MAKING THE MOSTOF YOUR LOFT

ROOF WINDOWS

ROOM AT THE TOP AND

2

There are many millions of homes in Britain with unused loftspace suitable for conversion.

There is a huge demand for more livingspace. Using available loftspace is usually the cheapest way of getting it.

Converting a loft is often much morestraightforward than people realise.

REALISING YOUR ASSETSYou could be sitting under a

hidden asset that has never seen thelight of day. At the moment it may onlybe used as a general storage area orsomewhere to house the water tank.Yet with a little imagination and thehelp of some professional expertise,your loft could be transformed intoversatile living space.

If your family is outgrowing yourhome or you simply want some extrarooms, you dont need to go to thetrouble of moving. A loft conversionallows you to add space withouthaving to move (and will probablyadd value to your property as well). In every sense its an investment thatcan pay big dividends.

HOW VELUX CAN HELPOne of the keys to making a loft

conversion look good without itcosting you the earth is to use windowsbuilt into the slope of the roof.

There is a world of differencebetween the old, single glazed, castiron skylights used in previoushousing eras and the sophisticated,elegant and ultra-reliable roofwindow pioneered by the VELUXCompany over the past sixty years.

Thanks to VELUX, breathing lightand life into loftspace has never beeneasier. In fact, the technologicalsuccess of the VELUX roof windowhas been a major factor in theincreasing popularity of loftconversions worldwide.

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT WITH VELUX

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The best room in the house now complete

4LIFTING THE LID: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Building in essentialservices (p.13)

Blinds (p.24)

Providing accessand escaperoutes (p.13)

Fire proofing (p.13)Planning abathroom (p.20)

Roof structuresexamined (p.6)

Loft conversions vary enormouslyin both cost and make-up. This partlydepends on the size and shape ofthe roof simple roof shapes areinvariably easier to convert but alsomuch depends on how you chooseto use your new living space.

The loft shown here indiagrammatic form reveals just howmuch space can be gained by gooddesign and how the use of VELUXroof windows makes it all possible.

5CONTENTS pageASSESSING YOURLOFTS FULL POTENTIAL 6

MAKING THE MOSTOF NATURAL LIGHT 8

GETTING YOUR PLANSOFF THE GROUND 12

ROOM CONCEPTS

BEDROOM 14

LIVING-ROOM 16

PLAYROOM 18

BATHROOM 20

STUDY 22

BLINDS 24

ADVICE AND HELP 26

What type of roofwindow is mostsuitable? (p.10-11)

Making themost of naturallight (p.8-9)

What would you use theextra space for? (inspiring stories p.14-23)

Lifting the lid reveals just howmuch space can be gained by gooddesign and how the use of VELUXroof windows makes it all possible.

Some roof spaces are moreeasily converted than others and afull assessment requires professionalhelp. But the untrained eye can oftenwork out the basics.

Go up into your loft space andtake a look around. Is there enoughheadroom at the centre under theridge? You ideally need 8ft (2.4m)clearance, although you may findthat you can still get a useful roomfrom as little as 7ft. A quick checkwith a tape measure will suffice.

Also try to assess whether yourroof was built using trussed rafters orpurlins, as the latter is much easier to convert into usable loftspace. See details below.

ASSESSING YOUR LOFTS FULL POTENTIAL

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MODERN (POST 1965)TRUSSED RAFTER ROOF CONSTRUCTION

This type of roof, used widely in new houses in Britain since1965, usually has a shallower pitch and more struts. As a resultthey are more difficult to convert. Look out for thin sections of

wood (typically 75mm or 3 inches deep) and tell-tale rectangular metal plates used to join the timber together.

TRADITIONAL (PRE 1965)RAFTER AND PURLIN ROOF CONSTRUCTION

This type of roof, pre 1965, is ideal for loft conversions as it usually has a reasonably steep

pitch and relatively clear spaces between the supporting framework.

TO RIDGE

WIDTH AT HEAD HEIGHT

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THEEXTRA SPACE?

The larger the loft space youhave available, the greater the rangeof uses you can put it to. Even in aconfined loft space, the addition of acouple of VELUX roof windows cancreate a surprisingly light and airyroom that may be ideal as an extrabedroom or a hobby room. Withlarger room sizes, the list ofpossibilities expands to include:

Childrens playrooms for the kids torun about in and make as muchnoise as they want.

Living-rooms with fabulous views,freeing up valuable spaceselsewhere in the home.

Master bedrooms with en-suitebathrooms to ease early morningqueues and add a touch of luxury.

