height is at least 85 centimetres.
Houses with a lower wall may encounter problems with the installation of this type of joinery. For this reason, many investors decide to raise the knee wall at the stage of loft adaptation. This is especially recommended in the case of low and staggered buildings. The roof pitch is also important - for knee systems it should be between 15 and 90 degrees.
Lap window types - materials and opening functions
When purchasing windows, we should consider both the material of construction and the opening method, matching them to the specifics of the room.
Choosing a material (Wood or PVC?):
** Wooden windows** (glued laminated) are most often installed in living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms.
PVC and polyurethane-coated timber windows are ideal for attic bathrooms and kitchens, where the highest moisture resistance is required.
Opening functions in the OKPOL range: The multitude of opening mechanisms gives you plenty of scope for choice. In the current offer of the OKPOL brand you will find energy-efficient models made of a multi-chambered PVC profile (N22 triple-glazed packages), which you can easily combine with roof windows:
KPVCN N22 - unopened (FIX) elbow window.
KPVCU N22 - tilt-up bow window.
KPVCP N22 - tilt-up (right-hand opening) elbow window.
KPVCL N22 - Turn-Only L-shaped window (opening to the left).
Window size and daylighting rules
Whichever model you choose, you must remember the basic installation rule: the elbow window must match in width the roof window with which it is fused.
The total size of the glazing is also important. In order to ensure the comfort of users, the surface area of windows in the loft should be about 1/8 of the floor area of a given room. It is also worth remembering that a larger number of smaller window sets placed in different parts of the roof will illuminate the space better and more evenly than a single, very large window.
Combining L-shaped windows in sets (twin assembly)
There is nothing stopping you from using so called twin assembly with your elbow windows. **(horizontal joining).
In this situation, the windows are mounted on the constructional battens and the whole is joined together with a dedicated modular flashing and flashing. _Note: When installing consecutive windows next to each other, an adequate construction gap must be maintained
The combination of L-shaped windows in wide, panoramic sets is ideally suited to modern designs and industrial (loft) style flats. The glazing that flows seamlessly from the roof slope almost to the floor gives the interiors a unique, luxurious feel.