My Cart
You have no items in your shopping cart.
A 101 on Attic Windows
By Anna Walter
The attic is a somewhat unique area of the house. The region immediately underneath the roof of the house is referred to as attic space. Attics are typically known for their low lighting and gloomy vibe. Special efforts are made for attic ventilation and lighting to ditch the constant dark vibe. Skylights and windows, often enhanced with tempered glass cut to size, are installed in the attic to light it up. Attic windows add visual appeal along with light and ventilation. Additionally, an attic window serves as an emergency exit. This blog will cover all the essentials you need to know about attic windows.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Install Attic Windows
Attic is not counted as the most desirable part of the house due to its dull aesthetics. However, attic windows have a huge role to play in setting the exterior aesthetics of your house structure. There are a number of reasons to install roof windows. Let’s explore.
Lighting
Windows bring in natural light. What could be a better way to illuminate the attic than windows? Skylights and windows brighten up the dark attic with natural light throughout the day. These windows, often made from tempered ceramic glass for durability and safety, can be installed on the attic roof or fixed at the wall facing the house front. The place of installation is determined based on the design of the attic.
Improved Ventilation
Attics are typically made for storage purposes rather than living, so they are poorly ventilated. Their location in the house is another element that factors into the poor ventilation. A stuffed attic storage benefits greatly from the airflow provided by the glass windows. Incorporating styles of bay windows can significantly enhance ventilation and aesthetics. A window on each wall works perfectly to improve ventilation. However, you can also rely on a single large attic window for reasonable ventilation.
Added Curb Appeal
Attic windows are a practical as well as an aesthetic addition to the house structure. They give the house a unique look. Whether you choose a casement window or a huge skylight window, attic windows have the knack to boost the curb appeal of the house.
Types of Attic Windows
There are numerous different types of attic windows. Some are made to maximize the flow of light, while others are meant to elevate the house’s curb appeal. Just as homeowners may wonder if fish tanks are tempered glass for durability and safety, choosing the right attic windows requires consideration of both functionality and aesthetics. Here are some of the major types of windows that are best used for house attics.
1: Dormer Window
Dormer windows are installed in the extended attics that have a sloped roof design. These windows have vertical window panes that provide plenty of natural light and offer effective ventilation. Dormer windows not only provide more headroom and usable space but also add an attractive design feature to the highest point of your home.
2: Rose Window
Rose windows have a high aesthetic appeal. They add a touch of elegance and beauty to the attic, complementing the interior wall finish with their intricate design. Rose windows are mostly integrated into contemporary homes for their visual appeal. These windows are a statement design feature of medieval architecture of churches and cathedrals. Rose windows are spherical roof windows with geometric patterns that radiate outward from the center in the shape of a mandala. The stained glass used in these windows further glorifies the allure of the design.
3: Top-Hinged Roof Window
Attic windows are typically high, which makes them hard to reach. Top-hinged windows offer a convenient solution to this issue. These windows can be opened and closed manually, and the design is at arm’s length, making them easy to use. When choosing windows for attics, it is essential to consider the type of glass used, such as tempered vs annealed glass, for durability and safety. Top-hinged windows can also be used as an escape route if an emergency occurs. They are the most convenient window type for attics.
4: Casement Windows
With their easy-to-use design, casement windows have the ability to convert a gloomy attic into a glamorous area. They are simple to operate and allow you to illuminate the attic in an instant. The large casement window draws the air into the attic, creating a bright space.
Types of Glass for Attic Windows
The availability of a vast variety of glass types gives you the liberty to choose any glass type for your attic windows. However, here are some preferred glass-type options.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass has multiple glass panes with an interlayer of an adhesive layer. It is a potentially unbreakable glass. Laminated glass can withstand hard impacts and weather changes. If you’re wondering how can you tell if glass is tempered, it’s worth noting that laminated glass is different because of its layered structure, making it a perfect option for people living in harsh weather conditions.
Frosted Glass
For those who prefer privacy, frosted glass is the right pick. Frosted glass adds a layer of privacy with its opaque surface. It also diffuses light and evenly distributes it throughout the space. So frosted glass is a great option to level up the aesthetics as well as the functional value of the house.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is one of the most popular options for use in windows and doors. It offers suitable safety and security value. Tempered glass is heat strengthened to acquire a high strength value. It is impact resistant as well. Therefore a great option for an attic.
Pros and Cons of Attic Windows
Attic windows are an important design feature of the house structure. They add value to the aesthetics as well as the functionality of the house. Here is a rundown of the pros and cons of these windows.
Pros
- Improve ventilation
- Offer better lighting
- Enhance the house’s curb appeal
- Add useable space to the house
- Help make a style statement
- Boost the property value
- Offer an emergency exit
Cons
- Inappropriate window choice may disturb the house’s thermal efficiency
- Require maintenance
- Typically installed at hard to reach place
Cost Estimation for Attic Windows
Attic window installation is a relatively low-cost venture. You can get an attic window for as low as $200, and the price may go up to $1000 for a high-end design. If you’re also considering additional improvements, such as sourcing materials from a glass and mirror store, it could impact the total cost. The labor cost varies for different regions, and the price may fluctuate depending on the type, style, and size of the window.
Final Thoughts
Attic windows are a practical need for your house. It not only turns the gloomy attic into a usable space but also elevates the house’s aesthetics. So don’t hold back from investing in the attic windows. Get high-quality glass from a reliable glass company and add the functional brilliance of roof windows to the attic.