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MAXIMISING DAYLIGHTNot until you actually experience

a roof being opened to daylight forthe first time can you fully appreciatethe amazing transformation broughtabout by bringing light into a darkspace.

Natural light is the essentialelement in transforming a loft intobright, airy living space and roofwindows are the simplest and mostnatural way to achieve this.

ROOF WINDOWS Vs DORMERSThe dormer window, which juts

out from the roof, undoubtedly has aplace in traditional-style housedesign, but for the vast majority ofsituations a VELUX roof window winshands down:

VELUX roof windows admit up to 40% more light than dormerwindows.

VELUX roof windows are muchsimpler and quicker to install: theyare easily fitted within a day,

doing away with the need fortemporary weatherproofing.

VELUX roof windows can usuallybe fitted from the inside: noexpensive access or scaffolding is required.

VELUX roof windows usually dontneed planning permission.

In contrast, dormers arecomplicated and time consuming toconstruct. Supplied and fitted, adormer window is typically two orthree times more expensive than aVELUX roof window.

Surprisingly, in many sensitivelocations such as barn conversions,planners actually prefer the unintrusiveelegance of a roof window.Designers rate them because of theirlow visual impact from street level.

MAKING THE MOST OF NATURAL LIGHT

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VELUX roof windows, above, admit up to40% more light than dormers, right.

CHOICE OF OPENINGCentral pivoting is thetraditional way for VELUXroof windows to open butthey are also available in atop hung format, ideal forvery low pitched roofs orescape windows.

CHOICE OF FINISHThe standard VELUX roofwindow is finished with aclear varnish that requires no further treatment. There isalso a white, maintenance-free Everfinish optiondesigned for rooms with highhumidity such as bathrooms.

PLANNING THE RIGHT TYPE ANDNUMBER OF ROOF WINDOWS

VELUX can provide the right styleand size of window to suit the pitchof your roof. For instance, the lowerthe pitch of roof, the longer thewindow needs to be to get the bestpossible view.

VELUX roof windows can becoupled together side-by-side and/or one above the other to provideadditional light and to create anattractive design effect.

As a general rule, you need toprovide glazed areas equivalentto 10% of the rooms floor area toachieve adequate naturaldaylighting.

The overall effect is usuallyimproved dramatically by increasingthis ratio to around 20% and also byusing several smaller windows ratherthan one or two large ones.

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Greatly enhanced light distribution can begained by placing windows on both sidesof the roof.

PURPOSE-MADE LININGSTo maximise the light-gathering potential of yourroof window, VELUX have a range of easy to installinternal linings.

CONTROLLABLE VENTILATIONOperating the control bar issimplicity itself. It is used not only for opening andclosing the window but alsoproviding ventilation whilethe window remains closed.

CHOICE OF SECURITYVarious additional securityfeatures are available such as safety locks, openingrestrictors and externalshutters.

CHOICE OF BLINDSVELUX offer a wide range of tailor-made Roller,Siesta, Pleated and Venetianblinds, available in over 160 colours.

CHOICE OF GLAZING UNITSAll VELUX roof windowscome double glazed asstandard. For a little extra,you can choose to have yourwindows fitted with energy-efficient toughened glass(PROTEC-STAR).

FROM BATHROOMS TO LIVING-ROOMS WITH BALCONIES

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CENTRE-PIVOT (GGL, GGU)Opened using a control bar at the top, allowing you to placefurniture directly underneath.

TOP-HUNG (GHL, GPL, GPU)Recommended on lower pitched roofs.

VERTICAL ELEMENTS (AVE)To increase natural light andextend the view, in combinationwith sloped roof windows.

ESCAPE/ACCESS (GPL)Wide 45 opening that meets all building regulations foremergency escape/access.

OVER 60 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENTAND INNOVATION

Throughout the constructionindustry, the VELUX name is a bywordfor quality, a reputation that has beenpainstakingly built up over more thanhalf a century. VELUX hasnt gainedthis pre-eminence by resting on itslaurels: as a company, it is constantlystriving for improvement andinnovation, so much so that evenregular customers are often unawareof the full range of options nowavailable.

WORLD LEADERSThe manufacture of pitched roof

windows capable of withstanding theelements presents a real challenge.

The key to the success of VELUXin this field has been their adoptionof technically advanced solutionscombined with an incredible attentionto detail. As a result, a VELUX roofwindow is really an example ofprecision engineering. Installers knowthis and value it too: not only doVELUX roof windows slip into placewith a minimum of fuss but theytypically provide years of trouble-freeservice.

