Ten minutes spent considering the right questions early can save a lot of work later.

Roof windows often begin as a simple rectangle on a roof plan.

By the time a project reaches construction, however, that rectangle needs to resolve a surprisingly wide range of requirements.

Before specifying a skylight or roof window, it is worth considering:

1. What is the purpose?
   Is it primarily daylight, ventilation, architectural impact or a combination?
2. How large does it need to be?
   Think about the daylight outcome as well as the appearance of the opening.
3. Fixed or opening?
   If ventilation is required, determine how the roof window will operate and be controlled.
4. What thermal performance is required?
   Consider the complete roof window, including glazing, frame, size and pitch.
5. What glazing is appropriate?
   R-value is only part of the discussion. SHGC, visible light transmission, safety glazing and structural requirements can all matter.
6. What is the roof pitch and roofing material?
   These influence flashing design, drainage and installation detailing.
7. What are the structural requirements?
   Large roof windows and glazing arrays may require additional supporting structure.
8. Does fall protection need to be considered?
   Where roof access is possible, post-breakage glass performance may become an important part of the specification.
9. How should it look?
   Frame colour, internal detailing, shaft design and how the roof window integrates with the roofing can have a major architectural impact.
10. Are there project-specific requirements?
    Wind pressure, coastal exposure, automation, BMS integration or unusual shapes can all influence the final specification.

Getting these questions answered early allows the roof window to become part of the architecture rather than something that has to be resolved late in the project.

Because Adlux designs and manufactures Harmony Roof Windows locally, our team can work with architects and designers through the specification process, including product selection, detailing and project-specific requirements.