VELUX ROOM CONCEPTS MEET YOUR EVERY NEED

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MULTIPLE UNITSDramatic effects can be created by combining VELUX roofwindows, in almost any shape.

FLAT ROOF SYSTEMFlood light into living areasbeneath flat roof extensions.Electric or manual control.

CABRIO BALCONY (ABS)Closed its an unobtrusivedouble window. Open up andyou have an instant balcony.

RED TAPEUnless your loft conversion

involves changing the existing shapeof your roof, you are unlikely to needplanning permission*. However, it isvital to ensure that the work carriedout conforms with the current buildingregulations and you should have plansdrawn up and approved by yourlocal council before any work starts.

For larger or more complex loftconversions, you would be welladvised to employ a loft conversioncompany, architect or qualifieddesigner. But for many simple lofts,builders themselves may be able toobtain building regulations approvalas part of an all-in package. Insimple lofts, the design issues areoften largely technical in nature andthese can easily be resolved betweenthe builder and the building inspector.

While VELUX can provide a listof installers in your area, buildersspecialising in loft works can also besourced in Yellow Pages look underLoft Conversions. Your best protectionis always to get visits and quotesfrom at least three and to checkreferences on the one you wish toselect. Remember that the best valuefor money option may well not be thecheapest quotation you receive.

GETTING YOUR PLANS OFF THE GROUND

12Possible locations for water tank. Also consider undereaves storage to make the most of the available space.

*Remember that if you are dealingwith a listed building or a buildingsituated in a Conservation Area,you will require planning permission.

STAIRCASE ANDEMERGENCY EXITS

Working out just how the accessstairs will run is often the trickiest partof the design, especially as thestairwell usually needs to be madefireproof as well. Dont despair if itsnot immediately obvious to you justwhere the stairs should go:experienced designers are often ableto work out acceptable solutions inthe tightest of places.

Also ensure that you checkemergency escape and accessrequirements remember thatEnglish, Welsh, Scottish and Irishregulations all differ. FortunatelyVELUX have a special escapewindow for exactly thesecircumstances.

WIRING AND PLUMBINGAdditional lighting and power

points will be required. Normallythese can be easily added to yourexisting circuits without disrupting therest of the home. If you have watertanks in the loft, you will probablyneed to move them, something whichcan also usually be done withminimum disruption. Many centralheating systems can be easilyextended into the loft and failing that,small electric wall heaters are usuallyall that are needed because loftconversions are invariably very wellinsulated.

13Straight flight staircase Winding Quarter landing Half landing

Consider positioning a VELUX roofwindow above your new stairwell toallow more natural light.

Hugh and Gill Hendry neededto make room for Gills elderlyparents, who were moving into theHendrys Perth home.

When Gill said theyd bemoving into our bedroom I thoughtshe was joking, confesses Hugh.But when she told me she wanted to convert the loft into a brand newbedroom for us I started warming to the idea.

The fact is, once the loft hadbeen converted, Hugh and Gill foundthemselves in the master bedroom oftheir dreams. VELUX roof windowsproved the ideal way to create aroom full of light and space.

It really is a special placenow, says Gill. The windowsNordic Pine finish complimented thepine bed Id already picked out, andbecause VELUX GHL windows aretop hung they open out to reveal anunspoilt view. Not only that, butwhen closed, special ventilation barskeep the air circulating and the roomnice and fresh.

On the other side of the housewe made sure we incorporatedPROTEC-STAR glazing. Its specialinsulation properties help to cut outthe traffic noises from the busyroad below.

We fitted VELUX Siesta blindstoo. They come in handy when wedont want the daylight interruptingour regular Sunday morning lie-in.

Standard VELUX GHL windowsare available from 215 each,Siesta blinds from 60.

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ROOM CONCEPT 1: BEDROOM To make room for

15

THE IDEAL BEDROOM CHOICE:

GHL WindowsPROTEC-STAR Glazing

Siesta Blinds

Gills parents we moved our bedroom up to the loft

Ease of installation

16

ROOM CONCEPT 2: LIVING-ROOM Our spacious new

How best to enjoy the stunning views.

Installing Cabrio windows.

Raymond and Linda Shieldshave lived in Dumfries since 1985.However, it wasnt until last year thatthey were truly able to appreciate thedramatic beauty of their surroundings.

Last summer they created aspacious new upstairs living-room inwhat had been their dusty old attic.Out went the cobwebs and boxes full of household junk and in cameloungers, pictures, bookcases and best of all a spectacular roofterrace.

Its the best room in the house,now, says Raymond. The terrace isbrilliant. We can wander out and sitin cane chairs looking out across thevalley. We can leave the doors openand let the evening air breeze in whenwe have friends round for dinner.

Raymond chose a VELUX roofterrace conversion which combinessloping and walk-through verticalroof window elements.

For internal decoration the familychose Pleated blinds, available fromVELUX in a wide range of colours,from just 44.

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living room makes the most of the stunning view

THE IDEAL LIVING-ROOM CHOICE:

Roof Terraceor Cabrio Balcony

PROTEC-STAR GlazingPleated Blinds

A VELUX roof terrace.

ROOM CONCEPT 3: PLAYROOM With the girls getting

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bigger we wanted to create a bright and safe playroom

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DecorativeRoller orPleated blinds

Laminatedglass

Wipe-cleanfinish

THE IDEAL PLAYROOM CHOICE:

GGU WindowsPROTEC-STAR Glazing

Roller/Siesta/Pleated Blinds

Ever had the feeling that yourhomes getting smaller? Bryn and SueThomas of Swansea got that shrink-ing feeling when their twins startedtoddling. Suddenly, they wereeverywhere says Sue. We neededmore space a playroom, ideally.The answer, of course, was a loftconversion.

The Thomases opted for VELUXGGU windows. Bright, white andcoated in smooth polyurethane,theyre easy to clean and thanks toVELUX opening restrictors they canonly be opened to a safe distance bybusy little fingers.

Bryn and Sue also decided toupgrade their window panes toPROTEC-STAR. This means thattheyre double-glazed (as all VELUXpanes are) but with a very specialdifference. PROTEC-STAR windowsfeature extra tough outer panes andlaminated inner panes, for additionalsafety.

A final touch to the room wasthe choice of decorative Roller blinds,with the twins helping to choose fromthe wide range of colours anddesigns available.

The result? A bigger, brighterhome for the Thomases. And thecost? VELUX GGU windows,complete with PROTEC-STAR glazing,are available from just 230 each.Roller blinds cost from 36.

When Andrew and SarahDarroch decided to refurbish theirown attic bedroom, they felt theydeserved an en-suite bathroom. The fact that this was likely to addvalue to the property was the bestexcuse that they could have!

They chose VELUX GGUwindow units with white polyurethanecoating, making them quick and easyto clean and totally moisture resistant.Sarah also liked the idea of theadded privacy offered by the use ofobscured panes.

Their sumptuous new bathroomnow offers Andrew and Sarah a veryspecial place where they can unwindfrom the stresses of the day, in calm,peaceful and totally privatesurroundings.

Condensation is easy to controlthanks to the VELUX ventilation barthat keeps fresh air circulating in thebathroom whenever required.

Andrew fitted VELUX Venetianblinds himself, very quickly andeasily. Not only do they control theangle at which light enters, but theyalso add a stylish finish to their newbathroom.

VELUX GGU windows, completewith translucent glazing, cost from194 each. VELUX venetian blindsare available from 71 each.

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ROOM CONCEPT 4: BATHROOM The beauty of the loft

21

conversion was that we didnt lose any of our lovely garden

THE IDEAL BATHROOM CHOICE:

GGU WindowsObscured Glazing

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are a practical way tocontrol both the direction and intensity of natural light.

The control bar is easy to operate and the ventilation flap provides fresh air even with the window closed.

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ROOM CONCEPT 5: STUDY As a designer, I felt my

Simon Harris is a freelancedesigner, working from home inAlton, Hampshire. He wanted aspace he could call his own in thehome he shares with his wife andthree children.

I need peace and quiet for mywork and that wasn't easy to finduntil we had the loft converted into astudy, admits Simon.

Because I need lots of naturallight for my work, the loft was theideal candidate for conversion. SixVELUX GGL windows really let thedaylight flood in and becausethey're set into the roof at an anglethey admit up to 40% more light thanconventional dormer windows.

"There are times, however, when I need to use my computer and glare can be a problem with somuch sunlight about. So my windowsare fitted with tailor-made VELUXblinds that give me shade whenever I want it."

VELUX GGL windows cost fromas little as 138 each. VELUX Rollerblinds (available in a variety ofcolours) cost from 36 each.

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THE IDEAL STUDY CHOICE:

GGL WindowsRoller Blinds

study should be a place of peace and inspiration

Blinds are an integral part of theVELUX range. Besides regulating lightand heat and providing privacy, aVELUX blind gives you the opportunityto add an extra touch of style anddecoration to your room. VELUXblinds are specifically designed forVELUX roof windows and can beeasily fitted in a matter of minutes.

CONTROLLING LIGHT AND HEATWith over 160 colours to

choose from VELUX have blinds tosuit all requirements and tastes. In theheight of summer blinds play acrucial role in keeping out unwantedsolar heat gain while Siesta blindsallow you to block daylight outaltogether.

Please call VELUX FREE on 0800 581 425 for further informationand a copy of the VELUX BlindsCollection Brochure.

Because they are designedspecifically to fit VELUX roof windowsVELUX blinds are far more effectivethan traditional curtains.

REMOTE CONTROL SIESTA BLINDThe new remote control Siesta

blind is a stylish, easy to install unitthat brings a touch of luxury to yourloft room. With a smooth, batteryoperated motor concealed behindthe blinds fascia, it can be raised orlowered by an infra-red control unitfrom anywhere in the room.

ADDING ATMOSPHERE TO YOUR NEW HOME IS

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ROLLER BLINDS IDEAL FOR CHILDRENS ROOMSThe most cost effective option for yourVELUX roof windows, available in awide choice of colours and patterns.From 36.

Tailor-made for VELUX roof windows,VELUX blinds can be fitted quickly andeasily, in a matter of minutes.

Soft, diffuse light effects can be achievedwith decorative pleated blinds.

EASY WITH TAILOR-MADE VELUX BLINDS

PLEATED BLINDS IDEAL FOR LIVING ROOMSAn eye-catching decoration inthemselves, Pleated blinds can be setin any position and serve to softenthe incoming light. From 44.

VENETIAN BLINDS IDEAL FOR BATHROOMSRunning smoothly in aluminium guides,Venetian blinds are a stylish way tocontrol both the amount and directionof incoming light. From 71.

SIESTA BLINDS IDEAL FOR BEDROOMSExclude even the brightest sunlight,allowing the room to be virtuallyblacked-out during the daytime.From 60.

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ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERSR.I.B.A. (England & Wales)020 7580 5533Architects head office. Ask for thenumber of your regional office whowill give a list of fully qualifiedarchitects. Alternatively check YellowPages under Architects.

R.I.A.S. (Scotland): 0131 229 7545R.S.U.A. (N. Ireland):028 9032 3780R.I.A.I. (S. Ireland):003531 6761703R.S.A.W. (Wales): 029 2087 4753

A.S.B.A.0800 387310Independent, nationwide group offully qualified architects particularlykeen to do small domestic works suchas loft conversions.

B.I.A.T.020 7278 2206Central office of architecturaltechnologists.

LOFT CONVERSION BUILDERSLook in Yellow Pages under LoftConversions for both local andnational specialists. In Ireland consultGolden Pages under AtticConversion.

FINANCEIf you need to borrow to finance thework, the cheapest way to do this isusually by either adding to or takingout a mortgage, secured on yourproperty. Almost all the high streetlenders are happy to consider loansfor loft conversions.

Most designers and loft conversionspecialists should be able to give you a cost estimate without having togo to the trouble of commissioningdetailed plans. Many people use thisinformation to assess their financesbefore committing themselves to anycosts.

LOCAL AUTHORITYThe red tape the planningpermissions and building regulations is administered by your LocalAuthority, the body that you pay yourCouncil Tax to. Your plans need to beapproved by your Local Authority andyour completed loft conversion shouldbe inspected by them. Lendersusually insist on seeing evidence thatyour building work has beenapproved by your building inspectorbefore releasing all the money theyhave agreed to lend you.

Other literature freely available from VELUX includes:PRODUCT INFORMATION/PRICE LIST a comprehensive product and pricingguide for VELUX Roof Windowproducts.

LOFT CONVERSION GUIDE a detailed, technical documentrelating to Loft Conversions.

THE NEXT STEP WHO TO CONTACT

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YOUR LOFT CONVERSION CHECK LIST

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Please note that the concepts featured in this brochure, although based on factual accounts, are fictional. Prices referred to in this brochure are in GB and correct at 02.04.2003.

VELUX Company Ltd cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of structural modifications as illustrated in this brochure.

Wellingborough Road, Kettering Parkway,Kettering, Northants NN15 6XR

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TO CAMBRIDGE

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WHERE TO GET FURTHERADVICE OR INFORMATION:

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UNITED KINGDOM:0870 166 7676Internet:www.VELUX.co.uk

IRELAND:01 816 1620Internet:www.VELUX.ie

2003 VELUX GROUP VELUX, VELUX logo and VELUX GGL are registered trademarks.

VELUX reserves the right to modify, through development improvements, the products displayed in this brochure.

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